This study investigated the impact of accessibility training on incoming teaching assistants' (TAs) awareness of and preparation to implement academic adjustments and accommodations for students with disabilities. Pre- and postworkshop questionnaires and data gathered from weekly in-service group discussions indicated that TAs' knowledge of and…

Following the almost worldwide implementation of policies giving all students--including those with special education needs--the right to learn within the general education system, there has been a sharp increase in the number of inclusion assistants (IA). IAs provide special-needs students one-to-one accompaniment, allowing them to function in…

Preparation of high quality personnel to provide educational services to students with disabilities living in rural areas is, at best, challenging. Findings from a comprehensive study concerning the status of the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in rural settings and the issues such implementation presents…

Educational establishments are now legally bound to create inclusive learning environments. However, successful implementation will depend on changes in the culture and ethos of these institutions, as well as shifts in the attitudes and practices of staff. This article reports on the findings of an evaluation of staff development sessions led by…

This qualitative report examines the role of the paraprofessional. The 2004 reauthorization of IDEA, explains that paraprofessionals who are appropriately trained and supervised (in accordance with state law, regulation, or written policy) are recognized as personnel who may assist in the provision of special education and related services to…

This study describes responsibilities and training needs of paraeducators in physical education. Paraeducators (n = 138) employed in 34 midwestern schools received a 27-item questionnaire. Of the 138 paraeducators contacted, 76 responded, resulting in a 55.1% response rate. Only 16% of the total respondents (n = 76) reported receiving specific…

The human relations task force of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) sponsors a workshop series to improve human relations/productivity at the college. A practicum study evaluated the workshops by using the postworkshop training evaluation forms completed by workshop participants from 1990 to 1994. Data from a literature review were also…

An instrument was developed to obtain data relevant to why minorities with developmental disabilities drop out of the service delivery system in Wisconsin. The questionnaire, after being pre-tested and revised, was sent to agencies, organizations, and schools, and to individuals with developmental disabilities who agreed to participate in the…

A core group of pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade teachers and staff at a private day school were given in-service training to meet the special education needs of students. Training aimed to prepare personnel to identify students with mild handicaps, refer more severely handicapped students for diagnosis, and teach students with special…

This manual contains the Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Questionnaire (CCSAQ), a measure designed to assist service agencies working with children with disabilities and their families in self-evaluation of their cross-cultural competence. The measure is based on the Child and Adolescent Service System Program Cultural Competence Model. This…

Discusses staff development opportunities for school librarians and teachers to improve skills in meeting the needs of disabled students. Discusses results of a four-year study which evaluated school library services to disabled students in Australia and emphasizes the need for staff development programs that include policy formation, collection…

A needs assessment instrument was developed to aid rural (upstate New York) school officials in implementing staff development programs and determining special staff development needs for serving handicapped students in the mainstream. Survey responses were gathered from 85 elementary and secondary teachers in 3 school districts over 2 counties.…

This document is a practical guide to help managers of adult and community education programs in the United Kingdom address equality and diversity in the context of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) remit and the Common Inspection Framework. The following are among the topics discussed in Sections 1-4: (1) learner-centered approaches…

This resource manual is intended to be used by instructors and trainers in both preservice and short-term training as a tool to assist in designing new offerings and redesigning old offerings for work adjustment trainees. Annotations are provided of resources in 19 work adjustment competency areas, including the following: specific marketable…