In this study, the authors examine the learning of 48 preservice teachers (PSTs) taking a literacy course in special education and the primary-grade struggling readers they tutored in a field component of the course. The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effects of the course and tutoring on PSTs' knowledge and…

In this study, the authors determine the efficacy of videoconferencing to supervise pre-service special education teachers. Efficacy is determined by (a) assessing interobserver reliability between on-site and off-site observers and (b) evaluating the feasibility and practicality of the videoconferencing technology. Data are collected in two…

This paper describes the evaluation of an experimental program in which eight student special education teachers supervised new preservice trainees in a Direct Instruction practicum. Improvement in trainees' presentation and error correction skills and their positive evaluation of the practicum suggest the effectiveness of this peer coaching…

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…

The article describes revisions in the Field Study Interaction Approach (FSIA), a noncategorical teacher education approach combining increased practicum experience and competency based instruction with affective components related to self concept. Results of a second study of FSIA are reported. (CL)

The survey of regular (N=250) and special education (N=190) elementary grade teachers found most teachers reported that their training programs had not provided effective, explicit, and contextualized instruction within either the didactic or practicum settings. (DB)

The article describes a model of special education teacher preparation used at Purdue University (Indiana). Guided practicum experiences and student teacher implementation of critical teacher effectiveness variables are critical components of the model. (Author/DB)

This study investigated the use of online mentoring in giving professional support to 26 limited licensed teachers doing a practicum in the area of emotional/behavioral disorders. The practicum involved planning, implementing and evaluating an intervention for a learner in the teacher's classroom who displayed longstanding problems in behavior.…

A seven-week summer academic noncategorical training program for special education teachers organized around specific teaching competencies resulted in significant academic gains for 80 mildly handicapped elementary students. (CL)

This paper describes an alternative portfolio practicum option for veteran teachers seeking certification and/or a graduate degree in special education while on the job. It explains eligibility for students to participate in the Portfolio Practicum, mandatory components and learning activities (e.g., seminars and consultations), and outcomes for…

Discussion of special education practica for early childhood general education majors first considers exo- and meso-system issues that either enhance or constrain the redesign of the practicum experience. It then reports findings on student outcomes of 32 students who participated in a redesigned practicum. (Contains 5 references.) (DB)

This introduction discusses how creative programmatic activities can be designed to address the needs of preservice and inservice educators. It describes a practicum that provided preservice students in early childhood special education opportunities to apply consultation skills to teachers working with children with disabilities and an inservice…

This article describes an innovative practicum that provided preservice graduate students in early childhood special education opportunities to apply consultation skills and practices to teachers working with young children with disabilities. Generally, childcare providers rated the consultation skills of the students participating in the…

The development of a multidisciplinary teacher training program for regular and special educators at the University of Utah is described. Responses from faculty members concerning the ideal and actual role descriptions of administrators, counselors, psychologists, secondary teachers, elementary teachers, and special education teachers are listed.…

A practicum model was designed to prepare secondary special education teachers to be collaborative decision makers and reflective practitioners. Over the course of the practicum, the nine participants were found to exhibit more reflective thinking, and collaboration with their peers seemed to assist in developing effective instructional…