Aspects of a training program for a learning disbilities (LD) classroom teacher or resource teacher are discussed. Internship is a valuable tool for learning practical experience and clarifying roles. Inservice training programs are essential to meet the increased needs in this specialty. (PHR)

The paper provides an overview of contrasting career rationales in special education, with emphasis given to altruism, economic, entrepreneurial, epistemological, idiosyncratic, incompetent, and personal motives, which can be readily observed in the everyday practice of special educators in public school, public agency, university, and other…

The implementation of a bilingual special education alternative is imperative if the "double-edged" effects of these students' language barrier and handicapping conditions are to be neutralized. (Author/JM)

Reflects on the differing viewpoints of previous articles addressing the preparation of special education teachers. Diversity of opinions and lack of satisfaction with the status quo are seen as positive forces for the special education field and for the proactive membership of the Council for Exceptional Children. (CR)

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…

This article describes major issues in teaching Braille to students with acquired visual disability and presents results of a survey of 22 teachers of students with visual impairments in Texas. The survey addressed demographic characteristics, instructional schedules, materials, and instructional methods. Results have implications for development…

The president of the Council for Exceptional Children urges the organization as a whole and its members individually to face the new school year with a commitment to three R's: a Reflection on the shared past, a Renewal of commitment to excellence, and a Reach for the future and its opportunities. (DB)

An administrator of a school for students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities raises concerns about assumptions of inclusive education that "all teachers can teach all children" and movements toward a generic "teacher of the handicapped" certificate. He maintains that blindness requires highly specialized interventions. (DB)

This article describes children having emotional/behavioral disorders, presents data demonstrating the critical shortage of teachers for this population, discusses factors that contribute to this problem, and offers recommendations including giving teachers of these children an additional salary stipend and providing them the option of…

This paper examines issues related to preparing teachers to instruct students with severe disabilities, focusing on the values that drive best practices, the content knowledge that should exist within teacher training programs, and processes that may impart and support the continued application of both values and knowledge. (Author/JDD)

This response to HE 605 536 stresses that true reform of teacher training requires a radical departure from separate departments of education or separate inservice intiatives for classroom teachers and special education teachers. Programs must be developed with a focus on how to handle diversity for whatever material is to be taught. (DB)

This article traces a personal and professional journal that paralleled the growth and direction of personnel preparation in early childhood special education. The development of a professional identity is discussed, along with future trends toward generalist certification and funding early intervention services through a fee-for-service…

This article describes the challenges faced by a first-year special educator of children with emotional disturbances. In addition to academic diversity and behavioral challenges, there were also issues related to working with a team of special educators and being the newcomer. These issues included instructional time, behavioral management, and…

The introduction to this special issue introduces each of the following 11 research-based articles, all originally presented in November 1999 at the 23rd annual conference of the Teacher Educators for Children with Behavioral Disorders. The articles cover a variety of research and practice issues relative to the education and treatment of children…

This paper was developed for the Illinois State Board of Education as part of a year long project to address the issue of personnel shortages in special education. Recommendations from a number of state committees and professional organizations were analyzed and additional input obtained from various professionals in regular and special education.…