Priority learners in New Zealand include those who have special educational needs, yet gifted learners with multiple exceptionalities are variably identified, understood or provided for in our schools. International research advocates the use of interprofessional practice (IPP) teams, with competency across shared values, roles and…

This research paper centres on a professional inquiry across Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) clusters within New Zealand that explored the role induction played in the ongoing development of new RTLB's professional identity. A review of the literature was timely as although the RTLB service has the RTLB Toolkit, induction…

This research reports on the application of aspects of a model of evidence-based practice (EBP) which were used to review a behaviour management programme. Special education practitioners employed at the Aotearoa/New Zealand Ministry of Education (MOE) drew from MOE principles and practices, as well as their professional expertise as they reviewed…

Primary teacher training programmes in New Zealand do not provide training about specific communication disorders (SCDs), despite prevalence of SCDs of approximately 7%. This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a three-hour professional development (PD) programme for a specialised group of primary teachers, Special Education Needs…

Dynamic Ecological Analysis (DEA) is a model of practice which increases a teams' efficacy by enabling the development of more effective interventions through collaboration and collective reflection. This process has proved to be useful in: a) clarifying thinking and problem-solving, b) transferring knowledge and thinking to significant parties,…

Many teachers and human service workers are 40-50 years of age and this paper explores the formative influences, and the developmental characteristics, of workers who are presently middle-aged. This leads onto an examination of the importance of relationships and work to mid-lifers. In the concluding section of the paper, there is some…

This is a series of light-hearted reflections from a person who has worked in special education her entire career. After moving from the United States to New Zealand, she uses her experience adjusting to her new country, to better understand the perspectives of the children and young people with whom she works.

This article provides an overview of the process of EEPiSE from conception to conclusion. It attempts to outline the extent of cooperation and collaboration among educators across sectors in identifying what works for children and young people who require significant adaptation to the curriculum. Outlined are the sequence of events, and the people…

The Ministry of Education (MOE) funds a range of specialist education services for children and young people with special education needs. To ensure consistent quality service provision, generic Specialist Service Standards have been developed through a collaborative process involving representatives from the broad range of special education…