Rural Special Education Quarterly

Reform changes were piloted by a rural special education cooperative in southern Illinois. This article describes the process used in one component of the reform, use of a problem-solving model at the prereferral level where curriculum-based measurement was a primary assessment. One observation was that fewer referrals were made for special education evaluations after the problem-solving model was put in place. Suggestions for improvement to the prereferral process are made.

A growing number of paraeducators are employed in America's schools. Paraeducators are valuable members of the education team, especially as some districts face a growing shortage of certified special education teachers and others struggle to address issues relating to inclusive education programs. This article focuses on describing what building administrators can do to support paraeducator staff, particularly those who are employed to facilitate inclusive instruction. A brief overview of the changing roles of paraeducators is followed by a definition of “administrative support” in terms of the importance of responsibilities, relationships and respect. A list of ten specific suggestions for providing administrative support for paraeducators at the school building level is supplied.

The purposes of this study were to determine the level of implementation of HIV prevention for students with mental retardation in rural schools in Indiana, identify barriers and supporting factors related to program implementation and identify staff development needs. Telephone interviews were conducted with 19 directors of rural special education cooperatives in Indiana. The school districts served by these 19 cooperatives represented 65.5% of the rural school districts in Indiana. The directors reported that instruction about methods of HIV transmission and skills for prevention of HIV varies among both school districts and schools within districts. Transmission of HIV and prevention skills were more likely to be taught to students with mild mental retardation than those with moderate or severe mental retardation. Five specific barriers to instruction were identified along with staff development and resource needs for special educators. Factors supporting instruction included the directors' perception of the importance of HIV prevention education and the involvement of school nurses.

Although educational administrators have been aware of the needs of students with disabilities since the 1970s, many are still not familiar with the legal rights of school employees with disabilities. Attitudes toward individuals with disabilities as well as knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may be factors that influence the recruitment of qualified persons with disabilities into the education profession. The purpose in conducting this study was to determine the extent of the relationship of administrators' attitudes toward disabilities and their knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Respondents in the study were currently employed as educational administrators and/or educators completing educational administration certification requirements. Results from the study indicated there was a significant relationship between attitudes toward persons with disabilities, experience with individuals with disabilities, personal characteristics and employment characteristics. Both attitudes and knowledge of the ADA were found to be lower for respondents in educational administration positions. Educators who have disabilities are valuable to our schools. Their presence can influence the perceptions and attitudes of coworkers and students as well as provide a role model for students to live their lives fully integrated into our society. A creative look at inclusion of educators with disabilities in our rural schools may be the answer to our search for competent and caring special education teachers.