A review of existing special education training models is presented along with a rationale for preservice training in the transdisciplinary team process. The transdisciplinary process is described, and recommendations for implementation of a transdisciplinary training program in special education teacher preparation are given. (Author/JDD)

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)

Current ferment in the field of special education reflects the underlying pathology of the educational enterprise. Black special educators are in a strategic position to assert Black demands for philosophical and pedagogical changes. (ST)

Sets forth the thesis that the competencies developed in special education teacher training programs should be evaluated in terms of the performance of the students served by the trainees. An overview of the evaluation of the field-based program at George Peabody College for Teachers (Nashville, Tennessee) is given. (SBH)

The article reports on a national survey of state education agencies regarding the use and status of learning disability professionals in schools, and discusses the reasons for and implications of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) not specifically mandating their presence on evaluation teams. (DLS)

This paper addresses issues in the utilization of research by special educators. It urges researchers to do better research and policymakers to make better choices. Criteria for good research-based procedures are offered. Discussion is organized around common frustrations of special educators, strategies for improving the link of research to…

This introductory article to the issue, which focuses on the preparation of special education teachers, discusses the different perspectives of winners of the Teacher Education Division Publication Award. Evaluates whether special education departments should work with general education in teacher preparation. Provides list of winners and their…

Gives an overview of trends and issues affecting vocational education for special populations, including demographic and workplace changes and legislative, policy, and educational issues. Presents implications for special needs personnel in the areas of collaboration, advocacy, professional development, and research. (SK)

Analyzes the important challenges that researchers face in the creation and use of a knowledge base for restructuring teacher education in the field of special education. Promising avenues for research to meet these challenges are delineated and the critical roles of multiparadigmatic teacher communities are highlighted. (Author/CR)

This paper promotes the increased use of literature in preservice special education programs to address beliefs and attitudes of students. Discussion points out the limitations of textbooks and the power of literature to portray character, convey knowledge, and foster experience-based learning. A table identifies teacher education needs and shows…

As a viable supplement to traditional campus based personnel preparation programs, university outreach training programs can help meet personnel needs for orientation and mobility specialists serving visually impaired children in rural areas. (DB)

It is suggested that special educators follow the mode of other helping professions by developing national standards for professional certification. The proposal is justified, steps already taken to facilitate this process are outlined, and the positive impact of such a move is discussed. (MSE)

This article examines the role of the support and advisory teacher in serving handicapped students in the British educational system. Stressed is the process of developing a positive profile so that teachers perceive the support staff positively. A model of varieties of credibility is applied to the support teacher's role. (DB)

This introduction to the journal's topical issue on supply and demand in special education personnel preparation notes methodological issues in assessing supply and demand, definitional issues, and the importance of accurate determination of supply and demand needs in special education. (DB)

Professional roles in early childhood special education (ECSE) are expanding beyond traditional frameworks of direct service, to include consultation services, program planning and evaluating, and marketing. Potential dangers of role conflict and role overload are noted. (Author/DB)