The paper is a description of how one teacher structured a classroom for five seriously disturbed violent boys (ages 5.5 to 8 years) at a private residential and day school for emotionally disturbed students. Anecdotes are reported as well as the teacher's reflections. Changes in the teacher's original planned class structure while maintaining the…

The paper considers issues of educational and social reform suggested by the dual systems of teacher education, the preparation of regular teachers and the preparation of special education teachers (particularly those of the mildly handicapped). It is suggested that the existence of two teacher preparation university curricula allows general…

The evaluation process within special education, as in general education, most often becomes one of data collection consisting of formal and informal tests given by the school psychologist and the classroom instructor. Influences of the complex environment on the educational process are often ignored. Evaluation factors include mainstreaming,…

Seven articles focus on viewpoints of various professions toward the mainstreaming of handicapped children. Articles have the following titles and authors: "Mainstreaming--Prospects and Problems from the View of a Classroom Special Education Teacher" (L. Tashjian); "Mainstreaming--The Role of the Physical Therapist" (S. Baker); "Mainstreaming--The…

The 1982 position paper of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities provides recommendations concerning preparation of professional personnel. Major recommendations include periodic evaluations of training programs and faculty, establishment of interdisciplinary training programs, structuring of practica to enable students to…

This paper describes the University of Connecticut's undergraduate training program for special education teachers. The article covers training philosophy; program content (practical assignments, debates, and "real world" experiences); and student and program evaluation. It also discusses student support services which help "high…

Two issues in early childhood special education personnel development (personnel shortages and state certification policies) are examined via a literature review and a survey. Both competency and experiential based certification policies are studied. Recommendations are made for developing appropriate certification/competency requirements and…

Explains the lack of connection between the knowledge base that exists to improve the education of children with disabilities, and the practices of districts and professionals. Discusses the lack of teacher preparation and the difficulties that veteran teachers have in finding the time and energy to implement best practices. (CR)

Reflects on previous articles in the same journal that address preservice teacher education for special education teachers. The conflicting views, disagreements about instructional strategies, and increasingly broad views of how special education interfaces with other education enterprises, are believed to distract from core principles of the…

Comments on previous articles in the same journal that address preservice teacher education for special educators. The differing viewpoints are seen as potential strengths that will contribute to the growth of special education as it moves toward the future. Urges support of diverse viewpoints. (CR)

Discussion of personnel preparation in autism spectrum disorders considers areas of concern including the current teacher shortage and attrition among special education teachers, noncategorical versus categorical teacher training, lack of scope and depth of most autism training models, clashes in theoretical orientations, and interactions with…

The paper argues for noncategorical certification of special educators drawing on the effective schools literature, educational philosophy, legal precedent, research, and practical considerations. The Utah experience in establishing noncategorical certification is described. (DB)

This article emphasizes the need to develop special education policy and practice appropriate for rural students. The article examines recommended practices for improving delivery of services to rural schools, services readily available to rural families and communities, and the role of the rural special educator. (Author/PB)

"Job role dissonance" may be experienced by educators who embrace an alternative paradigm for working with students having learning problems. Institutional and other obstacles to true restructuring and better service delivery may include legal mandates, the systemic nature of schools, parents' belief systems, and time limitations of staff.…

This discussion of the past, present, and future of competency-based special education teacher preparation discusses teachers' limited use of teaching competencies acquired in training programs, the complexity of competency-based training, the impact of educational reform on teacher preparation, and other issues. (JDD)