Redesigning Special Education Teacher Preparation

Redesigning Special Education Teacher Preparation describes both challenges and possible solutions to redesigning and restructuring high-incidence teacher preparation programs so graduates will meet the Highly Qualified Teacher requirements and be prepared to teach students with high-incidence disabilities. This powerful new text discusses many possible reforms, including field-based teacher preparation, a focus on evidence-based core practices and teacher moves, collaboration with K–12 school-based partners as teacher educators, interdisciplinary collaboration across university faculty, and a grounding in current expectations for high-stakes accountability and program evaluation.

Compilations of research on teacher preparation often include no more than a cursory mention of the specific roles and needs of special education teachers. Although the work that special education teachers perform does indeed differ from the work of classroom teachers, teacher preparation in the two fields has much in common. The purpose of this seven-part handbook is to expand our knowledge of teacher education broadly by providing an in-depth look at the most up-to-date research on special education teacher preparation. Opening chapters ground the collection in political and economic context, while subsequent sections delve deeply into issues related to the current state of our special education workforce and offer insights into how to best prepare and sustain that workforce. Ultimately, by illuminating the particularities of special education teacher preparation, this landmark handbook addresses the state of current research in the field and sets an agenda for future scholarship.

The purpose of this seven-part handbook is to expand our knowledge of teacher education broadly by providing an in-depth look at the most up-to-date research on special education teacher preparation.

"What tools are in the toolkit of an excellent special educator, and how can teacher preparation programs provide these tools in the most efficient, effective way possible? This practical, clearly written book is grounded in current research and policy as well as the author's extensive experience as a teacher educator. It identifies what special education teachers need to know to work competently with students with a wide variety of learning challenges and disabilities. Chapters present specific guidelines for helping teacher candidates build critical skills for instruction and assessment, get the most out of field placements, and collaborate successfully with other school personnel and with parents. Subject Areas/Keywords: assessments, curriculum, disabilities, exceptional children, field work, IEPs, inclusion, instruction, learning, lessons, professional development, special education, special needs, standards, students, teacher preparation programs, teacher training, teachers, teaching Audience: Teacher educators in special education, graduate students preparing to be teacher educators, and school district personnel who provide staff development for special education teachers"--

The new edition of this landmark text expands our current understanding of teacher education broadly by providing an in-depth look at the most up-to-date research on special education teacher preparation. Offering a comprehensive review of research on attracting, preparing, and sustaining personnel to effectively serve students with disabilities, it is fully updated to align with current knowledge and future perspectives on special educator development, synthesizing what we can do to continue advancing as a field. The Handbook of Research on Special Education Teacher Preparation is a great resource not only to special education faculty and the doctoral students they prepare, but also to scholars outside of special education who address questions related to special education teacher supply, demand, and attrition.

This book provides a framework, concrete examples, and tools for designing a high quality, academically-robust preservice teacher preparation program that empowers teachers with the depth of professional knowledge and the skills required to become adaptable, responsive K-12 teachers ready to engage with diverse groups of students, and to achieve consistent learning outcomes. Renowned teacher educators Etta R. Hollins and Connor K. Warner present a systematic approach for developing a teacher preparation program characterized by coherence, continuity, consistency, integrity, and trustworthiness, as well as one that is firmly grounded in collaboration between faculty, community members, and other school practitioners. This book offers an evidence-based roadmap relevant for teacher educators, administrators, scholars, agencies at the state and national levels, and any organization that serves teacher educators.

Educators play a significant role in the intellectual and social development of children and young adults. Thus, it is important for next-generation teachers to have a strong educational background, as it serves as the foundation to their understanding of learning processes, leadership, and best practices in the field of education. Innovative Practices in Teacher Preparation and Graduate-Level Teacher Education Programs presents critical and relevant research on methods by which future educators in high-level courses are equipped and instructed in order to promote the best experience in academic scholarship. Featuring discussion on a diverse assortment of topics, such as social justice for English language learners, field-based teacher education, and student satisfaction in graduate programs, this publication is directed at academicians, students, and researchers seeking modern research on the approaches taken by instructors to qualify and engage future educators.

The topic of special education is rich in knowledge and pedagogy that covers multiple disciplines within the school environment. Many special educators complete graduate degrees and explore a variety of topics within the special education context; however, there is a need for more resources that provide essential knowledge to special education professionals. New Considerations and Best Practices for Training Special Education Teachers discusses best practices and strategies special education professionals require to become more proficient in teaching students with exceptional needs and addresses the most important components of the special education teacher’s job. Serving as a guide of what a special educator must know to be effective within the classroom and providing an overview of the most important components of the special education teacher’s job, the needs of the special educator, along with new research in the field, this timely book covers a range of topics such as assistive technologies and special education law. It is ideal for special education teachers, industry professionals, guidance counselors, academicians, professors, researchers, practitioners, and students.