KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE COURSE PROPOSAL OR REVISION, Cover Sheet (10/02/2002) Course Number/Course Name: EXC 7950 Administrative Practices in Special Education Department Special Education Degree Title (if applicable) Endorsement in Special Education Administration Proposed Effective Date Summer 2006 Check one or more of the following and complete the appropriate sections: Sections to be Completed II, III, IV, V, VII I, II, III I, II, III I, II, III I, II, III I, II, III X New Course Proposal Course Title Change Course Number Change Course Credit Change Course Prerequisite Change Course Description Change Notes: If proposed changes to an existing course are substantial (credit hours, title, and description), a new course with a new number should be proposed. A new Course Proposal (Sections II, III, IV, V, VII) is required for each new course proposed as part of a new program. Current catalog information (Section I) is required for each existing course incorporated into the program. Minor changes to a course can use the simplified E-Z Course Change Form. Submitted by: Faculty Member Approved _____ Date Not Approved Department Curriculum Committee Date Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved Not Approved Department Chair Date School Curriculum Committee Date School Dean Date GPCC Chair Date Dean, Graduate Studies Date Not Approved Not Approved Not Approved Not Approved Not Approved Vice President for Academic Affairs Date Approved Not Approved President 1 Date KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE COURSE/CONCENTRATION/PROGRAM CHANGE I. Current Information (Fill in for changes) Page Number in Current Catalog Course Prefix and Number Course Title Credit Hours Prerequisites Description (or Current Degree Requirements) II. Proposed Information (Fill in for changes and new courses) Course Prefix and Number EXC_7950_______________ Course Title Administrative Practices in Special Education Credit Hours 3 credit hours Prerequisites N/A Description (or Proposed Degree Requirements) Course Description: This course prepares special education administrators for organizational leadership by building their capacity to develop relationship with families and community agencies, improve student performance on the GPS, improve special education processes and procedures, build a professional learning community, make data-based decisions and effectively manage the operations. Candidates will be required to access Galileo, multiple websites and selected readings from the research. III. Justification The call to improve America’s educational system to assist students in achieving stateapproved standards and to hold educators accountable for the learning of all students requires considerable commitment and effort. Systems-change initiatives in special education mirror those in general education by raising fundamental questions regarding validated instructional and assessment practices, effective and efficient school restructuring models, and execution of corresponding daily practices. To be successful, school leaders must develop a broad range of skills and be full participants in wholeschool reform initiatives to ensure that all students are successful and that the spirit and mandates of state and federal laws are met. This course prepares special education administrators to collaborate with their professional colleagues to foster inclusive and accepting learning environments where students with disabilities and those who are culturally and linguistically diverse are successful in the state approved standards. Inclusive schools are those that value interdependence as well as independence. Thus, all constituents of the school community (students, staff, faculty, parents and administrators) are valued as key contributors to the learning community. There are two major assumptions about inclusive schools. First and foremost, inclusive schools honor diversity as an opportunity for learning about humanity. Second, good teaching is good teaching; therefore, all students can reach their potential when given a culturally responsive learning environment, encouragement, and research-based instructional practices. 2 IV. Additional Information (for New Courses only) Instructor: Dr. Deborah Wallace Text: Villa, R., & Thousand, J. (2005). Creating an Inclusive School 2nd Ed. American Society of Curriculum and Development. Alexandria: VA. Weaver, H., Landers, T., Stephens, T., & Joseph, E. (Eds.), (2003) Administering special education programs: A practical guide for school leaders. Praeger Publishers. American Psychological Association, (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, D. C., Author. Course Goals 1. Articulate problem solving and decisionmaking processes. 2. Differentiate and enumerate the responsibilities and authorities of federal, state and local agencies. 3. Articulate personnel selection, recruitment, evaluation and management procedures and systems based upon sound research principles and accountability measures. 