Interdisciplinary Team Training: A National Survey of Special Education Teacher Training Programs

Abstract

The interdisciplinary special education team approach has been criticized on the basis of its cost effectiveness and its effectiveness relative to other approaches. Greater commitment from those responsible for preservice education is commonly proposed as a way to reduce barriers to effective team operations. A survey was conducted nationally to obtain current information on the status of preservice team training. Of the 360 responding institutions, 48% did not offer team training. The majority of programs with team training infused the training components into existing courses/practica. Results also indicated that team training components followed closely the team operations found in school settings. Very little inservice team training is given by special education teacher trainers. Implications for teacher trainers and for their relationships to school districts are discussed.