In this chapter, the authors present a synthesis of the small, but growing, body of literature examining what some teacher educators are already doing and what all teacher educators need to do to prepare mainstream classroom teachers to teach English language learners (ELLs). While the discussion applies to teachers of immigrant and refugee…

If classroom teachers are among the greatest determinant of student learning, then teacher preparation programs have a role to play improving educational outcomes for struggling learners. There are currently three established teacher preparation program models: (1) "discrete"; (2) "integrated"; and (3) "merged." In the "discrete" model, which is…

Based on experience in integrating gifted and talented education into a Missouri school district, this article explains necessary steps: setting and clarifying objectives, identifying talent, using careful measures, getting staff input, creating a fitting and differentiated curriculum, broadening teacher roles, and overseeing the program.…

Evaluation of the 1-year program for approximately 25 seriously emotionally disturbed older adolescents involved a review of the program design (objectives and organization), the planning process, interviews with staff, and analysis of data about student progress. Interviews were conducted with 11 staff members to elicit information on such topics…

Presents an overview of school inclusion programs for students with disabilities and describes specific strategies for designing and implementing successful programs which prepare students for the real world. Outlines strategies involving organizational change, curriculum and instruction modification, and school culture transformation. (GR)

This feasibility study was conducted to determine the appropriateness and viability of developing a video-based training program to assist music educators in mainstreaming students with disabilities into general music classes. Following an introduction, the report is organized into five chapters: (1) Mainstreaming and Music Education, which…

Presented are the findings of a study designed to identify and describe vocational education programs that have been successful in mainstreaming mildly handicapped students (educable mentally retarded, learning disabled, and mildly emotionally disturbed). The structural elements of 30 exemplary programs in six states are described and an optimal…

A retrospective evaluation of a Dean's Project at the University of Utah offers insights on the building of a program to prepare teachers to deal with mainstreaming. The program, funded federally, was begun in 1975 and was defunded in 1979. Reflections are made on what appear to be, in hindsight, mistakes in the way the program was developed. The…

Eight major characteristics of educational programs that aim to successfully accommodate exceptional children in regular classes are identified, discussed, and illustrated. The effectiveness of the implementation of the Adaptive Learning Environments Program in a multiage primary classroom of low and high achievers is reported. (Author/RH)

Seven papers discussing practical strategies and examples for designing and implementing inclusive educational programs for Minnesota public schools are presented. The papers include: (1) "Strategies for Achieving an Integrated Education for Middle School Learners with Severe Disabilities" (Jennifer York and Terri Vandercook); (2)…

A discussion of elementary and middle school curriculum design to meet the needs of students learning English as a Second Language (ESL) focuses on the ways in which ESL instruction can be incorporated into the curriculum. It begins with a brief review of statistics on the population of limited-English-proficient (LEP) students in the schools and…

A study of English-as-a-second-language (ESL) and bilingual education policies in Oregon's local school districts analyzed their contribution to equal educational opportunity and quality education for language minority students. A survey of all public school districts in the state elicited information about eight policy areas: identification and…

This report documents the evaluation of Project Unity, a New York City short-term teacher inservice training program designed to improve teacher competence in providing instruction to children of limited English proficiency (LEP). The Project served a total of 119 teachers of LEP students in both special and general education classes in 18…

A bilingual education program in two New York City elementary schools is evaluated. The program served 369 students, most of them limited-English-proficient native Spanish-speakers, providing supplementary instructional services in English as a Second Language (ESL), native language arts, and mathematics in the context of architecture. The report…