Abstract

Special education personnel who plan to teach in rural areas are in need of specialized preservice training programs which address unique issues of the rural environment. This paper describes a project at Southeastern Louisiana University designed to identify training needs of special education teachers throughout the state of Louisiana. Although the literature in rural special education indicates a consensus in regard to a number of needs germane to all rural settings, teaching in Louisiana presents the educator with problems specifically associated with the cultures, ethnicities, topography, and religion of this state. To investigate the training needs for special education teachers in Louisiana, a needs assessment was conducted with 117 special educators. Resultsindicated that Louisiana teachers share concerns with rural special educators nationwide. Additionally, the respondents identified several areas of need which may reflect concerns singular to this unique state.

How to Cite:

Reiff, H. B. & Anderson, P. L., (1989) “Training Needs of Rural Special Educators in Louisiana”, Journal of Research in Rural Education 6(1), 45–50.

Rights: Copyright