Expanding and Enriching a Teacher Training Program To Better Meet Special Education Needs: A Strand Approach.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper describes how a restructured and redesigned teacher training program at West Virginia University utilizes a strand approach to integrate special education learning outcomes into the 15 core courses required of all student teachers. Key elements of the new teacher training program include: a clear set of research-based program goals; closer collaboration with public schools; a 5-year dual degree program leading to a Bachelor's degree in a teaching discipline as well as a Master's degree in education; continuous interactive experiences with school children using the professional development schools model; and incorporation of multiculturalism, technology, and special education into pedagogy courses. Program content involves three integrated parts. They are the pedagogy component, liberal studies component, and the teaching discipline component. A matrix illustrates 10 major learning outcomes and competencies in the special education strand. It shows how these are integrated into the 15 core courses, and the degree of instruction (introductory, major coverage, or application) for each outcome. Suggestions for incorporating these special education outcomes into sample core courses are also provided. (Contains 20 references.) (DB)