A review of existing special education training models is presented along with a rationale for preservice training in the transdisciplinary team process. The transdisciplinary process is described, and recommendations for implementation of a transdisciplinary training program in special education teacher preparation are given. (Author/JDD)

A "scientist-practitioner" approach to special education teacher training is described in which prospective teachers learn to be self-correcting and to become informed and critical consumers of research. (CL)

The authors propose a model for statewide planning and dissemination in the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development process, as mandated in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (CL)

Three articles discuss the merits and pitfalls of categorical v noncategorical training of teachers in special education. (SBH)

This article offers a conceptual model for studying teacher attrition and retention. The model incorporates historical, environmental, and external factors believed to influence teachers' decisions about whether to continue teaching. The framework is used to draw implications for future special education teacher preparation research. (Author/DB)

This paper reviews the process-product literature on effective teaching and suggests a conceptual framework focusing on teacher behaviors associated with development of higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities. These behaviors involve, among others, embedding instruction in meaningful and purposive activities and promoting classroom…

This paper examines approaches used to define essential knowledge and skills for teachers entering special education practice. The paper proposes alternative models for conceptualizing essential knowledge and skills in special education, focusing on meaningfulness of teachers' knowledge, sources of knowledge, and acquisition of knowledge.…

This paper reviews 12 studies of special education teacher attrition, concluding that research-based models for improving the retention of special education teachers do not exist. Guidelines for a research agenda to identify variables that influence the attrition of special education teachers are offered. (DB)

A review of programs supported under the federal Alliance 2000 Project stresses the value of a variety of models for the preparation of special education personnel to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities. (DB)

This paper identifies nine lessons learned from five federally funded special education research to practice projects. Four projects are school-university collaborative partnerships and one is local-school- based. Both models stress research-validated practices to improve performance of students with and without disabilities across multiple years.…

Discussion of the research-to-practice gap in special education first suggests the Mainstream Assistance Teams effort as an example of this gap. It then suggests reasons for the gap and proposes a model that emphasizes collaboration between researchers and practitioners and nontraditional staff development activities. Lessons learned and…