The "Evaluating and Improving Teacher Preparation Programs" consensus report provides critical, evidence-based recommendations for teacher preparation program (TPP) evaluation and improvement and the systemic changes necessary to improve teaching as a profession. The report documents the extensive research that supports four groups of…

This dissertation comprises three complementary studies that aim to advance the understanding and practice of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) development in special education. In the first study, we systematically reviewed empirical research measuring IEP…

Special education teacher training programs are increasingly addressing pedagogy for academic subjects, but little is known about how we are preparing teacher candidates to provide mathematics instruction and intervention to students with or at-risk for learning disabilities. The present study surveyed recent graduates (n = 48) on (1) types of…

CEC's 2020 Practice-Based Standards for Preparation of Special Educators (K-12) identify proficiencies considered essential for successful entry into the profession. To assist Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in the design and assessment of programs aligned with these new Standards, the authors introduce a six-step approach that is systematic,…

Schoolteachers worldwide continue to encounter challenging behavior in their classrooms. As a result, teacher preparation programs are receiving more scrutiny regarding how well they are preparing their teacher candidates to effectively address challenging behavior especially in line with the principles of whole schooling. The overarching purpose…

Background: Despite the growing emphasis on research-based teacher education and calls for evidence-informed practice, teachers tend to prefer experiential over scientific knowledge sources to inform their actions, justify decisions and analyse educational problems. This tendency already occurs as early as during initial teacher education, and it…

An emphasis on practice-based teacher education has led the Council for Exceptional Children to develop 22 high-leverage practices (HLPs). Each HLP is research based, used frequently in classrooms, and applicable across age, grade, and content area. In this article, we discuss the importance of a systematic process for teacher preparation programs…

With its focus on evidence-based instruction, the science of reading (SOR) is crucial to ensuring all students unlock strong literacy skills, the foundation for future success. This Spotlight will help readers get up to speed with the latest state initiatives; review a reading comprehension glossary highlighting the key components for success;…

The goal of the "Best Practices: Preparing Excellent Reading Teachers" research project is to present a deep analysis of New Hampshire (NH) teacher endorsement standards that relate to the teaching of reading and report on the application of existing standards and evidence-based strategies for teaching structured literacy in relevant…

Teacher education (TE) in Singapore has undergone regular reviews and reforms over the years within the National Institute of Education (NIE). The main impetus tended to be to ensure continual relevance of TE to the educational landscape in Singapore, as well as to incorporate new evidences in pedagogical and assessment practices. The 2004-2005 TE…

Improving the use of evidence in teacher preparation is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities for our field. The chapters in this volume explore how data availability, quality, and use within and across preparation programs shed light on the structures, policies, and practices associated with high quality teacher preparation. Chapter…

Different approaches to the integration of research in Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes have given rise to terms like, 'research tutored', 'research-based', 'research-orientated', and 'research-led' teaching. This study examines current practice in a university by considering how these four approaches are manifest in module handbooks from…

Teacher candidates in a special education teacher training program and candidates in a master's in applied behavior analysis (ABA) program both require learning and applying evidence-based practices with fidelity to effectively instruct students with severe disabilities. This study evaluated the effects of behavior skills training (BST) via…

The rationale, process, critical features, and lessons learned by faculty members during the redesign and implementation of our previously existing special education teacher education program into an innovative program integrating research-supported effective teacher education practices are described in this article. We begin with the rationale…

Up until 2020, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading scores had increased only slightly since the early 1990s with large achievement gaps for students of color and students living in poverty. Modest gains in fourth grade reading proficiency since 1992 were erased during the pandemic. The insufficient progress in reading even…