The provision of special education for students with disabilities depends upon the availability of well-qualified special educators, which, in turn, depends upon the availability and characteristics of preparation programs. In countries of the world where special education systems are still developing the capacity to provide the education that…

In Alaska, potential students in regions distant from on-campus programs were able to participate in a graduate level certification program maintaining the same accreditation standards as the on-campus program employing video production, audioconferencing, audio cassettes and printed materials. (Author/CL)

Analysis of 16 master's level programs newly funded in FY 1983 was undertaken via an instrument designed to measure indicators of quality. All grant applications contained at least 72 percent of the indicators of quality; 40 items were present in 75 percent of the grants examined. (CL)

Analysis of fiscal year 1980 Comprehensive Systems of Personnel Development of 49 states, the District of Columbia, and two trust territories revealed that vocational educators and vocational and career content are not reflected extensively in comprehensive personnel planning regarding the education of handicapped children and youth. (CL)

The paper summarizes the design, content, and implementation of a faculty development program in microcomputers in the Department of Special Education at Ball State University. Three levels of training, from elementary BASIC programing through advanced applications of microcomputers, are described. (Author/CL)

A microcomputer laboratory for research, training, and service and a competency-based multilevel computer literacy training program for preservice special education teacher education students are described. Considerations in program development and implementation are noted. (CL)

A project at the University of Kansas has analyzed, evaluated, and developed guidelines for multicultural emphasis in special education teacher education. The project has progressed from analysis of the department curriculum to development of a workshop model (the format of which is included). (CL)

The 50 states and the District of Columbia were surveyed on certification and training programs for bilingual special education. Results indicated that a single state had established a certification program for bilingual special educators, but that and institutions of higher education in only 16 states offered training for bilingual special…

Eleven papers focus on the issue of dissemination in special education. (CL)

A team approach for planning and evaluating personnel preparation programs within the context of PL 94-142, (Education for All Handicapped Children Act), proceeds through six steps--from needs assessment through plan revision. Formative evaluation data has shown success in three goal areas and in staff satisfaction. (CL)

The paper describes the competency based, field centered Illinois State University Dean's Grant Project designed to exemplify interdisciplinary efforts among university faculty, parents, school personnel, community agencies and organizations, and other child advocates as well as to upgrade regular teacher education so that all children can be…

Schools are experiencing difficulty in addressing the needs of the disadvantaged, handicapped, and those with limited English ability. Several preservice and inservice programs and research activities concerning the preparation of vocational and special needs personnel are described. (JD)

Concentrated programs are needed to develop vocational teachers' competencies in creating, implementing, and evaluating individualized education programs. Further program improvement in teacher education might include emphasis on the development of a teacher's handbook, preservice teacher preparation programs, inservice teacher training programs,…

The report examines special education personnel preparation programs initiated under federal law. The evolution of the federal role in personnel preparation is reviewed beginning with the National Defense Education Act in 1958. Four federal initiatives are analyzed in detail: The Fellowship/Traineeship Program, the Program Assistance Grants, the…

The paper is a product of the 3-year project, "Functional Mainstreaming for Success," designed to develop a model for instructional mainstreaming of handicapped children (3-6 years old) in community settings. Evidence is presented of major competency deficiencies in both the pre-service and inservice training of regular teachers being asked to…