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The professional Competencies Movement and Special Education

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2016

Robin Jones
Robin Jones*
Affiliation:
University of New England
*
Address for correspondence: Robin Jones, Senior Lecturer in Special Education, Department of Education Studies, The University of New England. Armidale NSW 2351. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

The teacher competencies movement in Australia is part of the larger national movement which is concerned about competencies statements for all trades and professions. Special educators are not exempt so that professional competencies statements or lists either are, or will be, developed for this profession. In the formulation process several issues and challenges will need to be addressed: the definition of the term “competencies”; the question of generic versus lists re specific disabilities; the purpose(s) of these lists; their dangers and benefits. We would do well to consider these issues now. We should also consider whether such lists or statements can encapsulate the essence of what good special education teaching is about.

Type
Research Article
Information
Australasian Journal of Special Education , Volume 20 , Issue 1 , 1996 , pp. 40 - 48
Copyright
Copyright © The Australian Association of Special Education 1996

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