Pre-service teacher preparation in Texas: Training general educators to teach students with disabilities

Students with disabilities are increasingly receiving the majority of instruction in the general education classroom as a result of recent legislation. Research suggests that many teachers have historically held negative attitudes towards inclusion and feel underprepared to work with students with specialized learning needs. The purpose of this study was to examine how universities in Texas prepare pre-service teachers to work with exceptional students through degree plans, course objectives, assignments, and instructional delivery. Degree plans and syllabi were analyzed in multiple certification areas. Several programs required teachers to take the same special education courses. Results indicate that most elementary teachers receive at least one special education exceptionalities course, while many secondary programs do not require any such course.