The author asserts that special educators must be aware of the standards of the regular classroom and must teach the learning disabled child based on those standards. However, he cites widespread confusion and ambiguity over such standards for promotion. (CL)

Considers quality control in teacher education in terms of inhibitors and contributors to quality control in special education. Among the inhibitors are teacher surplus, change in educational demands, and the special education image; and contributors are high quality as a priority, talent of faculty members, positive agency and professional…

Addresses the role of the Teacher Education Division (TED) of The Council for Exceptional Children in establishing teacher education as a profession. It is pointed out that TED must limit membership to professionals who possess the minimum training and experience to earn such status, develop precise terminology that will enhance communication, and…

This joint statement of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) presents standards for preparation of teachers of the deaf. The standards address eight categories of knowledge and skills, such as learner characteristics; assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation; and instructional content and practice.…

Offers a critical response to the British Teacher Training Agency's two consultation documents on special-educational-needs-specialist teachers. The critique addresses the proposed standards, the definition of a specialist teacher, the value of standards, effective services, core standards, the deficit model of specialist standards, and delivery…

This article examines how the new British National Special Educational Needs Specialist Standards might be used as an audit tool and the consequences for teachers, line-managers, and training providers. It considers the role of the standards, core standards, extension standards, the standards as an audit tool, accessing resources, and future…

The article reviews efforts to develop professional standards in the preparation of special educators carried out by the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and recommends licensing rather than certifying special educators. (DB)

Critical issues in tort liability that confront special educators and teacher trainers include malpractice (failure to learn), misdiagnosis, immunity, impact of a handicap on standard of care, confidentiality, access to emergency medical services, the use of aversive consequences, child abuse and corporal punishment, and school violence.…

Discusses teacher preparation in mathematics and preservice teacher education that recognizes the Professional Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Six standards for teaching mathematics are presented, guided by the Knowledge and Skills Competencies list for teachers of students with learning disabilities, which was…

The common core knowledge and skills essential for all beginning special education teachers, developed by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), are reprinted, along with the CEC Code of Ethics. The article also provides a rationale for the standards and background information on their development and adoption. (JDD)

The recent development and adoption by the Council for Learning Disabilities of principles of ethical practice are recounted. The 5 major principles are presented, supported by 27 examples of appropriate actions. Principles address respect for the rights of individuals, effective educational practice, professional integrity, collaborative working…

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities identifies problems inherent in inclusive education (e.g., coteaching and logistics) and suggests that fundamental school reform offers an alternative that meets recognized best-practice standards and requires the trained skills of learning…

This paper contains recommendations for licensure for individuals working as early childhood special educators in a variety of settings. The fundamental position presented is that a free-standing credentialling process separate from the credentialling of general educators or of special educators is required for people who work with young children,…

Through literature reviews, discussions, and a survey of members of the Council for Exceptional Children, a common core of knowledge and skills essential for entry-level special education teachers was developed, composed of 107 statements in 8 categories. The categories include: (1) philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of special…

This document presents standards and guidelines for the preparation and certification of special educators, as identified by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), CEC Divisions, and others. Part 1 includes the CEC Code of Ethics and Standards for Professional Practice for Educators of Persons with Exceptionalities. This section provides…