In this study, the authors represent an exploratory investigation of current preparation of preservice teachers related to response to intervention (RTI) in institutions of higher education (IHEs) in the Office of Special Education Program (OSEP) Regional Resource and Federal Centers (RRFCs) North Central Region and Pennsylvania. In this study,…

Undergraduate special education majors (N=72) who took a course utilizing the "pause procedure" (the lecturer pauses for two minutes three times during each 45-minute lecture) scored significantly higher on measures assessing recall of fact and on objective tests than did students who received the standard lecture format. (CB)

Student teachers (N=21) in elementary classrooms for mildly handicapped learners were randomly assigned to training and supervision in either databased problem-solving instructional approaches or conventional treatments. Teachers in the databased condition had significantly greater effects on reading achievement and off-task behavior control. No…

Studies at the Curry School of Education (University of Virginia) have demonstrated that microcomputer-based simulations of classroom interactions increase participants' use of appropriate instructional techniques with computer-generated pupils. Performance feedback from the system resulted in significant decreases in inappropriate management…

The team teaching experiences of teachers in special education courses at the higher education level are recounted. The differences in the teaching of the courses are examined and context, content, and learner factors that impact team teaching are identified. Ways to facilitate and prepare teachers for team teaching at the university level are…

Describes shifting perspectives of a large special education teacher education program in Florida in the process of implementing a reform agenda. Particular attention is given to admission standards for prospective teachers (reliance on test scores is questioned) and the curriculum and teaching methodologies of teacher education program.…

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 describes a collaborative effort of educators from a university, state department, and local school district to redesign a master's level course in instructional strategies. Delivery format was changed to a week-long summer course; content changed to emphasize research-based instructional practices and more local and state (Florida)…

Presented are guidelines for designing and incorporating cooperative group learning strategies into teacher preparation courses. Guidelines include determining appropriate content, selecting a cooperative format, forming cooperative groups, teaching cooperative skills, providing feedback, and evaluating learning. The student satisfaction results…

This article describes a field-based teacher education project that involved specialist teacher candidates and general education classroom teachers in educational partnerships to conduct action research on learning strategies. One such study showing the effectiveness of a writing strategy to help students (ages 12 and 13) with learning…

A university supervisor conducted professional coaching sessions with three pairs of special education team teachers enrolled in a practicum, to increase positive teacher behaviors and decrease negative teacher behaviors. The coaching was found to be effective in improving teacher skills as well as in maintaining and generalizing the skills. (JDD)

This article illustrates the use of monologue interpretation, in which an interpreter illuminates issues in a speaker's monologue to translate theoretical pedagogical material into usable classroom applications. The example shows how the tenets of Guba and Lincoln's (1989) Responsive Constructivist Fourth Generation Model were presented via…

This study investigated on-going program evaluation techniques designed to assess 22 special education preservice students' perceptions of the efficacy of a direct instruction course. Based on formative and summative evaluations, the study revealed a high level of satisfaction with direct instruction components that increased after field-based…

The research on cooperative learning techniques in K-12 classrooms and collaborative learning at the college level is integrated, and suggestions are offered for ways in which collaborative learning can be put into operation at the college or university level, especially in special education courses. (Author/DB)

This article describes the efforts of the University of South Florida's Department of Special Education to change its approach to educating special education teachers, by making a total commitment to align its work with public schools in developing a network of Professional Development Schools to reflect a collaborative model of training and…