4. Articulate positive communication models and strategies to develop effective parental, community and public relationships. 5. Articulate approaches for involving parents, families and community agencies and members in educational planning, implementation and evaluation. 6. Research professional literature which addresses topics related to administrative practices. 7. Develop a continuum of services and service delivery options that respond to individual educational needs and family characteristics. 8. Develop a plan to provide instructional and assistive technologies. 9. Develop collaborative programs that ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to and participate in the general curriculum through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teamwork 10. Develop a range of strategies that promote positive behavior, crisis intervention and family involvement and support. PTEU Doctoral KSDs PSC/ NCATE DSL* CEC Standards 2c 1.4-1.8 C, RD 1 1b 1.4-1.6 LD, C 1 4b 1.3-1.5 1.7-1.8 DA, CIA, PI 1 6d 1.6-1.8 RD 1 6d 1.6-1.8 RD 10 1a 1.1-1.5 CIA, LD, C 1, 9 2b, 4d, 4e 1.1-1.8 LD, CIA, O, C 7 4e 1.1-1.8 LD, CIA, O, C 2d, 2e, 4c, 4e, 1.6-1.8 C, RD 4c, 4d, 4e, 6c, 6d 1.1-1.8 LD, CIA, O, RD 7 7 11. Use technologies that enhance 3 7 management of resources, programs and data for decision-making. 12. Articulate a personal inclusive vision for meeting the needs of individuals with exceptional learning needs. 13. Develop family and support programs. 4f 1.1-1.8 LD, DA 7 3a, 6b, 6d 1.1-1.8 CIA, LD, RD 9 3c 1.3-1.4, 1.6-1.8 CIA, LD, O 10 1a, 1b, 2b, 1.1-1.8 CIA, LD, C O,PI, RD 10 2a, 2b 1.4-1.8 16. Demonstrate conflict resolution strategies. 17. Demonstrate problem solving and databased decision making. 5b, 5c, 5d 18. Make oral presentations. 19. Serve as a leader and an advocate to promote the highest educational quality of life for individuals with disabilities. 20. Participate in continued professional development through consumer and professional organizations, workshops, and professional literature. 21. Participate in organizations and publications relevant to the field of special education administration. 22. Communicate and demonstrate a high standard of ethical practice and professionalism. 3a, 6d 1.6-1.8 1.1-1.2, 1.4-1.8 1.1-1.4 1.6-1.8 C,RD,O, PI,RD P, PI, DA, RD C, RD, P LD, DA CIA, KD RD 1b 1.4-1.6 LD,C 9 5f 1.6 C 9 1b, 1c, 5f 1.4-1.6 C, LD 9 3b 1.3-1.6 1.7-1.8 CIA, LD,O 9 14. Develop administrative procedures to ensure clear communication among administrators, instructional staff and related service personnel. 15. Demonstrate interviewing techniques for the selection of appropriate personnel. 2c, 4a, 4f *Code for Distributed School Leadership DA = Data Analysis CIA = Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment RD = Relationship Development PI = Process Improvement O = Operations P = Performance C = Change LD = Learning and Development Instructional Method The following instructional strategies will be used to collaboratively and interactively present course material and engage students in critical thinking and discourse at the doctoral level: Lecture Case Study Analysis Discussion Simulation Activities Collaborative Group Work Role Play Method of Evaluation Assignments Case Studies: (Problem solving, data- Course Objectives 1, 10, 16 4 KSDs Assessments 1b, 2c, 4a, 4b Case Study & 1 7 8 9 based decision making, spreadsheets, service delivery options, reflections etc.) Simulation Activities Role Playing (Interviewing) Proficiency Exams Family and Support Program Development Collaborative Group Project Class Participation/Professionalism Rubrics* 10, 16 14 1-5 5 3a, 3b, 4a 4d 1a, 1b, 2a 6d Observation/ Rubric Observation / Rubric Proficiency Exam* Project Rubric 9 18 – 21 2b, 2d 5b, 5c, 5f Project Rubric Observation * Targeted for future unit assessment. V. Resources and Funding Required (New Courses only) Resource Amount Faculty Other Personnel Equipment Supplies Travel New Books New Journals Other (Specify) 0 – Existing Faculty 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 Funding Required Beyond Normal Departmental Growth 0 VI. COURSE MASTER FORM This form will be completed by the requesting department and will be sent to the Office of the Registrar once the course has been approved by the Office of the President. The form is required for all new courses. DISCIPLINE Education / Special Education COURSE NUMBER EXC 7950 COURSE TITLE FOR LABEL Admin Pract in SpEd (Note: Limit 16 spaces) CLASS-LAB-CREDIT HOURS 3 Credit Hours Approval, Effective Term Summer 2006 Grades Allowed (Regular or S/U) Regular If course used to satisfy CPC, what areas? NA Learning Support Programs courses which are required as prerequisites NA APPROVED: _______________________________________________ Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee 5 VII Attach Syllabus EXC 7950 Administrative Practices in