Responses to EC 604 077 include "A Proposed Certification Model for Special Education" (Paul Sindelar et al.), "Categorical versus Noncategorical versus Cross-Categorical Teacher Certification in Special Education" (Ann Nevin), and "Do We Have to Choose Categorical versus Noncategorical?" (Judith Bondurant-Utz et…

Competencies of two groups of first year special education teachers were compared: 109 graduates whose training was primarily categorical and 99 graduates whose training was primarily noncategorical or comprehensive. Results of surveys on competencies completed by Ss and 27 Directors of Special Education in Pennsylvania intermediate units revealed…

This article describes the results of a survey of Alabama special education teacher educators, school superintendents, special education coordinators, and noncategorically certified teachers five years after implementation of a mild learning-handicaps teaching certificate in the state, and relates the findings to national reports on this topic.…

An administrator of a school for students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities raises concerns about assumptions of inclusive education that "all teachers can teach all children" and movements toward a generic "teacher of the handicapped" certificate. He maintains that blindness requires highly specialized interventions. (DB)

Comparison of typical courses of study from 1970 to 1990 for students preparing to be teachers of pupils with mental retardation found little change in percentage of programs offering a special course on mental retardation; increased percentage of programs offering cross-categorical courses; and decreased percentage of programs requiring joint…

A nationwide study was conducted to examine the trend toward or away from noncategorical teacher certification in special education, as well as patterns and limits of existing state certification systems. Responses from both State Directors of Special Education and State Certification Officers were obtained at a rate of 100% and 98% respectively.…

This survey of 51 state directors of special education and 50 state certification officers found that, although states offering categorical certification alone outnumber those offering only noncategorical certification, there is wide variation among states and a trend toward noncategorical models. Recommendations emphasizing interagency…

This report examines attrition data of Kansas special education personnel employed in the 1993-94 school year who did not return for the 1994-95 year. Fifteen tables display data on: (1) numbers employed, numbers of leavers, and percent of attrition from 1976 to 1994 in each special education category; (2) employment and attrition by level of…

The instructional and political validity of current educational policy regarding categorical programs for low-achieving elementary school students are examined. The categorical organization of services for these students, characterized by a vast array of eligibility requirements, rules and regulations, and accounting systems, has resulted in a…

Forty-eight chief state certification officers and 50 state Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) officers responded to a two-part survey on special education certification and the supply and demand of special education and related services personnel. Survey data were considered within the context of recently approved federal…