Lists proposed competencies to be used in a certification program for instructional development professionals. Twenty-six areas of competency are presented, with specific knowledge levels, performances, and evaluation competencies specified for each. (BK)

The common core knowledge and skills essential for all beginning special education teachers, developed by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), are reprinted, along with the CEC Code of Ethics. The article also provides a rationale for the standards and background information on their development and adoption. (JDD)

Stanford University's Teacher Assessment Project studied teacher assessment by situating teacher thinking and acting within circumstances attributable to subject matter, grade level, and sociocultural context. The article examines why, if assessments are to improve educational quality in diverse classrooms, they must hold all teachers accountable…

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.…

Beyond the ability to exhibit good judgment and common sense while performing duties as a leader under stress and pressure, an outdoor adventure program leader should possess technical skills, human relations skills, and philosophical understanding of outdoor programming. Technical skills include knowledge of initiatives/ropes course activities,…