Because of recent changes in general and special education policies, special educators who previously worked with secondary students in self-contained academic classes, resource rooms, or cotaught classes find themselves assigned to new roles that demand different collaborative skills. Based on 2 years of interviews, field notes, and observations in an inclusive high school, this study focuses on the perspectives of two special educators who redefined their daily practices in partnership with a university professional development specialist as they implemented an unusual collaborative-consultation model. Their responsibilities and relationships with teachers, students, and administrators are examined in light of the literature on collaborative models for inclusive education of high school students.
Knowledge, skills, and competencies in transition planning are essential components of preparation programs for special and general educators. This study investigated teacher preparation, implementation of transition services, and perceived gaps in transition service delivery. Candidates in five special education preparation programs completed presemester and postsemester surveys to determine (a) the transition-related knowledge, skills, and competencies that candidates believe they are taught, (b) the transition competency level candidates believe they have, (c) facilitators and barriers to implementing transition practices, and (d) attitudes and perceptions about transition services and the candidates' related preparation. Results indicated that few candidates received any instruction in transition services prior to taking dedicated transitionrelated coursework. Candidates were not confident about their knowledge and skills in assessment, accountability, postschool outcomes, and student-focused planning and assessment.
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