Special Education Personnel Preparation in the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper focuses on preparation of teachers and related services personnel for children and youth with disabilities in the 21st century. Included are discussions of issues and factors related to the need for changes in special education personnel preparation; strategies for responding to current needs, including methods of using best practices and innovative training methods; and an Outcomes-Based Teacher Education model, including proposed knowledge and skill training outcomes. Thus, this article touches the highlights of what needs to be done to enable special education personnel preparation to meet the challenges of the future.