"This book discusses the latest approaches, skills, and methodologies on how to support special needs students, highlighting relevant perspectives on technology implementation, curriculum development, and instructional design"--

Teachers make a difference. The success of any plan for improving educational outcomes depends on the teachers who carry it out and thus on the abilities of those attracted to the field and their preparation. Yet there are many questions about how teachers are being prepared and how they ought to be prepared. Yet, teacher preparation is often treated as an afterthought in discussions of improving the public education system. Preparing Teachers addresses the issue of teacher preparation with specific attention to reading, mathematics, and science. The book evaluates the characteristics of the candidates who enter teacher preparation programs, the sorts of instruction and experiences teacher candidates receive in preparation programs, and the extent that the required instruction and experiences are consistent with converging scientific evidence. Preparing Teachers also identifies a need for a data collection model to provide valid and reliable information about the content knowledge, pedagogical competence, and effectiveness of graduates from the various kinds of teacher preparation programs. Federal and state policy makers need reliable, outcomes-based information to make sound decisions, and teacher educators need to know how best to contribute to the development of effective teachers. Clearer understanding of the content and character of effective teacher preparation is critical to improving it and to ensuring that the same critiques and questions are not being repeated 10 years from now.

The focus of this international text is on innovative practices for preparing teachers to work in inclusive classrooms and schools around the world. The book considers themes including social and political challenges regarding teacher education, and innovative approaches to teacher training.

Advocating concentrating on certain priorities to ensure beginning teachers are prepared for the crucial tasks that will face them, this book discusses seven priorities through case studies.

The topic of "dispositions" is central to teacher education and to teacher educators. Because of perhaps precipitous action on the part of accrediting agencies in teacher education, teacher educators need to define, teach, and assess dispositions in their programs. This book examines the sources of the concept dispositions, how it evolved in teacher education, what forms it has taken in selected programs, and what challenges remain in this arena for teacher educators.

Inclusion in the classroom is a growing phenomenon that covers a range of areas and subjects; with prominent discussions about race, gender, sexual orientation, and age, today’s world is increasingly focused on making sure education is designed so everyone can succeed. Inclusivity in special education is particularly important as special education covers a wide range of students, including those with physical, intellectual, and behavioral disabilities. As more research and information surrounding best practices, new technologies, and teacher education for special education is considered, it is imperative that teachers and administrators remain up to date on these innovative techniques. The Research Anthology on Inclusive Practices for Educators and Administrators in Special Education is a critical reference source that includes abundant research on all aspects of inclusion in special education as well as the latest trends, research, and studies to provide a comprehensive look at the current state of special education. Covering topics such as accessibility, educational models, teacher training, and assistive technologies, it is ideal for special education teachers, academicians, in-service teachers, pre-service teachers, professors, students, researchers, professionals, administrators, curriculum developers, instructional designers, and policymakers.

Teachers must be prepared to create an effective learning environment for both general education students and students with special needs. This can be accomplished by equipping teachers with the proper knowledge and strategies. Preparing Pre-Service Teachers for the Inclusive Classroom discusses the latest approaches, skills, and methodologies on how to support special needs students. Highlighting relevant perspectives on technology implementation, curriculum development, and instructional design, this book is an ideal reference source for pre-service teachers, teacher educators, researchers, professionals, and academics in the education field.