The process that should determine the selection procedures for learning disability specialists is conceptualized. Some qualities identified as specifically related to special education include optimism, internal power, ego strength, internal organization, insight, and empathy. (Author/DB)

Research on competencies needed by regular and special education teachers to enhance the integration of handicapped students is reviewed, and found to be limited. Changing roles and perceptions of regular and special educators are noted, as are findings of inservice attempts to develop mainstreaming skills. (CL)

Present systems of accountability, which require excessive paperwork and force teachers into the "Directive Teaching Model," cause special education teachers to be accountable to the system rather than to self-actualization needs of students. Special education teachers must have the freedom and training to create "unique"…

Suggests that instructing deaf children to use the library can be effective if both teacher and librarian cooperate to make the instruction meaningful. Incorporating the children's own experiences into lessons, using informal teaching methods, and correlating the curriculum with library resources are recommended. (FM)

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…

Special educators cannot afford to alienate regular teachers, for to do so is perhaps to win the battle and gain a few minor concessions for specific exceptional students, but lose the war in terms of teacher receptivity to mainstreaming. Change should be gently nurtured rather than abruptly forced. (Author)

Vignettes of pioneering special education teachers and students illustrate trends in special education. Changes that have affected the field are described, such as technology, Individualized Education Programs, interagency collaboration, increased parental involvement, and provision of a continuum of services with the goal of full inclusion. (DB)

The article encourages special educators to be more aware of their responsibilities regarding preventing, identifying, reporting, and intervening in child sexual abuse. Information on indicators of sexual abuse, issues in reporting sexual abuse, effects of reporting on the child victim, school-based interventions, and school-based preventive…

Vocational teachers can improve collaboration with special educators by developing mutual understanding, trust, and shared vision; seeking best uses of resources such as time, personnel, facilities, equipment, and funding; and sharing information about the two fields through staff development activities. (SK)

A Wisconsin model called Designated Vocational Instruction establishes linkages among vocational and special educators, guidance and administrative personnel, adult support agencies, parents and students. Its goal is to help students with special needs learn entry-level job skills and competencies. (Author/JOW)

Science has been an important partner of the field of learning disabilities since its inception. Special educators have used science to confirm or reject approaches to identifying and teaching students with disabilities. Current research and practice is using science to find better approaches to preventing learning difficulties and reducing the…

This paper describes the Disability Rights and Independent Living movements, and advocates for increased awareness and leadership. The Independent Living Movement started at the University of California in the 1960s when a group of severely disabled students organized a place where they could live independently. Despite their education and…

The importance of laughter and humor to enhance education, and special education in particular, is addressed. A sense of humor is an attitude, and humor together with enthusiasm helps students enjoy the learning process. Humor can make students become more alert, and can have very positive influences on affect. A funny remark, a pleasant…

The interview with Beth Langley, an award winning teacher of students with profound visual and multiply handicapping conditions, examined her choice of special education as a career, her classroom management techniques, personal rewards she receives from teaching, and trends in special education she has observed. (DB)

The teacher's day amounts to six or more hours of isolation from other adults, and the special education teacher is more lonely than the regular classroom teacher. Parents need to be called frequently, and evaluation team and individualized education program sessions need to be attended. (SEW)