Project S.E.R.T. - Special Education for Regular Teachers.

Overview & Synopsis

Evaluated in two field tests with 50 regular teachers was a set of eight instructional modules designed to develop the competencies of regular teachers involved in mainstreaming handicapped children as part of Project SERT (Special Education for Regular Teachers). The following modules were developed: comprehensive special education, formal appraisal, team planning for student program management, informal assessment, organizing content for individual differences, materials selection, classroom management, and evaluation of instruction. Results of the validation process supported the following conclusions: content of the modules was regarded as helpful by regular teachers, both delivery systems (either summer workshop or semester course) were effective in producing perceived competence among participants, participants shared information and ideas with colleagues, there was a positive impact on participants' attitudes toward special education, and participants preferred the 2-week format. (DB)