The team teaching experiences of teachers in special education courses at the higher education level are recounted. The differences in the teaching of the courses are examined and context, content, and learner factors that impact team teaching are identified. Ways to facilitate and prepare teachers for team teaching at the university level are…

A survey about instructional strategies was completed by 183 elementary teachers and teachers of students with learning disabilities. Results indicated that the most important factor influencing respondents' philosophical decisions on teaching reading and writing was their teacher training program emphasis. Most respondents believed that a…

This study investigated relationships among perceived need, teacher efficacy, and use of 10 teaching strategies recommended for the gifted. The survey of 318 preservice teachers, classroom teachers, and teachers of the gifted found higher correlations between teacher efficacy and need and between teacher efficacy and use than between need and use.…

This study examined patterns of reading-related classroom dialog of three low-gaining and three high-gaining special education teachers. High-gaining teachers spent considerably more time scaffolding student responses, modeling reading strategies, encouraging risk-taking, and transferring control of the reading process to students. Low-gaining…

This study found that 420 regular elementary and 359 special education teachers were similar in use of procedures to assist students with low achievement. Peer tutoring received the highest mean score by both groups, followed by cooperative learning. Differences in teaching practice are analyzed by age, grade level, and degrees obtained.…

Describes the use of a mystery substance, Oobleck, in a graduate-level course for secondary special-education teachers that considered ways to teach science. Principles of science instruction, teaching students with diverse disabilities, instructional congruence, student assessment, and modifications are addressed. (DB)

A survey of 229 itinerant early childhood special education teachers found they mostly used direct service strategies. Teachers reported infrequent implementation of indirect services such as modeling intervention techniques and writing intervention plans for teachers or parents. Teachers reported being satisfied with their jobs and being welcomed…

A survey of 31 teachers nominated as "effective" in teaching literacy skills to elementary students with reading disabilities found teachers reported instructional practices that included components of whole language and direct instruction approaches. In general, the greater the needs of students, the more direct instruction they…

Many school systems are moving toward an inclusion model for teaching special learners in which all students are included in general classrooms. The basic premise is that all students should first be placed in the general classroom. Students receive as many necessary supplementary aids and services as possible in the general classroom, and then,…

Although students with emotional or behavioral disorders have historically experienced poor school outcomes compared to other students with and without disabilities, a number of effective practices are available that can make special education for students with emotional or behavioral disorders special. Within the three broad intervention areas of…

This guidebook for California teachers of gifted students discusses common issues and concerns, suggests solutions, and identifies resources. Part 1, in question and answer format, covers: characteristics of gifted students, identification, curriculum and instruction, classroom management, special challenges, characteristics of teachers of gifted…

To determine the current status of science education within special education school programs for students with mild disabilities, survey data were collected from over 300 teachers. Analyses focused on whether science was in fact being taught and, if so, the amount of instructional time devoted to it, the curricular basis and teaching approaches…

The "special" quality of special education is the body of knowledge, skills, and attitudes which are used in the education and training of exceptional school children. In practice, these children have been those who public school systems could not or would not teach. The history of education for exceptional children is a simple story of massive…

The study was undertaken to assess instructional problems perceived by special class teachers, the results of which would serve as a basis for the development of materials for use in the statewide in-service training sessions for teachers of the educable mentally retarded conducted by the Iowa Special Education Curriculum Development Center. To…

Suggests effective strategies from early childhood education to use in teaching young handicapped children. Teachers could include group activities fostering peer interaction; provide opportunities for free play; practice being less directive and more interactive; and recognize the benefits of a less teacher-controlled classroom environment. (BB)