The field of special education's focus on moderate and severe disabilities (MSD) has undergone a number of changes in the past five decades. Some have been philosophical, some based on research, some based on mandated practices through U.S. law, and some based on the development of better technologies. While pioneers in the field first established…

Virtual reality is an emerging technology that has resulted in rapid expansion in the development of virtual immersive environments for use as educational simulations in schools, colleges and universities. This article presents an overview of virtual reality, describes a number of applications currently being used by special educators for…

This article explains the process of identifying grant funding sources and writing a grant proposal and attempts to demystify the process as it relates to grant funding in special education and disability services. It offers a series of simple steps to help new or less experienced grant writers in locating funding agencies, reading and…

Professional journals are an integral component of information dissemination and professional development in the field of special education. Peer review of manuscripts submitted for consideration for publication in journals is the cornerstone of the professional review process, providing editors with advice about the value of the information…

The use of distance education for rural personnel preparation in special education and disability services was examined in the literature on 32 programs. The programs tended to have a narrow focus on graduate education in low-incidence disabilities; needed external support due to high costs; and had demonstrated sustainability. Emerging trends are…

This paper describes the use of webcasting technology in a personnel preparation program for rural special education practitioners. Emerging technologies offer promising solutions to the challenges of providing accessible and appropriate training to rural special educators. Web-based instruction is especially appropriate for on-the-job training of…

Rural schools experience major problems in every aspect of personnel preparation in special education. Review examines what has been done and the problems faced by rural schools in the areas of traditional and nontraditional preservice programs, individual and program qualification mechanisms, personnel recruitment and retention, and retraining…

Alternative certification programs allow individuals with college degrees in other fields to enter teaching without enrolling in traditional campus-based teacher education programs. These programs are designed to reduce the time and expense of obtaining teaching credentials through a streamlined curriculum coupled with intensive on-the-job…

Multimedia instructional materials represent an important resource for teacher education programs in special education. They enable prospective special educators to observe and study important aspects of professional practice without the time and expense of actual field experiences. Multimedia materials can be a form of anchored instruction or…

This article examines trends in technology in special educational and in teacher education; addresses the positive and negative effect of technologies on service delivery and on personnel preparation; and explores how educators' attitudes and reactions and toward emerging technologies will determine the future of teacher education in special…

Education in general and special education in particular are undergoing rapid and dramatic changes, and a number of current trends offer implications for future policy and practice. It is becoming clear that principles of special education are shaping the future of all education. As schools become more inclusive, attention is focused on…

The integration of new technologies using digital media materials in preservice and inservice programs to prepare educational personnel presents both opportunities and challenges for teacher educators in special education. The TEACH Act of 2002 provided some guidelines for appropriate use of copyrighted materials in face-to-face, televised, and…

This column describes several commercial Web sites seen to be helpful in special education and disability services programs and personnel preparation. These include sites of the Laureate Learning Company, the Slater Software Company, the Intellitools Company, the Attainment Company, and the Don Johnston Company. Potential uses for these sites are…

Uses data from 1985 and 1988 surveys of 48 rural West Virginia school districts to assess changes in patterns of personnel deployment and program implementation related to students with severe disabilities. Examines staff ratios, certification issues, teacher recruitment and retention problems, service delivery, and service configurations.…

This article examines federal law and institutional policies relevant to copyright and intellectual property as they apply to faculty and students in teacher education programs in special education. Copyright law and intellectual property are explained, including changes associated with the Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization…