Implementation science defines training and coaching as two important competency components to support fidelity of implementation of evidence-based practices. The present study explores the perspectives of 21 preschool teachers, located in the United States, about the professional development (PD) they received, which included training and…

Through current hiring practices, many school districts may be missing an untapped pool of potential employees--individuals with disabilities. In this article, the authors describe the Hiring Practice Initiative (HPI) and its implementation in 17 Florida school districts. The Hiring Practice Initiative Project goals are to: (a) increase the…

This State-specific summary report serves as an assessment of Florida's Year 1 Race to the Top implementation, highlighting successes and accomplishments, identifying challenges, and providing lessons learned from implementation to date. Florida received a Race to the Top award in September 2010 as part of Phase 2 of the Race to the Top…

This paper describes Florida's progress in implementing a comprehensive and coherent approach to education reform from the time of application through June 30, 2011. In particular, it highlights key accomplishments over the reporting period in the four reform areas: standards and assessments, data systems to support instruction, great teachers and…

The purpose of this document is to assist Florida school districts in implementing the General Educational Development (GED) Exit Option Model for students at risk of not completing high school. Students must be at least 16 years of age and currently enrolled in high school to take the GED tests through the GED Exit Option Model. In addition, the…

In small rural school districts there are significant socioeconomic, cultural, and distance barriers to parent involvement in the education of exceptional children. In Florida, the history of parent involvement in exceptional student education parallels that of organized parent activism generally; rural, isolated, and minority group parents have…

This guide is designed to assist districts in developing and implementing Curriculum-Based Vocational Assessment (CBVA) as an integral part of the career/vocational program for students with disabilities. The document begins with a User's Guide that describes each part of the guide and makes suggestions for its use. Part 1 explains what CBVA is…

Critical issues pertaining to career/vocational assessment were identified by the Regional Resource Center West (RRCW) through a review of the literature and interviews conducted with practitioners. Critical issues identified were the goal of the career/vocational assessment; assessment instruments and procedures; examiner expertise; and…

This paper highlights eight states that have implemented alternate assessments for children with disabilities who cannot participate in their state and district-wide assessment programs. The alternate assessment systems in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia are briefly described, along with their…

How to involve families in the formal education of their children is a question researchers and educators have been trying to answer since the first bricks were laid for the nation's public education system. A solution must be found, for family involvement has been proven to be associated with a myriad of stellar outcomes, including greater…

The 1990 Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act Amendments mandate that vocational education planning for individuals with disabilities be coordinated by appropriate representatives of vocational education, special education, and state vocational rehabilitation agencies. The Florida Council on Vocational Education for…

This Manual should serve as a primary resource for site operators. It is organized so that all sites, no matter where they are in their development, will be able to find the information and resources they need to grow their initiative. In addition to offering suggestions on how to organize and conduct activities, this Manual provides research and…

This article describes how the Professional Development School without Walls, a partnership between the Departments of Special Education and Elementary Education at the University of South Florida and two large school districts, was developed; the challenges, needs, and contexts influencing the development and implementation process; and the…

A project was undertaken to formulate a fast-track model for developing curriculum that recognizes the needs of special target groups in industrial arts programs in Florida middle schools. During the project, two groups of key teachers and supervisors from four districts within the state of Florida met in short brainstorming sessions to develop,…

These two reports outline accomplishments and challenges faced by Florida's AE program in FY91 and FY92 in the following areas: adult literacy, social participation, career development, special needs of the AE program's diverse identified target groups, high school completion, General Educational Development, workplace literacy, networking,…