There is a well-documented need for leadership personnel who are prepared at the doctoral level to fill special education faculty positions at institutions of higher education (IHEs) and train the next generation of teachers. The intersection of continued retirements of special education faculty, shortage of well-prepared special education faculty…

A competency-based sequence in supervision was designed, developed, and field tested with doctoral trainees over a three-year period. Evaluation revealed positive outcomes for supervisors and their student teachers as well as an impact on classroom projects involving handicapped students. (CL)

A national survey of higher education special education faculty (n=243) found respondents to be involved in formal support programs and other activities for college students with disabilities on a widespread basis but with minimal time commitments. Results suggest realigning institutional reward systems to address faculty interests and campus…

An Ohio State University doctoral program for special education leadership personnel emphasizing applied behavior analysis is described. The program features intensive formal coursework, special topic seminars, participation in three research studies prior to dissertation, supervised college teaching and advising experiences, and a 10-week summer…

This paper describes the development and promotion of research leadership in special education through a postdoctoral fellowship program designed to provide faculty mentoring and research apprenticeship experiences. Results are discussed, based on 30 participants over 12 years, as are implications of such programs for research leadership.…

Special education doctoral programs in 44 universities were surveyed to assess program characteristics, student characteristics, and student financial support. Results indicate that both numbers of focus areas of doctoral studies (such as early childhood, severe/multiple disabilities, and learning disabilities) and sources of student support have…

This paper describes a research-based apprenticeship model preparing minority group students to enter doctoral programs with the goal of becoming faculty members in university special education departments. Seventeen recommendations for recruitment and training strategies are offered, such as providing enhanced financial aid and providing faculty…

Noting a shortage of doctoral special educators, this article focuses on the need for training of special education faculty in California. It describes a new program at the University of San Francisco program that emphasizes coordinated professional development, flexible class schedule, student diversity, and minority group research. Outcomes for…

This article discusses a pilot project at the Department of Special Education at West Virginia University of peer teachers' supervision of practicing, uncertified teachers in on-the-job experiences, describes components of training sessions to develop supervising teachers' skills in observing performance, providing feedback, and evaluating…

This article introduces a special issue of this journal, featuring six articles on the preparation of higher education special education faculty. Faculty shortages are documented, as is the need for the recruitment and training of faculty representing minority groups. The need for faculty to be both scholars and researchers is also discussed. (PB)

A list of microcomputing competencies associated with functions that special education professors typically perform was assessed by 148 special education faculty who use microcomputers. Word processing was rated as the single most useful competency, along with the category of providing instruction about microcomputer applications in special…

This article reviews research on the shortage of African Americans in university special education faculties, identifying problems in the faculty development system and possible solutions. Suggestions focus on improving available financial support, mentoring, and developing opportunities for creative research and writing, in order to recruit,…