This monograph discusses competency/performance-based teacher education (C/PBTE) as a training alternative with promise and problems. Four basic characteristics of C/PBTE are discussed, namely, specification of competencies to be mastered, assessment of C/PBTE outcomes, extensive use of technology, and use of flexible time requirements for…

This volume considers both the philosophical bases and the practical realities of individualization through the analysis of various approaches to the contract learning process. The first section serves as an introduction to contracting. Chapter 1 develops the concept of contract learning and attempts to set it in perspective within the larger…

The national shortage and exceptionally high attrition rate of special education teachers are impediments to serving students with special needs. Given that only 64 percent of special education teachers have access to a mentor compared with 86 percent of general education teachers, this book meets an essential need for attracting, retaining, and…

For lower-achieving students with disabilities, effective and appropriate alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards (AA-MAS) can open the door to greater expectations and opportunities. State policymakers have the option of providing certain students who have disabilities with AA-MAS aligned with grade-level content--and now…

This monograph describes the curriculum of the child development center of the Early Childhood-Special Education Teacher Preparation Program. The center provides a model preschool program in which teacher trainees work with children, ages 2-6, (several of whom have developmental deficiencies). The curriculum is designed to help teacher trainees…

Factors involved in the planning, development, and review of degree programs, as well as features of traditional and alternative approaches to improving degree programs, are examined. After considering terminology and different philcsophies of education, attention is directed to the importance of program structure and the necessity of considering…

Student-directed IEPs are quickly gaining momentum in schools across the country--the proven benefits include higher academic achievement, enhanced student motivation, and increased communication and self-advocacy skills for students with disabilities. Now for the first time, there's a book that gives elementary and high school educators in-depth…

Many teachers of students with mild disabilities experience difficulty writing IEPs, and they lack a foundation in the regular education curriculum of academic skills and sequences associated with each grade level. This book was designed to provide this foundation. Presented in the form of scope and sequence charts that can be used as objectives…

This text presents a framework and strategies for ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum. Chapter 1 discusses standards-based reform and the links between standards and curriculum. The three domains of knowledge for ensuring access are also introduced: content knowledge, learning processes, and…

This text presents a framework and strategies for ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum. Chapter 1 discusses standards-based reform and the links between standards and curriculum. The three domains of knowledge for ensuring access are also introduced: content knowledge, learning processes, and…

To support K-12 students with significant disabilities and get an accurate picture of their skills and knowledge, schools need to implement effective alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). This is the guidebook every team should have--not only to develop successful AA-AAS linked with grade-level content standards,…

This book is intended to facilitate the meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities in district and state assessments as required by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. First, an introductory chapter offers reasons for including students with disabilities in district and statewide accountability systems.…

Designed for general and special education administrators, teachers, and other education professionals, this book offers a "big picture" of high expectations, assessment, and accountability for students with significant disabilities. Chapters focus on the following eight steps involved in the development and administration of alternate…

This book is intended to facilitate the meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities in district and state assessments as required by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. First, an introductory chapter offers reasons for including students with disabilities in district and statewide accountability systems.…

Intended for administrators responsible for educating students with disabilities in inclusive schools, the book has 14 chapters with the following titles: (1) "Administrative Theory, Roles, and Leadership Characteristics"; (2) "Administering School Reforms"; (3) "Incidences of Disability"; (4) "Organizing School…