Special Education Professor Name: Fax: Office: E-mail: Office hours: By Appointment CLASS MEETING: KH 1107 TEXT: Villa, R., & Thousand, J. (2005). Creating an Inclusive School 2nd Ed. American Society of Curriculum and Development. Alexandria: VA. Weaver, H., Landers, T., Stephens, T., & Joseph, E. (Eds.), (2003) Administering special education programs: A practical guide for school leaders. Praeger Publishers. American Psychological Association, (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, D. C., Author. Selected Readings and Websites CATALOG DESCRIPTION: 6 This course prepares special education administrators for organizational leadership by building their capacity to develop relationship with families and community agencies, improve student performance on the GPS, improve special education processes and procedures, build a professional learning community, make data-based decisions and effectively manage the operations. Candidates will be required to access Galileo, multiple websites and selected readings from the research. PURPOSE/RATIONALE: The call to improve America’s educational system to assist students in achieving state-approved standards and to hold educators accountable for the learning of all students requires considerable commitment and effort. Systems-change initiatives in special education mirror those in general education by raising fundamental questions regarding validated instructional and assessment practices, effective and efficient school restructuring models, and execution corresponding daily practices. To be successful, school leaders must develop a broad range of skills and be full participants in whole-school reform initiatives to ensure that all students are successful and that the spirit and mandates of state and federal laws are met. This course prepares special education administrators to collaborate with their professional colleagues to foster inclusive and accepting learning environments where students with disabilities and those who are culturally and linguistically diverse are successful in the state approved standards. Inclusive schools are those that value interdependence as well as independence. Thus, all constituents of the school community (students, staff, faculty, parents and administrators) are valued as key contributors to the learning community. There are two major assumptions about inclusive schools. First and foremost, inclusive schools honor diversity as an opportunity for learning about humanity. Second, good teaching is good teaching; therefore, all students can reach their potential when given a culturally responsive learning environment, encouragement, and research-based instructional practices. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERTISE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING The Professional Teacher Education Unit (PETU) at Kennesaw State University is committed to developing expertise among candidates in initial and advanced programs as teachers and leaders who possess the capability, intent and expertise to facilitate high levels of learning in all of their students through effective, research-based practices in classroom instruction, and who enhance the structures that support all learning. To that end, the PTEU fosters the development of candidates as they progress through stages of growth from novice to proficient to expert and leader. Within the PTEU conceptual framework, expertise is viewed as a process of continued development, not an end-state. To be effective, teachers and educational leaders must embrace the notion that teaching and learning are entwined and that only through the implementation of validated practices can all students construct meaning and reach high levels of learning. In that way, candidates are facilitators of the teaching and learning process. Finally, the PTEU recognizes, values, and demonstrates collaborative practices across the college and university and extends collaboration to the community-at-large. Through this collaboration with professionals in the university, public and private schools, parents and other professional partners, the PTEU meets the ultimate goal of assisting Georgia schools in bringing all students to high levels of learning. 