A survey of 154 rural special educators in the areas of mental retardation, learning disabilities, and emotional conflict found no significant differences in stress levels among groups, as measured by the Teacher Stress Inventory. An ad-hoc analysis found no significant differences among groups in supervisor support, room type, or job…

Describes Project TRAIN, which provides graduate-level preservice training at the University of Wisconsin for early intervention professionals interested in working in rural areas with special-needs infants and toddlers and their families. Discusses project rationale, objectives, professional competencies, coursework, performance-based evaluation,…

A survey of 25 Utah programs offering educationally based direct services to handicapped and at-risk children aged 0-5 examined administrator attitudes about staff certification requirements and desirable knowledge and competencies. Results are compared to the content of Utah State University's early intervention rural training program. (SV)

To meet new North Carolina requirements for "infant credential" and "preschool handicapped" certification, teachers and other professionals working in 19 (mostly rural) early intervention programs received on-site training that combined seminars, consultation, and trainee projects. Evaluation revealed program characteristics…

Describes the University of Wyoming's use of audio teleconferencing to deliver coursework to rural teachers and other professionals fulfilling new state certification requirements in early childhood special education. Suggests teaching methods, teacher behaviors, and "classroom" techniques that increase effectiveness of teleconferencing…

Suggests that student problem behaviors are best addressed through instruction; teacher-student interactions are the best arena for teaching social behaviors; and problem behaviors have the same social ends as desirable ones. Outlines steps for analyzing the child's desired outcome of problem behaviors, choosing replacement behaviors, and planning…

Interviews with 536 Arizona families of special-needs infants and toddlers examined nature and type of services received; satisfaction with services; parental involvement in service delivery; and needs for additional services, financial help, information, and emotional support. Parents' greatest concern was access to information. Rural-urban…

Rural Kentucky parents and professionals involved in early intervention for young handicapped children received training on development of individualized family service plans; family-focused services; and problem-solving, team-building and communication skills. Evaluation results, follow-up on participant teams, and recommended changes in training…

Describes a rural Illinois early-intervention program that incorporates long-term planning, interagency collaboration, and parental involvement in the transition of developmentally delayed young children to preschool programs. Compares four types of programs for disabled preschool students, and identifies factors for parents to consider in program…

Examines issues in the transition of young disabled children between programs: ignorance or misinformation about available resources; eligibility criteria; interagency information exchange; and advance planning. Provides a troubleshooting guide to help agencies evaluate transition procedures. Discusses interagency assessment models and tools to…

Interviews with 22 mothers of children with ambulatory disability and 33 nondisabled siblings showed no differences in sibling's child care responsibilities, general home responsibilities, or independence related to severity of the ambulatory disability. A difference in the amount of social activity, reported by mothers, was not confirmed by…

A three-year program for deaf-education undergraduate and graduate students in southeast Kentucky incorporates: Appalachian history, culture, and language; deafness and learning strategies; deaf culture and American Sign Language; and mainstreaming competencies. Trainee self-reports on progress through the program are presented. (KS)

A survey of 14 special education instructional assistants in rural Oregon showed they were generally mature in age and had lived in eastern Oregon for many years. Over half had some college training. Most were assigned to elementary resource rooms. Respondents rated "instructional methodology" as their strongest training preference. (KS)

A survey of 588 undergraduate special education majors explored attitudes regarding urban, suburban, and rural teaching environments. The majority (60%) desired suburban placements, 23% desired rural placements, and 17% preferred urban placements. Students who grew up in rural areas were more likely to favor teaching in rural areas. (KS)

A lifespan model of career education suitable for rural learners with disabilities includes career consciousness (preschool and elementary education); investigation of career aptitude (middle school and junior high school); career examination (early high school); career experience (later high school); and career acquisition (later high school and…