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Preservice teachers often have low post-school expectations for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), although the stated goal of special education is to increase those very outcomes. However, setting high expectations and learning the accompanying soft skills is a complex skill set to include in special education teacher training. This qualitative study (n = 7) uses the consensual qualitative research-modified method to analyze preservice teachers' shifts in perception of students with IDD following a service-based, extended field experience with college students with IDD who attend a university's inclusive postsecondary education [IPSE] program. The service-learning experience included both planned and unplanned activities that were also a part of the curriculum for students enrolled in the IPSE program. Researchers identified six primary domains: (1) content knowledge, (2) getting to know students, (3) helping students, (4) preservice teachers needing support, (5) social and emotional connections, and (6) misconceptions. The resulting core ideas suggest that special education teacher training with extended service learning may help candidates to see the whole person with IDD and that instruction for teacher development can be enriched through applied learning opportunities. Conclusions position subsequent inquiry to explore service-learning outcomes and preservice teacher soft skill development.

Teacher implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) is critical for student success, yet a gap remains between research to practice. Two EBPs that specifically promote student engagement and positive behavior are specific praise (BSP) and active student responding (OTR). Unfortunately, many classroom teachers, specifically pre-service teachers, struggle with implementing EBPs. While the caseload demands continue to increase for university field supervisors, educator preparation programs are tasked with finding effective and efficient ways to provide feedback to pre-service teachers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of written performance feedback and goal setting on increasing evidence-based classroom management practices with special education pre-service teachers. Using a single-case multiple probe design, researchers found that all pre-service teachers increased their rate of BSP and OTR after receiving performance feedback with and without goal setting by email. Results from social validity, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.