7 KNOWLEDGE BASE: Teacher development is generally recognized as a continuum that includes four phases: preservice, induction, in-service, renewal (Odell, Huling, and Sweeny, 2000). Just as Sternberg (1996) believes that the concept of expertise is central to analyzing the teaching-learning process, the teacher education faculty at KSU believes that the concept of expertise is central to preparing effective classroom teachers and teacher leaders. Researchers describe how during the continuum phases teachers progress from being Novices learning to survive in classrooms toward becoming Experts who have achieved elegance in their teaching. We, like Sternberg (1998), believe that expertise is not an end-state but a process of continued development. USE OF TECHNOLOGY: Technology Standards for Educators are required by the Professional Standards Commission. Telecommunication and information technologies will be integrated throughout the administrative preparation program, and all candidates must be able to use technology to improve student learning and meet Georgia Technology Standards for Educators. Candidates in the special education / TESOL concentration will utilize technology to advance 21st century literacy skills such as digital age literacy, inventive thinking, effective communication, and high productivity. Candidates will be provided with opportunities to explore and use presentation technologies, technologies to enhance learning, individualize instruction, and promote critical thinking for 21st century students. Candidates in this course will be expected to apply best practices related to using technology for learning and creating curriculum materials using principles of universal design for learning. Web Resources: Council for Exceptional Children National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder Learning Disabilities Association of America The Autism Society of America The Arc The Global Entrepreneurship Institute Georgia Department of Education Brain Injury Association of America Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation The Epilepsy Foundation The National Association for Gifted Children Georgia Department of Human Resources National Association of State Boards of Education DIVERSITY: 8 www.cec.sped.org www.nichcy.org www.chadd.org www.ldanatl.org www.autism-society.org www.thearc.org www.gcase.org www.doe.k12.ga.us www.biausa.org www.jdfcure.org www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ www.nagc.org www.aamr.org www.dhr.state.ga.us www.nasbe.org One of the most critical issues in special education / TESOL today is the effect of personal culture on the efficacy of instruction, pre-referral procedures, assessment, placement for students with disabilities and those who are culturally and linguistically diverse, and parenting and communication styles. Candidates will be provided with opportunities through direct instruction and class discussion to gain knowledge, skills, and understanding to provide effective instruction in culturally diverse classrooms. A variety of materials and instructional strategies will also be used to meet the needs of the diverse learning styles of members of this class. Kennesaw State University provides program accessibility and reasonable accommodations for persons defined as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A number of services are available to help disabled candidates with their academic work. In order to make arrangements for special services, candidates must visit the Office of disAbled Student Services (770/423-6443) and arrange an individual assistance plan. In some cases, certification of disability is required. COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES: The Professional Teacher Education Unit prepares leaders who understand their disciplines and principles of pedagogy, who reflect on practice, and who apply these understandings to making instructional decisions that foster the success of all learners. As a result of the satisfactory fulfillment of the requirements of this course, the candidate will demonstrate a broad base of Knowledge, Skills and Dispositions through performance. Goal/Objective 1. Articulate problem solving and decision-making processes. 2. Differentiate and enumerate the responsibilities and authorities of federal, state and local agencies. 3. Articulate personnel selection, recruitment, evaluation and management procedures and systems based upon sound research principles and accountability measures. 4. Articulate positive communication models and strategies to develop effective parental, community and public relationships. 5. Articulate approaches for involving parents, families and community agencies and members in educational planning, implementation and evaluation. 6. Research professional literature which addresses topics related to administrative practices. 7. Develop a continuum of services and service delivery options that respond to individual educational needs and family characteristics. PTEU Doctoral KSDs PSC/ NCATE DSL* CEC Standards 2c 1.4-1.8 C, RD 1 1b 1.4-1.6 LD, C 1 4b 1.3-1.5 1.7-1.8 DA, CIA, PI 1 6d 1.6-1.8 RD 1 6d 1.6-1.8 RD 10 1a 1.1-1.5 CIA, LD, C 1, 9 2b, 4d, 4e 1.1-1.8 LD, CIA, O, C 7 9 8. Develop a plan to provide instructional and assistive technologies. 9. Develop collaborative programs that ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to and participate in the general curriculum through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teamwork. 10. Develop a range of strategies that promote positive behavior, crisis intervention and family involvement and support. 11. Use technologies that enhance management of resources, programs and data for decision-making. 