Student performance in mathematics has been linked to the mathematical knowledge of the teacher. Based on this finding, a 5-day professional development module was created to improve teachers' mathematical knowledge and their understanding of number sense. We found no difference prior to the professional development in mathematical content…

A survey of 212 Wisconsin special educators found the majority were expected to supervise paraeducators but had no preservice education or inservice from their school system. Ninety percent felt teacher-educator institutions should educate preservice educators and indicated topics that should be covered. Respondents' challenges to working with…

West Virginia University's five-year preservice teacher education program prepares general education teachers for students with special needs. Using a strand approach, special education learning outcomes and competencies have been incorporated into core education courses. A survey of 72 program participants and 11 faculty members indicates…

This article highlights major points of each of the articles in this special issue on the research to practice gap in special education. It then considers some broader implications, especially the need to foster and establish collegial networks to counter the isolation in which many teachers currently work. (Contains references.) (DB)

A survey of 403 general and special education teachers found most had received no training in multicultural education even though most reported that cultural knowledge would help them understand the influence of their students' verbal and nonverbal learning/behavioral styles. Knowledge about the language of multicultural students and child…

A study of 128 general education teachers found that teachers' efficacy beliefs for instructing students with learning and behavior problems had a direct effect on their perceived success in instructing mainstreamed special education students. Teacher efficacy also mediated the influence of self-perceptions related to the quality of preservice…

This article describes how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) was used to help prospective teachers (1) define various disabilities; (2) learn teaching strategies for inclusion settings; and (3) value collaboration with other professionals. Quantitative and qualitative data on the PBL experience of 44 preservice teachers support the use of PBL in the…

This article describes a University of Hawaii at Manoa course that is designed to prepare teachers and related school personnel to work with at-risk students in inclusive settings. A survey of 105 special education teacher certification programs found that only 9 offered a separate course on working with at-risk students. (Contains references.)…

Describes a staff-development program in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) designed to increase the knowledge and skills for special and general educators, administrators, and related service personnel. Describes the content of the program is and presents procedures for tailoring and delivering the program to specific audiences.…

This article argues that multicultural education is a powerful and necessary tool for preparing future general and special educators to provide services to students with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It presents ideas for educators willing to assist multicultural learners in maximizing their fullest potential…

This article describes Project Inclusion, a state-funded project at Southeastern Louisiana University, which provided financial support for general educators to take university courses to develop their knowledge and skills concerning students with disabilities. The courses emphasized collaboration techniques, curricular modifications, and behavior…

This article addresses educators' ethical responsibility for recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of African American students with disabilities. It opens with a brief overview of multicultural education and continues with a three-pronged model for addressing multicultural competencies: awareness, knowledge, and skills. Strategies for…

Describes the four modules of a project for enhancing the knowledge and skills of educators to better serve children with attention deficits, and the inservice personnel-preparation program based on these modules. Modules focus on characteristics and identification, model school programs, effective classroom interventions, and policy and…

This article focuses on the role of the special educator in an inclusive school. It reviews the development of a special education knowledge base and specific schools' change to an inclusive service delivery model. The information indicates special educators' roles include instruction, assessment, curriculum, leadership, and record keeping.…

Describes the distance-learning staff-development opportunities produced through an initial project on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) at the University of Georgia, the effects of the technology involved, and the opportunities that have evolved from programs created. Addresses selection of distance learning technology. (Author/CR)