Australasian Journal of Special Education · 2000 · 17 citations · 15 references
EducationSpecial EducationTeacher EducationInclusive CurriculumInclusive EducationSpecial Education PolicyDisability InclusionEducation For Children With DisabilitiesEducational SupportsInclusive Classroom EnvironmentsInclusive Classroom PracticesSpecial Educational NeedsEcological ApproachSpecial Education ProvisionSpecial Education SupportTeacher Competencies For InclusionTeacher Preparation For Inclusion
The Resource Teachers Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) program is a unique special education development in New Zealand. The aim of this program is the creation of a nation-wide network of more than 700 RTLB operating as itinerant consulting teachers providing support in inclusive classrooms. The principles underlying the program are described and an outline provided of the curriculum and methods of delivery. The program also acknowledges the need to address the important bi-cultural elements of New Zealand society. The paper reports on RTLB demographic profiles and the initial responses of teachers to their training. Preliminary indices of program effectiveness are also presented. The paper indicates ways in which the RTLB initiative is likely to develop and notes issues within the New Zealand education system that will both strengthen and constrain the overall development of the program.
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