Professional development for special educators: foundations for collaboration

Abstract

The nature of educational programming has changed significantly for students with disabilities who plan to enter the workforce upon exiting high schooL As a result of the increased focus on the development of transition services, there is an emphasis on career development and job placement activities, Strategies for building collaborative relationships between local schools and vocational rehabilitation agencies are being explored to facilitate service delivery to eligible students, Professional development programs engaged in the preparation of secondary special educators are being reevaluated based on these changing needs in the schools, This article proposes that an interdisciplinary school-rehabilitation approach be considered when preparing educators for professions in secondary special education, Interdisciplinary domains with related areas for the development of knowledge and skills are presented, along with an overview of models.