Field experiences are often considered by researchers, leading organizations, and accrediting bodies as a critical component of special education teacher preparation. Yet, much remains unknown about the types or numbers of field experiences that will best prepare special education teacher candidates. Given the ongoing changes in the field of…

This study was conducted to collect validity evidence to support the use of an observation instrument to evaluate the performance of special education teachers (SETs) of students with significant disabilities (SWSD). In the study, a purposive sample of 49 SETs of SWSD, who were appropriately credentialed and experienced, evaluated the content of…

Family-professional partnerships are essential for promoting positive outcomes for students with and without disabilities. However, the extent to which professional preparation standards address skills to cultivate family-professional partnerships is unclear. Without this knowledge, it is challenging to understand the preparation of education…

Over the last decade, there has been ample evidence reporting the lack of high-quality and compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in the United States. This problem has many consequences, including poor student outcomes and failure to follow legal due process. Despite these consequences, research has not thoroughly examined the…

Field placements are arguably the most crucial component of traditional preservice special education teacher preparation. In field placements, cooperating teachers and university supervisors foster preservice special educators' sense of efficacy to teach, supporting their investment in continuing in the profession. Although ample research…

As the teacher shortage continues to sweep the country, Grow Your Own (GYO) programs designed to attract and prepare more individuals into the teaching ranks are gaining national attention, particularly those targeting special education. Assisting paraprofessionals who work with students with disabilities has long been considered as one strategy…

Special education teacher (SET) burnout is a significant concern, especially for SETs serving students with emotional-behavioral disorders (EBD), as they tend to experience higher burnout than other teachers. Working conditions, especially social support, have the potential to ameliorate burnout, but prior research has not articulated the sources…

In the United States, there exists a chronic shortage of qualified special education teachers to provide instructional services to students with disabilities. One policy solution developed to increase the number of qualified teachers is alternative routes (ARs), which are broadly defined as nontraditional and accelerated preparation paths to…

Mixed-reality simulation is a technology-based tool used to augment preservice teacher education in special education; as such, researchers have conducted several studies to assess mixed-reality simulation for its effectiveness and efficacy. Though these researchers have concluded that mixed-reality simulation can be an effective tool, there is…

Teachers of students with extensive support needs (ESN) often perform many leadership-related tasks, such as supervising paraprofessionals or advocating school wide for student accessibility and inclusion. While teacher leadership has received considerable attention in research and practice, much of the attention has resided in general education…

Bullying in schools is a national problem receiving much needed attention. Teacher workplace bullying is a lesser known but equally debilitating problem. Our purpose in doing this study is to examine the problem of teacher workplace bullying and its effect on teachers, students, and schools. We surveyed 173 general and special education teachers…

Assistive technology (AT), a major source of adapted educational services, has been accepted as a valuable tool for students with disabilities in schools. Teacher readiness is a key factor in determining a student's successful inclusion, but many general and special education teachers are not fully prepared to implement AT in schools. In this…

In general education, researchers find candidates' pre-service experiences are a tool for socialization into the knowledge, norms, and values of the profession. An important aspect of this process is program vision--the collective understanding of teaching put forth by a preparation program. Yet, few investigations in special education examine…

Schools rely heavily on paraeducators to support the delivery of special education services for students with disabilities (SWDs). However, paraeducators often lack formal training in implementing evidence-based practices. Traditional methods of professional development are not effective at producing long-term changes in classroom staff. Prior…

Although special education legal knowledge is central to educating students with disabilities, how two critical school professionals--special educators and school principals--garner such knowledge is unclear. This study identified gaps in the professional training for special educators and school principals by examining professional standards and…