Strong bonds of family-school collaboration are critical to the academic and social development of students with disabilities, especially when parents and teachers differ in ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. These linkages necessitate preparing educators to address the needs of diverse students and family members. We evaluated 10 textbooks, related to working with families of students with disabilities, that may be used in special education teacher preparation programs. The textbooks were appraised regarding cultural diversity content, vignettes and examples of diverse groups, and inclusion of cultural issues. We also assessed the textbooks qualitatively to identify the relationship of cultural diversity content to parental involvement. Results indicated variability concerning representation of diverse populations, cultural content, and discussion of diversity issues.

Research in the fields of education and psychology supports the movement toward students' active engagement in their learning. Learners at all levels, but particularly at the college level, receive augmented benefits from increased involvement in their acquisition of new knowledge and skills. This is particularly critical for teacher education candidates who are preparing for careers as educators. The purpose of this article is to discuss various learning strategies that foster preservice teachers' active participation in learning. We present a learning continuum that considers simulated, spectator, exploratory, analytic, and generative experiences. Specific approaches that are described within this continuum include role playing, service learning, and journal writing activities as well as videotape lessons with peer-assisted reflection and field-centered teacher education. We also offer a series of instructional strategies applicable to university classrooms that include a range of action methods such as icebreaker, continuum, storyboarding, and cooperative learning activities, among others. ver the last decade, the fields of education and psychology have produced a large and growing body of literature that focuses on teaching and learning processes

Highlights the importance of parent-professional relationships to students' academic and social development and the impact of ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity on the establishment of these partnerships

Rural educators must possess high standards of ethical behavior that inform professional practice and improve the communities in which they live and work. The purposes of this article are to discuss rural education and its intersection with online classes as vehicles to meet residents' educational needs; ethical issues that surround online class delivery; and suggestions to deter academic dishonesty in online classes. Key Words: rural education, distance education, academic dishonesty, academic integrity, cheating, ethics, instructional practices, Internet, online instruction, student behaviors/attitude, teacher preparation, World Wide Web.

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