Elementary special education teachers (n=303) responded to similes characterizing teachers, students, and classrooms, presented as Likert statements. Seven factors were identified: creative change agent, obstacles, caregiver, reflective progress monitor, uncertain locale, authority, and concurrent change figure. Special and general education…

Discusses why special education teachers pursue professional development opportunities by focusing on three needs for the selection of curriculum content: felt, normative, and comparative needs. Conveys that distance education provides these teachers with a means for professional development and reviews teachers' distance education experiences.…

K-12 students with limited L2 proficiency who do not progress satisfactorily are often referred to special education and/or speech pathology services. Like the teachers who refer such students, the representatives of each service have a specific expertise (e.g., cognition) with little knowledge of the other types of proficiencies (e.g., L1…

Thirty-two qualitative investigations of co-teaching in inclusive classrooms were included in a metasynthesis employing qualitative research integration techniques. It was concluded that co-teachers generally supported co-teaching, although a number of important needs were identified, including planning time, student skill level, and training;…

Models for structuring professional collaboration among teachers and special education staff in delivering services to mainstreamed secondary school students are described: (1) "Traditional Model"--special educators provide instruction in content areas so that students meet graduation requirements, and the students' enrollment in elective courses…

In this article, the author notes that despite their increasing size and sophistication, special education programs have not been successful for the majority of their students. He suggests a possible reason - the ways special educators relate to the regular personnel of schools. (Editor/RK)

A study was conducted to document how 10 teachers of preschool handicapped children make decisions related to Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and revision, monitoring of pupil progress, and instructional modifications. Information also was obtained about exit criteria for students in programs for preschool handicapped children.…

The paper presents results of a survey regarding the role of the teacher of emotionally disturbed (ED) children in reintegration of students into the regular classroom. The following concerns which were identified in the study are addressed: (1) objective means of determining readiness for reintegration; (2) clearly defined procedures; (3)…

Reported upon is an institute involving 87 participants representing leadership personnel in the field of learning disabilities, held December 3-6, 1969, in Tucson, Arizona. The institute's purpose was to upgrade the leadership personnel through exchange of information on issues in pre- and in-service training programs. Historical background,…

Suggestions for special education teachers preparing for parent-teacher conferences include: preparing a folder showing students' tests, assignments, and progress; and encouraging a two-way dialogue by providing a supportive environment. Suggestions for parents include being responsive and receptive to teachers' suggestions and asking for…

The article examines various philosophical and professional orientations of teachers of the visually impaired and appropriate service delivery for severely and profoundly retarded children with visual handicaps. Staff contact only, consultation and direct service, and direct services are three delivery models discussed. Frequency, motivation, and…

Comparison of questionnaires completed by 32 therapeutic teachers, 39 regular teachers, and 28 school psychologists in Israel resulted in a unified picture of the therapeutic teacher's role. Therapeutic aspects and emotional features were clearly preferred to academic improvement. Psychologists as a group were more reserved in expectations, but…

Demands of the institutionalization on regular and special education teachers and administrators are described, as are the competencies required of special education teachers. Results of a recent Canada-wide survey of the current status of programs training teachers and other personnel to work with students having severe and multiple handicaps are…

Aspects of a training program for a learning disbilities (LD) classroom teacher or resource teacher are discussed. Internship is a valuable tool for learning practical experience and clarifying roles. Inservice training programs are essential to meet the increased needs in this specialty. (PHR)

The interconnecting roles of vocational and special educators in preparing handicapped students for employment are examined, and a case study of a 26-year-old mildly retarded man with emotional problems is presented. (CL)