Team collaboration is necessary to fully support school-age students who use assistive technology (AT). Teams should include the student, his or her family, and school professionals. Unfortunately, team collaboration is often not realized due to constraints that range from scheduling conflicts and language barriers to lack of defined roles and…

For students with disabilities, annual goals are the nuts and bolts of the everyday program outlined in their individualized education program (IEP). According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, a present level of performance with measurable annual goals must be outlined in a student's IEP. Goals should…

The task of hiring special education teachers may seem daunting because they serve in what is undeniably the most complex of teaching roles. This article provides guidance and suggestions for identifying key competencies that a viable special education teacher candidate should possess. Although many building leaders may still subscribe to gut…

This article describes the Laptop Computer Initiative (LCI), a program in a Delaware school district to enhance referral-to-placement practices and to develop individualized education programs for special education students. The six steps in the program's development are recounted and positive results of the LCI, such as increased staff efficiency…

Discusses the design, development, and teaching of two graduate-level special-education courses online using audio streaming technology. The teamwork involved in developing the system is described and suggestions are offered on how to engage instructional and technical developers in the creation of online instruction. (Author/CR)

This report presents findings of a 3-year study (1995-1998) of the effects of a comprehensive system of technology services to young children with mild to severe disabilities. The system's model incorporated: (1) on-going training, follow-up and technical support for teachers, and an on-site technology support team; (2) team-based technology…

This article provides an overview of a technology cohort model that seeks to enhance teacher use of technology through a collaborative learning model. The Learning Generation project brings together preservice students, university faculty, and practicing teachers to identify areas and strategies for designing technology-into-teacher preparation…

This brief paper describes a Macintosh computer program designed specifically to support the collaborative work of special education resource teachers. The increasing importance of collaboration between special and regular educators in serving the needs of students with disabilities is noted, as is the potential role of the microcomputer in aiding…

This report on the National Assistance Project for Special Education Technology provides a description, evaluation of the project, case studies, and vignettes. The project provided technical assistance to local school districts to implement technology within special education programs. In year 1, technical assistance was provided to 27 local…