Preparing Teachers of Pupils with Mental Retardation: Changes in Course Offerings from 1970 to 1990

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare and corttrast from 1970 to 1990 the typical course of study for students preparing to be teachers of pupils with mental retardation. Twenty institutions of higher education were selected for examination. An analysis of program and course descraptions from the catalogs of these institutions indicated, among other findings, the following changes from 1970 to 1990: (a) little change in the high percentage of programs offering a separate course on the characteristics of mental retardation; (b) an increase in the percentage of programs offering cross-categorical courses, options to study multiple areas of disability, and coursework on severe disabilities; and (c) a decrease in the percentage of programs that require joint preparation in special and general education. A brief review of past issues in special education teacher preparation and trends for the future are presented.