Career Education Needs of Secondary Educable Students

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to identify the needs of secondary level educable mentally retarded students and the competencies teachers must have to meet these needs. From the data received at a conference for state and national authorities, a field questionnaire was developed and sent to 30 randomly selected administrators and 251 secondary level teachers of the educable retarded in Wisconsin. The results showed that a greater emphasis is needed to prepare secondary teachers of the educable retarded with knowledge and skills in vocational rehabilitation and vocational education. The teachers indicated that increased involvement of other school and out-of-school personnel was needed to meet some of their students primary needs, and that a prevocational coordinator position was especially needed. The study reflected needed changes in both regular and special education teacher preparation.