The prominence of paraprofessionals in the education of students with severe disabilities highlights the importance of ensuring special education teachers provide effective supervision and support. The authors conducted in-depth individual interviews with members of nine educational teams--a total of 22 teachers and paraprofessionals--to identify…

In this study, the authors examine the content of reflective journals written by six Deaf pre-service teachers during their student teaching in classrooms with hearing students. In doing so, the authors analyze and compare the journal entries to the established literature on student teaching. Results indicate that these student teachers focused on…

This study examined perspectives of field experiences among preservice teachers and their cooperating teachers because of debate in the politically charged atmosphere of No Child Left Behind regarding teacher preparation programs. Nine pairs of preservice and cooperating teachers were observed and interviewed over the course of a semester to…

To adequately prepare preservice teachers to implement inclusive classrooms, teacher preparation programs must encourage professional interaction, collaboration, and knowledge about inclusion. Although some of these skills can be presented in coursework, prospective teachers must be provided with opportunities to practice these skills in classroom…

This study focused on preservice general education teachers who were prepared to use an evidence-based teaching practice and the effects the practice had on their pupils' academic performance. Participants learned to use Juniper Gardens Children's Project's Class Wide Peer Tutoring (CWPT) program through a two-hour workshop and with in class…

Twelve cooperating teachers documented the time they spent with preservice teachers during 11 weeks of student teaching in special education classrooms. Cooperating teachers spent the largest amount of time observing and providing feedback to the student teachers. Cooperating teachers rated planning as most important. (Author/DB)

This article specifies effective field-based supervising teacher characteristics and practices, to assist university personnel in selecting and guiding supervising teachers in special education. The characteristics and practices focus on understanding university expectations, preparing for the practicum student, providing an exemplary model and…

This study compared traditional university supervision of 15 preservice students and peer coaching procedures used with 14 students (all in their first field-based special education practica). Results suggested both approaches were equally effective for increasing desired teacher behaviors and decreasing undesired teacher behaviors. Both students…

A study of influences on practicum students' (N=8) acquisition of teaching skills for mainstreaming handicapped children revealed that cooperating teachers, university supervisors, course work, field experiences, and practicum assignments exerted the greatest influence on student teachers. (CB)

Five special education student teachers and their cooperating teachers maintained weekly journals reflecting upon successive, prescribed themes. The journal entries of both students and teachers confirmed that a practicum situation provides an opportunity for critical reflection, enhancing the student teaching experience as a shared occasion for…

Fifty-four special education student teachers were evaluated by university supervisors and cooperating teachers on eight variables, during the first and last weeks of their student teaching. Student teachers who had either participated in university-sponsored field-based experience or had obtained such experience independently received…

The purpose of this inquiry was to describe the benefits and limitations of using two-way audio/video conferencing technology in a preservice teacher training program located in a remote area. Two-way conferencing technology was introduced on a trial basis to assist in the supervision of practicum students and student teachers in remote university…

Analysis of teacher trainee performance ratings collected from special education teacher trainees (N=151), university supervisors (N=9), and cooperating teachers (N=44) revealed that all three groups perceived identical factors--instructional management, cognitive strategies instruction, and career/vocational education--as underlying the construct…