This presentation outlines the major changes and challenges to teacher preparation (training) for Special Education across the USA and in Australia. It examines the impact of major influences such as inclusive education legislation, policies and practices, national curricula and testing programs, changes to concepts of what is 'special' in Special Education and the greater recognition of groups of children disadvantaged by poverty, mental health conditions, communication and language fluency problems, ASD's and displacement through circumstances associated with refugee and asylum status. The presentation examines some current models and projects designed to maintain an effective level of curriculum differentiation for the needs of children and young people with “Special” education needs and to promote greater levels of engagement of these children and young people within their communities and societies.