Preservice Field-Based Teacher Training in Special Education.

Overview & Synopsis

A teacher education program designed for preservice students who will work with mildly handicapped students in a regular classroom is described. The program consists of four levels of special education to be completed during the students' last two years of college. The principle training takes place in an elementary school setting. At the first level, students are primarily observers in the class and learn to classify characteristics for different categorical areas of special education. At the next three levels, students are tested for progressive skills in the following competencies: (1) planning curriculum and instruction for exceptional children; (2) administrating and interpreting formal diagnostic measures; (3) implementing and evaluating a behavior management program; and (4) relating effectively with parents and children. The objectives, instructional activities, and evaluation terms for each level are discussed. (JD)