Questionnaires were sent to 500 members of the National Council on Learning Disabilities and 500 members of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Findings revealed a difference in attitude toward mathematics in the two groups and in attitudes toward learning disabled (LD) students in mathematics. LD teachers were more positive toward LD…

The implications of noncategorical approaches toward exceptional children are explored as they relate to learning disabled children. (BA)

In order to describe the extent of drug treatment with mentally retarded children in public schools and the involvement of teachers in the drug regimen, a study was designed to survey teachers of the trainable mentally handicapped by mail about psychotropic and anticonvulsant drug use with the children they were teaching. The study was divided…

Two papers report results of an investigation of the attitudes of public school teachers regarding two topics: the mandates of P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and mainstreaming of educable mentally retarded (EMR) students into elementary classes. The first paper discusses the development and field testing of an…

The handbook on the successful mainstreaming of visually impaired students provides a description of four mainstreaming programs, a discussion of principles and practices derived from the four programs, and practical suggestions for classroom teachers who will have a visually impaired student for the first time. Part I examines four successful…

The author describes cooperative role responsibilities for vocational and special educators in meeting the needs of handicapped students, along with some appropriate teaching techniques. (MF)

There is a significant need for trained personnel to develop, implement, and evaluate college programs for the increasing numbers of college students with learning disabilities. As programs develop, the input of special education faculty should be solicited to help address the research, technical assistance, and personnel preparation needs of…

Reviews and critiques research on occupational stress, teacher attrition, and burnout among special educators. Stress sources are identified and a framework is presented for organizing the literature base and introducing proactive innovations that will address professional needs and current shortcomings and will mediate the effects of stress.…

A study examined co-teaching in secondary classrooms by interviewing and observing six secondary special educators in co-taught and special education classrooms. The educators took on various roles when co-teaching and in three of the four roles they assumed, they participated in some aspect of instruction to the general education class. (Contains…

The article describes a facilitative teacher style of interaction in the special education classroom. The facilitative style, in which students are encouraged to develop control of their own learning, is contrasted with the directive style, in which the teacher maintains control of all classroom interactions. (DB)

Professional roles in early childhood special education (ECSE) are expanding beyond traditional frameworks of direct service, to include consultation services, program planning and evaluating, and marketing. Potential dangers of role conflict and role overload are noted. (Author/DB)

Disabled children in rural areas face special challenges in preparing for independence in communities where services are inadequate. Rural special education teachers must become promoters of independent living for disabled young people. Possibilities are outlined for teacher interventions with individuals and families and advocacy efforts.…

As more students with disabilities move into mainstreamed classroom settings, the role of special educators has shifted from direct instruction to more indirect support of classroom teachers. This article discusses definitions of consultation, the consultation process, consultation models, and situational factors in consultation. (JDD)

This article introduces the papers in this theme issue on special education teachers' use of strategies. The article notes competencies that teachers need to master to become effective teachers of strategies, such as creating strategic environments and embracing a philosophy that facilitates independence in students. (JDD)

This memorandum from the President of the Council for Exceptional Children urges teachers to be more vocal about successes in improving educational outcomes for children with exceptionalities and comments that special educators must assume leadership positions to shape the future of the profession. (JDD)