Data comparing the effects of traditional lectures and instruction paired with video anchors on test scores of general education and special education preservice teachers are presented. The sample in both the experimental and control groups included a mixture of preservice teachers including those beginning a general education early childhood…

Secondary level transition team members (administrators, special educators, and related service personnel) were surveyed regarding their perceptions of involvement by students with learning disabilities in transition planning and provision of services and activities that foster student involvement. Factor analysis of the 427 responses revealed…

The main focus of this project was to prepare a handbook of science activities and to disseminate this handbook to K-8 teachers of the hearing-impaired in the State of Indiana. The handbook, titled "Doing Science Using the Learning Cycle," was developed by a select group of teachers and several consultants with expertise in curriculum…

This study evaluated a new measure of teachers' attitudes toward students with special needs included in regular education classrooms. Approximately 516 teachers (308 regular and 186 special education) from five school districts completed the Scale of Teachers' Attitudes Toward Inclusion (STATIC). Statistical analyses suggested robust psychometric…

Recognizing the importance of early experience to job satisfaction and commitment, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of support from administration on the induction and retention of 457 beginning public school, special education teachers. Secondary analysis techniques were applied to information derived from the 1987-88 cross…

Moving children from a psychiatric treatment facility to community schools presents significant challenges for children, teachers, and families. This study examined the potential conflicts between the expectations of receiving teachers and the behaviors of elementary school students (N=17) using the Assessments for Integration into Mainstream…

This study sought to update and expand the existing databases relating to the supply and demand of special education leadership personnel through a survey of 55 institutions of higher education (IHEs) having doctoral programs in special education. Results are analyzed in terms of doctoral enrollments for the 1990-91 academic year, specialty areas,…

Bloomsburg University staff surveyed 184 area vocational teachers in northeastern Pennsylvania about their knowledge needs in teaching handicapped students. Results from the 121 responses showed that teachers felt they needed more information: about the Carl D. Perkins Act, in coordinating the placement of handicapped learners with vocational…

Current state guidelines for student-teacher ratios and/or caseloads in special education programs serving mildly handicapped students (including learning disabled, mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed, and speech impaired) were examined and compared with pupil-teacher ratios reported by the U.S. Department of Education. The study defined…

One of the major concerns in educating children with exceptional needs in the public school is the extent to which these children are socially accepted by teachers and peers. It has been suggested that the teacher may influence students' perceptions of handicapped children and that attempts to improve the social position of these children depend…

The fourth in a series of studies investigating the educational context and outcomes for high school students with disabilities (SWDs), this study examined types of courses in which SWDs are being enrolled, and the role perception of special education teachers. Twenty-one special education teachers from three high schools in urban areas, three in…

This report contains data on three facets of special education attrition in Kansas. First, the report documents attrition information for special education personnel who were employed during the 2000-2001 school year (SY) but who did not return to a special education position in Kansas for the 2001-02 SY. Second, attrition rates for special…

This report discusses the outcomes of a review of the Wyoming Department of Education's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) in meeting the professional development needs of special education. There were two phases of the 1997-1998 CSPD needs assessment process. Phase One consisted of telephone interviews with both regular (n=26)…

Interviews and observations of an exemplary special education teacher produced a model of effective special education teaching in an inclusive rural elementary school. Using efficacy as a foundation, the special educator begins by promoting teacher collaboration, enabling regular and special educators to mentor and advocate for each other. A…

This qualitative study was designed to strengthen the voice of urban practitioners in the scholarly debate regarding issues in urban teaching. Interviews were conducted with urban special education teachers, general education teachers, and principals from 23 urban school districts across the country. These three groups of educators identified…