This paper discusses the recent rise in teacher recruitment problems in England and examines possible causes. These are varied, but a main cause appears to be the increased variety of programmes on offer, which, it appears, is confusing applicants. Three different programme's trainees were asked to complete questionnaires at the start of their…

The authors share the results of an ongoing study of the changing roles that paraeducators may face when they work in inclusive classrooms. The results of the study may fill an identified research gap regarding what para-educators in inclusive classrooms actually do (given that only 7 studies published between 1999-2006). The results of the pilot…

Knowledge of another language is an advantage and it gives people to look at the world and in particular to the world's cultures with a broader perspective. Learning English as a second language is the process by which students learn it in addition to their native language. Today, internet is an important part of our lives as English. For this…

A kindergarten screening instrument used by the Springfield, Ohio city schools is included in this document, along with related materials concerning test norms, composite class records, and information for parents (with suggested activities for promoting child development and school readiness at home). Also included is an outline of a rationale…

A rural district designed a unique program for gifted elementary students which allowed any teacher the opportunity to develop and teach a qualitatively different unit to students identified as gifted. The half-day once-a-week pull-out program encouraged teachers to be part of the selection process and employed a coordinator to monitor the…

The emergence and importance of educational interpreters for hearing impaired students are reviewed. Qualifications in the Mesa (Arizona) Public Schools for this position are set forth, including certification and ability to work on a team. Duties beyond interpreting include assisting in normal classroom routines and procedures and acting as…

This paper describes the methods engaged in by an internal evaluation unit within a large school district to transition program staff from participating in a formal program evaluation to continuing the responsibility of program monitoring once an evaluation ends. Formal multiyear program evaluations can provide program managers and staff with…

The goal of this panel was to explore the functions and roles of all personnel involved in new instructional systems which bring to bear advances in learning research and instructional technology. Five "approaches" for achieving this goal arose out of a discussion of the many problems involved in the design and implementation of new instructional…

In Kansas, paraprofessionals have very specific roles and responsibilities in special education, and increasingly, in classes for severely handicapped and deaf blind students. Paraprofessionals have instruction responsibilities under the supervision of the classroom teacher. Additional duties include assisting with supplementary work for advanced…

The use of evaluation findings for program improvement and decision making was explored with the philosophy that different levels of information use occur--from altering perceptions of a program, to influencing major decisions about it. The strategy of deliberately involving potential information users such as clients, sponsors, and other…

This paper offers reflections from the author's experience with community placement for developmentally disabled persons, specifically addressing practical and philosophical issues. Drawn from the author's personal involvement with the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center (MORE) in Michigan, this document notes nine illustrations of progress from…

The school nurse plays a significant role in the education of the handicapped as a result of Public Law 94-142. (MM)

Rural school districts face special problems in serving children with multiple/severe low incidence handicaps. One option not usually considered for this population is full time regular class placement. Five models may be used in regular class placement: (1) team teaching in which two appropriately certified teachers share management…

The role and contribution to education of physical therapists are discussed. The history of physical therapy within the public schools extends beyond the implementation of special education legislation, but the law did promote a change from the medical to a more educational focus for therapy. Guidelines are summarized on the types of physical…

Presented is a paper, delivered at the 1975 Annual International Convention of the Council for Exceptional Children, on planning and implementing an educational program audit for gifted students (K-12) of the Rowland Unified School District in California. Briefly explained in the introduction are the roles of the district evaluator and the county…