Based on a review of the literature and the authors' experience, this article addresses issues in three aspects of the planning and delivery of online content: (1) online support services; (2) technology assistance; and (3) course content. Recommendations are given for administrators and instructors involved in the delivery of online coursework in…

This article suggests ways to develop effective substitute special education teacher programs. Suggestions are framed around the Standards for Staff Development created by the National Staff Development Council. Detailed recommendations on substitute training and support systems stress the need to address appropriate context, process, and content.…

This article defines service learning and describes service learning as a distinct pedagogy from field-based professional programs. Fundamental components of service learning courses and guidelines for developing, implementing, and evaluating service learning courses in special education programs for majors and non-majors are presented. (Contains…

This article provides guidelines for effectively implementing the case method of instruction (CMI) in special education teacher preparation programs. Information is provided on how to write cases, how to access (and assess) commercially available cases, and how to present a case. Examples of inservice applications of CMI are provided. (Contains…

This article begins by reviewing seven individual texts for forming effective partnerships with families in special education. It identifies key criteria for selecting a text, including: ethical information, legal information, research information on disability impact, and information on communication strategies. A comparative overview of reviewed…

This article presents guidelines for the development and implementation of a graduate program in bilingual multicultural special education using the program at New Mexico State University as a model. It identifies the competencies of bilingual multicultural special educators, identifies steps in creating a new program, offers a philosophical…

This introductory article describes key factors in teacher preparation and continuing professional development and efforts promulgated by the Council for Exceptional Children on special educator standards and assessments. The need to align standards for state licensing, program accreditation, and national certification is emphasized. The following…

Provides teacher trainers with a variety of instructional materials, resources, and articles that can be employed to diversify the special-education training curriculum to address the needs of migrant students and families. Online information, videocassettes, and field trips and field work addressing the migrant experience are also discussed.…

Discusses various learning strategies that foster preservice teachers' active participation in learning. A learning continuum is presented that considers simulated, spectator, exploratory, analytic, and generative experiences. Specific approaches are described, including role playing, service learning, and journal writing. A series of…

Discusses the significant growth in the number of adults with disabilities pursing postsecondary education, the professionalization of postsecondary disability services, the changes in services available to students with disabilities in postsecondary education, and suggestions to improve personnel preparation related to the transition to…

Identifies and discusses issues associated with the employment of paraprofessionals in special education programs likely to be of the greatest importance and interest to teacher educators. These include teacher preparation to supervise, training of paraprofessionals, role overlap, paraprofessionals as community links, and paraprofessionals as…

Describes a staff-development program in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) designed to increase the knowledge and skills for special and general educators, administrators, and related service personnel. Describes the content of the program is and presents procedures for tailoring and delivering the program to specific audiences.…

The need for personnel preparation planning in special education is emphasized, and guidelines for meeting and going beyond the personnel preparation requirements in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, are suggested. (CL)

The steps in successful practicum site selection and assignment for prospective special education teachers are discussed. (CL)

A curriculum planning model is presented to develop a comprehensive special education teacher preparation program. (CL)