This article explores the role of personal attributes and characteristics in the development of effective teachers, and examines which attributes contribute to teacher effectiveness as measured by student gains, which attributes contribute specifically to the teaching style of an effective special education teacher, and whether these attributes…

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)

This paper presents an overview of distance education technologies and a discussion of the potential benefits and abuses for special education of interactive television distance education. Technologies described include microcomputer systems, satellite transmission, and telephone lines as media transmitters. (Author/DB)

This article addresses the preparation of teachers concerning their legal responsibilities when school-age children threaten or attempt suicide. Court-determined responsibilities of teachers are identified, and implications for teachers (such as understanding school policy and careful documentation and reporting of relevant student behavior) are…

This article addresses implications of cooperative learning for students with mild disabilities in regular classrooms. These include the importance of a collaborative ethic among special and regular educators, the efficacy of cooperative learning with this population, cooperative learning's relationship to social integration of these students, and…

This paper discusses the needs of urban students highly heterogeneous in terms of language, culture, and disability characteristics. Implications are drawn for instruction, for prevention of inappropriate placement in special education, and for teacher preparation. (Author/DB)

This article examines critical problems facing young children and their families in urban areas and implications for the preparation of early childhood special educators. It focuses specifically on teacher training needs concerning AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), drug and alcohol abuse, and child abuse. (DB)

This article defines educational consultation, reviews competencies needed by educational consultants, and specifies competencies essential for educators serving children with special needs from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Competencies include understanding one's own perspective, effectively using interpersonal and…

This article addresses system-level, teacher-level, and child-level concerns to be addressed if efforts to operationalize the Regular Education Initiative are to be given a reasonable scientific test. Diagnosing current teacher competencies and improving upon relevant skills is seen as crucial to the attainment of child-level objectives.…

The paper argues that the strategies instructional approach should be infused into preservice teacher training programs. Reconfiguration of course structures and preparation experiences should include not only "what" is taught about learning and teaching, but also "how" teacher trainers incorporate the principles of strategies…

Presents an overview of areas related to preparing educators for diversity that have particular significance or unique implications for special education. Issues addressed include special-education eligibility determination, instructional methodology, parental involvement, culturally diverse special educators, and educational equity. (CR)

Describes a professional-development model implemented by a university and five inner-city elementary schools with high language-minority populations. The model involved volunteer primary-grade teachers trained in an integrated/language arts approach, regular contact with participating teachers, and establishment of collegial teams to provide peer…

Addresses the promises, practices, and pitfalls of distance education for training additional special-education teachers. A table summarizes current distance-learning practices broken down into use of either asynchronous technology or synchronous technology. Advantages (such as fewer teachers reaching more students and low cost instruction) and…

Argues that measurable change in student performance should be the standard for making judgments about effective instruction and that these data can serve as an important component in the evaluation of teacher-preparation programs. Describes assessment technologies that allow more direct measures of student learning. (Author/CR)

Presents six myths about black children that may contribute to their overrepresentation in special education. The myths include the following: (1) poor black students' parents don't care about education; (2) poor black students fail because they are unmotivated and uncooperative; (3) black students fail because they have had few literacy…