12. Articulate a personal inclusive vision for meeting the needs of individuals with exceptional learning needs. 13. Develop family and support programs. 14. Develop administrative procedures to ensure clear communication among administrators, instructional staff and related service personnel. 15. Demonstrate interviewing techniques for the selection of appropriate personnel. 16. Demonstrate conflict resolution strategies. 17. Demonstrate problem solving and data-based decision making. 18. Make oral presentations. 19. Serve as a leader and an advocate to promote the highest educational quality of life for individuals with disabilities. 20. Participate in continued professional development through consumer and professional organizations, workshops, and professional literature. 21. Participate in organizations and publications relevant to the field of special education administration. 22. Communicate and demonstrate a high standard of ethical practice and professionalism. 4e 1.1-1.8 LD, CIA, O, C 2d, 2e, 4c, 4e, 1.6-1.8 C, RD 4c, 4d, 4e, 6c, 6d 1.1-1.8 LD, CIA, O, RD 7 4f 1.1-1.8 LD, DA 7 3a, 6b, 6d 1.1-1.8 CIA, LD, RD 9 3c 1.3-1.4, 1.6-1.8 CIA, LD, O 10 1a, 1b, 2b, 1.1-1.8 CIA, LD, C O,PI, RD 10 2a, 2b 1.4-1.8 C,RD,O, PI,RD 1 5b, 5c, 5d 1.6-1.8 P, PI, DA, RD 7 3a, 6d 1.1-1.2, 1.4-1.8 1.1-1.4 1.6-1.8 C, RD, P LD, DA CIA, KD RD 1b 1.4-1.6 LD,C 9 5f 1.6 C 9 1b, 1c, 5f 1.4-1.6 C, LD 9 3b 1.3-1.6 1.7-1.8 CIA, LD,O 9 7 7 2c, 4a, 4f *Code for Distributed School Leadership DA = Data Analysis CIA = Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment RD = Relationship Development O = Operations P = Performance C = Change 10 8 9 PI = Process Improvement LD = Learning and Development COURSE REQUIREMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments Case Studies: (Problem solving, databased decision making, spreadsheets, service delivery options, reflections etc.) Simulation Activities Role Playing (Interviewing) Proficiency Exams Family and Support Program Development Collaborative Group Project Class Participation/Professionalism Course Objectives 1, 10, 16 KSDs Assessments 1b, 2c, 4a, 4b Case Study & Rubrics 10, 16 14 1-5 5 3a, 3b, 4a 4d 1a, 1b, 2a 6d Observation/ Rubric Observation / Rubric Proficiency Exam Project Rubric 9 18 – 21 2b, 2d 5b, 5c, 5f Project Rubric Observation EVALUATION AND GRADING A = 90% or better (Level 4) B = 80-89% (Level 3) C = 70-79% (Level 2) D = 60-69% (Level 1) F = 59% or below STUDENT EXPECTATIONS FOR ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: Cooperative learning group activities in class will enable candidates to apply new skills and knowledge. This requirement emphasizes the importance of class attendance and supports the belief from the conceptual framework that learning is an interactive endeavor requiring the presence and participation of all class members in order to facilitate growth and learning. Each candidate has something unique to contribute to the class experience that will facilitate the learning of other class members. For full credit, candidates must: a.) Participate fully in collaborative group work and focus groups; b.) Listen attentively to presentations; and c.) Refrain from working on personal computers (or otherwise) on other assignments during class presentations. Candidates, like the instructor, are expected to come to class meetings thoroughly prepared. “Thoroughly prepared” is defined as having read the readings well enough to verbally and in writing state the definitions of terms from the readings; discuss ideas, notions, concepts, issues, and procedures in relation to previous information presented in class or in previous readings; and apply the information from the readings to problems. It also implies the candidate has reviewed information from the previous class meetings. When information from the readings is unclear, the candidate should prepare questions to discuss in class. Note: Because most of the course assignments are oral, a failure to come to class well prepared will result in a lowered grade. In addition, group members can ask candidates who are not contributing equally to the development of the presentation to be removed from their group. 11 Regular attendance is required for all scheduled classes because the candidate is responsible for obtaining all materials, instruction, etc. presented during class. Attendance at all class meetings is stressed because of the interactive nature of the class. Not all material covered will be found in the required readings. You are required to inform the instructor in advance of your absence. Failure to do so will result in your not being allowed to make-up any missed class work (i.e., class activities). Attendance will be monitored and reflected in the class participation/attendance points (see KSU Graduate Catalog). All assignments must be submitted on or before the class meeting on the assigned due date. Failure to turn in assignments when due will result in an automatic 10 percent penalty from the points you earn on any given assignment. All grading will be done as objectively as possible. Rubrics for class presentations and facilitation will be provided. In case of qualitative assessment, evaluation will be based on instructor judgment. Points will be summed for each student and final course grades will be based on the percent of total points earned (i.e., A = 100 - 90%, B = 89 - 80%, etc.) and the total points earned will indicate the candidate’s level (i.e.,1,2,3 or 4) of achievement. The assignment of incomplete (“I”) grades is discouraged and will be assigned only in cases of extreme emergencies and in cases where a passing grade may be earned. