The purpose of this paper is to discuss the limitations of law interpretations and policy regulations as they pertain to inclusion and exclusion of people with physical disabilities in physical education. We believe interpretation of the law has professional implications that must be addressed. Specifically, the ideal and the reality of the laws…

The majority of physical education teacher education (PETE) programs include some form of adapted physical education (APE) training for preservice teachers; yet PETE candidates report feeling underprepared to teach individuals with disabilities. The number of students with disabilities included in general education continues to grow, in accordance…

Recent efforts to change the teaching profession and teacher preparation include a number of innovations to use portfolio assessment, value added measures (VAM), accountability metrics and other corporate education reform ideas. These approaches may provoke considerable potential legal consequences. Traditional constitutional and civil rights…

As a hybrid between a college or university student and an elementary or secondary school employee, the student teacher is in a special situation. The potential for being a plaintiff (the party who sues), the defendant (the party who is sued), or a third party that is integrally involved in a lawsuit is higher because the bodies of law pertinent…

The Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act mandates that every student with an Individualized Education Program be considered for assistive technology (AT). As a result, future special educators need to have the knowledge and skills regarding AT. In this article, the authors report findings from a national study of special education teacher…

As increasing numbers of students with disabilities enter the country's teacher education programs, violations of their civil rights are on the increase. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities at institutions which receive federal funds. Section 504 of the Act requires educational programs to…

This paper considers whether the involvement of student teachers with disabilities in clinical settings indicates a need for accommodations as mandated under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It stresses the importance of identification and involvement of all stakeholders and a structure for…

Adaptations, accommodations, and creative use of alternative approaches can make a difference in the success or failure of many college students, particularly those with disabilities. Gonzaga University (Washington) has implemented a holistic admissions process that has resulted in higher completion rates and the recruitment of more students from…

This paper reports on a survey concerning the essential functions of teaching and the rights of individuals with learning disabilities to become teachers. The major issues of the study were: (1) the essential functions of a teacher; (2) whether minimum competency is being tested for candidates seeking certification to teach; (3) whether…

This paper reviews the role of deaf teachers in the education of deaf children and urges the hiring of such teachers, especially in Texas. Part 1 presents current data on deaf teachers in Texas and the nation, reviews the history of deaf teachers, considers the modern day preparation of deaf teachers and some court cases supporting deaf teachers…