Teacher Competency Testing; Teacher Education Programs; Teaching (Occupation); Trend Analysis

This report discusses outcomes of a study designed to update information on jurisdictional requirements for the conventional licensure of special educators and to extend inquiry into areas of special education licensure. Interviews were conducted and responses were received from 51 directors of licensure in state departments of education and the District of Columbia. Thirty-seven reported that significant changes in teacher licensure were underway. Informants reported on jurisdictions ' use of national standards for the preparation of special education teachers. Standards promulgated by the Council for Exceptional Children were to some degree incorporated into the special education licensure standards of 29 jurisdictions. The study found that a substantial majority of jurisdictions have adopted licensure structures that include a mixture of categorical and non-categorical licensure options; jurisdictions have continued to show a decided preference for expansive age/grade range levels of licensure i