The Preparation of Education Professionals for Educating Exceptional Students: A Resource for Responding to the NCATE Special Education Standards.

Overview & Synopsis

This publication was developed by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) to be used as a guide by teacher education institutions as they examine their programs in the light of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standard that relates to the education of exceptional students. In section 1, written by Joanne Rand Whitmore, a description is presented of the purpose and process of NCATE and the functions of NCATE standards. These standards, which serve as guidelines for the evaluation of preservice and graduate education programs, are grouped in six categories: (1) governance; (2) curriculum; (3) faculty; (4) students; (5) resources and facilities; and (6) evaluation and planning. The special education standard requires NCATE-approved programs to prepare all education/human services professionals to recognize and provide for the special needs of all children in regular educational settings. An interpretation is presented of the relationship between the special education standard and the six categories of the NCATE standards. Section 2 presents suggested self-evaluation questions, which are intended to assist an institution preparing its program to meet the NCATE special education standard. The appendix contains a reprint of a statement adopted by AACTE on the preparation of professionals for educating the handicapped. (JD)