Elias, Zins, Graczyk, and Weissberg (2003) have written a concise summary of the daunting challenges and possible solutions to improve outcomes for students with mental health needs. As a special educator, the author wants to focus his comments on the potential benefits of school-wide approaches for students with the greatest psychosocial needs.…

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,…

This speech addresses the educational needs of gifted children in the context of the existing educational system's philosophy and various reform efforts. It first examines the doctrine of progress, suggesting that important educational change is glacial and much of what purports to be educational change is ephemeral. It claims that the present…

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 paper describes the application of peer teaching to the training of prospective special education teachers. This approach emphasizes practicing the teaching act in a safe environment, i.e., one in which young learners are not at risk and in which the prospective teacher can receive feedback from peers and the instructor without fear of being…

Screening of students who may require special services by the Indianapolis Public Schools is conducted by Special Service Teams, which are composed of representatives of the special education, social services, psychological services, and guidance departments. The special services offerings of the team, case conferencing, and placement, are…

A major problem in mainstreaming and implementation of Public Law 94-142 has been in establishing evaluation criteria to determine appropriate learning environment placement. Providing appropriate education in the least restrictive environment is primarily the classroom teacher's responsibility, requiring decision-making based on these questions:…

Distance education is important for many physically handicapped students where attendance at a conventional institution is not possible, either because of their physical condition or for reasons in common with the nonhandicapped. This paper examines an area of disability, visual handicap, and examines research into the use of microelectronic…

An integrated model for preservice and inservice teacher training in transition for students with disabilities consists of three phases: (1) transition preconditions and planning; (2) transition phase; and (3) transition outcomes. Interagency collaboration and parental/student input are central to effective transition throughout the process. (DB)

Reflection on the history of rural special education suggests that rural communities are diverse, effective rural special education models originate locally, rural professionals possess unique abilities to respond to rural needs, rural special education teacher training should focus on broad-based applications, and rural school cooperatives…

This commentary offers 10 critical characterizations of contemporary special education and 5 major implications for the future of the field. It urges special educators to turn their attention unambiguously and forcefully to empirical research to generate reliable common knowledge of effective instruction of students with disabilities. (Author/CR)

Offers curriculum design steps and describes barriers to and solutions for infusing learning disability teacher preparation programs with assistive technology (AT), because AT devices and services have major implications for individuals with learning disabilities regarding life span issues, environmental and curricular accessibility, and…

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…

This analysis of the changing role of the special educator to that of the inclusion specialist reviews the logic of these changes, presents results of research on the role of the inclusion specialist, analyzes the limitations of these changing roles, and presents an alternative view of professional roles in which teachers share the teaching of a…

This paper examines issues concerning mandated father involvement with their children, especially as this involvement affects children with special needs. The paper examines four points: (1) the history of the status of fathers, how it has changed, and why father involvement is an issue; (2) current regulations at the federal level which…