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor when such circumstances exist. Upon notification, a contract between the student and instructor for completion of the course will be developed before the last week of the semester. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as published in the Graduate Catalog. Section II of the Student Code of Conduct addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of University records or academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the University Judiciary Program, which includes with an "informal resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of Conduct's minimum one semester suspension requirement. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: The University has a stringent policy and procedure for dealing with behavior that disrupts the learning environment. Consistent with the belief that your behavior can interrupt the learning of others, behavior that fits the University's definition of disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Candidates should refer to the University Catalog to review this policy. HUMAN RELATIONS: The University has formulated a policy on human relations that is intended to provide a learning environment that recognizes individual worth. That policy is found in the University Catalog. It 12 is expected, in this class, that no Professional should need reminding but the policy is there for your consideration. The activities of this class will be conducted in both the spirit and the letter of that policy. COURSE OUTLINE 1. A Case for Inclusive Schools 2. The Nature of Diverse Populations 3. Problem–solving, Decision-making and Communication Models 4. Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Teams 5. Special Education Delivery Systems: Local, State, & Federal 6. The Special Education—General Education Relationship, Litigation and Legislation Processes, Lobbying, Activism and Advocacy 7. Personnel Selection, Recruitment and Management, Competency Systems and Accountability 8. Funding Sources, Grantsmanship and Budget Preparation 9. Parental and Public Relationships and Community Development 10. Program Evaluation Systems 11. Curriculum Considerations 12. Resource Utilization 13. Administration of Programs and Services 14. Managing Complex Change References Falvey, M. (1995). Inclusive and Heterogeneous Schooling: Assessment, Curriculum & Instruction. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes. Fuchs, D. & Fuchs. L. (1994). Inclusive Schools Movement and the Radicalization of Special Education Reform. Exceptional Children 60: 4, 294-309. Fullan, M. & Hargreaves, A. (1996). What’s Worth Fighting for in Your School? New York: Teacher’s College Press. Lambert, L., (2003). Leadership Capacity for Lasting School Improvement. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development., Alexandria, VA. 13 Marzano, R. (2003) What Works in Schools: Translating Research into Action, American Society of Curriculum and Development. Alexandria: VA. McEwan, E. (2004). How to Deal with Parents Who Are Angry, Troubled, Afraid or Just Plain Crazy. National Professional Resources, Inc. Oakes, J. (1985). Keeping Track: How Schools Structure Inequality. New Haven: Yale University Press. Podemski, R. S., Marsh II, G. E., Smith, T. E. C., & Price, B. J., (1995). Comprehensive Administration of Special Education. Merrill Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliff, N.J. Rosen, L. (2005). School Discipline: Best Practices for Administrators, 2nd Ed.. Cowen Press. Salisbury, C. & McGreggor, G. (2002). Administrative Climate and Context for Inclusive Elementary Schools. Exceptional Child, Vol. 68 (2) Winter. Stainback, W. & Stainback, S. (1984). A Rationale for the Merger of Special Education and General Education. Exceptional Children 51: 102-111. Tucker, P. & Stronge, J. (2005). Linking Teacher Evaluation and Student Learning. American Society of Curriculum and Development. Alexandria: VA. Stainback, W. & Stainback, S. (1990). Support Networks for Inclusive Schooling: Interdependent Integrated Education. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes. Wong, H. (2003). How to Improve Student Achievement. National Professional Resources, Inc. 14