This study examined whether use of sign language would facilitate reading word recognition by 16 deaf children (6- to 1 years-old) in the Netherlands. Results indicated that if words were learned through speech, accompanied by the relevant sign, accuracy of word recognition was greater than if words were learned solely through speech. (Contains…

This study examined the practices of 321 special education teachers with responsibility for supervising paraprofessionals. Teachers reported little preparation for supervision; most were not involved in hiring but were responsible for evaluation; most provided oral, not written instructions; few held regular meetings with paraprofessionals; and…

This study investigated paraeducators' (N=758) experiences in inclusive educational settings, including administrative policies, job responsibilities, training, retention, and relationships with members of the school community. Findings indicated a need for more paraeducator training and the importance of relationships within the school.…

This article discusses the challenges faced by a first-year special education teacher at a public high school. Challenges included issues such as behavior management, deciding what to teach, scheduling and time, working with a paraprofessional, collaboration and mainstreaming versus inclusion, paperwork and meetings, and training and support.…

A new teacher in a self-contained classroom for six kindergarten students with autism describes the challenges of beginning a new program in her school, planning instruction with the new state instructional standards in mind, being scrutinized by parents, and coordinating documentation of progress and development of Individualized Education…

This article describes the challenges faced by a first-year special educator of children with emotional disturbances. In addition to academic diversity and behavioral challenges, there were also issues related to working with a team of special educators and being the newcomer. These issues included instructional time, behavioral management, and…

This article reports perceptions of a first-year teacher of students with learning disabilities. First-year challenges are described, as well as views on assessment, accountability, and inclusion. Recommendations are made for new teachers and steps that teacher educators, school administrators, and experienced teachers can take to ensure the…

The experiences of a first-year teacher of students with mild mental retardation are described from the perspective of that teacher. The enormous burdens that can be placed on new teachers in difficult situations are highlighted and implications are discussed for teacher educators, interpersonal relationships, and the role of special education.…

The revision of the University of Maryland Special Education Department 5-year undergraduate teacher preparation program is described. A recent program graduate's reflections on her first year of teaching illuminate key issues addressed in revising the program to focus on multicategorical special education teacher preparation across a more refined…

This article discusses postmodern and cultural relativist ideas in special education. It offers examples of how the adoption of these doctrines is dangerous and destructive to students with special needs and explores possible resolutions. (Contains references.) (Author)

Direct observational data were collected on the behavior of 26 elementary school-age boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most prevalent inherited cause of mental retardation, during classroom academic activities. Findings indicated classroom engagement comparable to that of peers and not related to intrasubject variables such as severity of…

Seventy inclusive classroom teachers nominated students for whom they felt particular attitudes of attachment, concern, indifference, and rejection. Students with either severe or obvious disabilities were significantly overrepresented in the indifference category; whereas students with mild or hidden disabilities were overrepresented in the…

A methodological analysis of 22 comparative and descriptive studies of locus of control among students with learning disabilities identified serious deficiencies regarding participant selection and description and concerns regarding the use and nature of locus-of-control measures. The analysis concluded that available data do not support the…

Forty-four preservice teachers viewed one of two videotaped presentations on curriculum-based measurement (CBM), stressing either statistical or anecdotal information to support CBM's validity and utility. Results revealed no effects for presentation format but, in general, participants' beliefs were more positive about the utility of CBM than…

One hundred middle school students completed four measures of mathematics skills (involving basic facts and estimation) twice in one week. Criterion measures included school grades, standardized test scores, and teacher ratings. Correlation and regression analyses indicated the measures are reliable and possess acceptable levels of criterion…