Teacher Preparation in E/BD: A National Survey

Abstract

Surveys investigating teacher preparation program requirements and competencies for training teachers to work with students with emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD) were mailed to 219 directors of E/BD training programs at colleges and universities representing 41 states. A total of 101 surveys from 32 states were returned, for a final response rate of 46%. Information was obtained over two primary areas: E/BD program practices and E/BD program competencies. Results of this survey were mixed. There were some encouraging practices such as offering E/BD programming at the graduate level. E/BD program competencies such as instruction, assessment, and behavior management were taught most frequently. However, there were some areas such as special education law and multicultural issues that received little attention. Other important competencies such as social skills instruction and transition practices were not even mentioned.