Although researchers have developed evidence-based practices and identified other effective practices that show promise for improving outcomes for students with disabilities, these practices are all too frequently not used in inclusive classrooms. Some have posited that this research-to-practice gap may result because teachers lack confidence in…

The current study examined Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers' understanding, attitudes and demographic influences regarding inclusion in ECE. Embedded within inclusive pedagogical philosophy, the present descriptive study draws on a sample of 21 ECE teachers purposively selected from ECE settings in Mashonaland West educational province of…

"The Changing Face of Special Educational Needs" shows teachers, SENCOs and students in teacher training how to respond to the rapidly changing context of special education. This highly practical and accessible text unlocks the often confusing field of special education provision in schools today by: (1) Summarising and clarifying new policy…

The role of theory-based research in early childhood special education is examined, including the relevance of such research at different phases of teachers' careers. It is recommended that professional education provide teachers with skills to construct personalized theories of effective educational practices and to evaluate their theories.…

Explains the lack of connection between the knowledge base that exists to improve the education of children with disabilities, and the practices of districts and professionals. Discusses the lack of teacher preparation and the difficulties that veteran teachers have in finding the time and energy to implement best practices. (CR)

Describes how the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) have been integrated into teacher education in order to expand the use of technology in special education. Specific examples are provided showing how faculty can instruct teachers in ways to use this technology in K-12 classroom instruction. (CR)

This commentary discusses concerns related to special education research, particularly the research-to-practice gap in the United States. It contends that by addressing problems associated with teacher education, teacher attrition, and teacher shortage in special education, great strides can be made in closing the gap. (Contains references.)…

This introductory article notes the special issue's purpose of highlighting ways to close gaps between research and practice in special education from the perspective of teacher preparation, inservice training, professional development, and collaborations between researchers and teachers in local schools. (DB)

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of a project that addressed three challenges to improving outcomes for young children with disabilities: (1) a current and thorough synthesis of the knowledge base, (2) the effective translation and dissemination of this information for families, practitioners, and administrators, and (3) an…

The Attitudes toward Mainstreaming Scale was administered to 233 undergraduate education majors, 110 of whom participated in a follow-up study. Students were generally willing to teach the disabled. Attitudes toward mainstreaming became more positive during professional preparation but declined after student teaching. Implications for teacher…

This book is the fourth of four volumes in a directory of more than 1,000 discretionary grants and contracts supported by the Research to Practice Division of the Office of Special Education Programs. This volume focuses on projects concerned with technical assistance, dissemination, parent information, and state improvement. The Technical…

This final report of Project Prepare, a federally funded program at the University of Tennessee, describes the critical features and specific goals of the project, as well as program evaluation methods and results. The program was funded to develop a personnel preparation program for early childhood specialists that emphasized an…

This book is a directory of about 1,100 discretionary projects supported by the Office of Special Education Programs and focuses on projects concerned with personnel preparation. This second volume of four presents projects designed to help address state-identified needs for qualified personnel in special education, related services, early…

This paper reviews progress made since a Council for Exceptional Children Commission in 2000 identified three outcomes fundamental to ensuring learning results for every exceptional learner. It concludes that the special education field will continue to lose its workforce without the active engagement of state and local policymakers, educators,…

This directory is one of five which together describe almost 1200 discretionary grants and contracts currently supported by the Research to Practice Division of the Office of Special Education Programs under the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This document covers grants and contracts in the program area…