Special education law and practice have undergone profound transformation over the past 50 years. Students with disabilities are now more likely to receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible; however, the ideals of the law have not always been manifested in effective practice. Although special education services are vastly better today than they were in the early years of public education, current policies and practices continue to result in the under-education of many children with disabilities. This book illustrates key failures of the system within the context of real children’s experiences. The case study approach gives voice to the students, families, and educators who have been let down by the special education process. The goal is to shed light on the flaws and injustices of the status quo. After identifying these problems, the authors offer sound solutions. Section 1 is devoted to issues surrounding identification of students with learning disabilities. These topics include occurrence of inconsistencies in assessment and diagnoses, understanding the struggles of the “slow learner,” and the interference of behavioral challenges with students’ educational performance. Section 2 addresses problems within the evaluation process that negatively influence diagnoses. Discussions include disproportionate representation of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds as well as students of color and bilingual students. Section 3 highlights significant concerns with service provision within the special education realm. The narratives throughout the book present stories of children on the receiving end of a severely fractured special education system. Recommendations focus on solving specific problems, such as inconsistent identification processes and categories, disproportionate representation, ill-conceived IEPs, ineffective specially designed instruction, and poorly implemented RTI programs. The book’s methodological approach affirms that there is much room for reform within both the special education system and the public education system as a whole. This book will be an excellent resource for graduate-level students, practitioners, and teachers in the fields of special education, disability studies, early intervention, school psychology, and child and family services. Additionally, it will be of interest to social workers, counselors, and researchers.

Tremendous changes have occurred over the past decade in the provision of services to students with disabilities. Federal mandates continue to define requirements for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of lawsuits filed against school districts regarding the provision of educational services for students with disabilities. Case studies are a helpful way to understand these difficult issues. The case studies presented here are actual students eligible for special education and related services. The case studies are represented not to tell districts and parents that this is the only way questions about special education law can be answered, but to provide likely answers along with commentary for analysis. The cases were developed to help new (and experienced) special education leaders and supervisors survive the pressures of working with students with disabilities while working to provide appropriate services and prevent litigation.

From Special to Inclusive Education in India: Case Studies of Three Schools in Delhi focuses on the growing international interest in inclusive education and on how to offer equal education to all children regardless of their needs, or their social, cultural and economic backgrounds. With the number of private schools that admit children identified with special needs, particularly of the non-physical and non-sensory categories, as a part of "integrated" or "inclusive" education, increasing in India, the challenges of inclusive education in India are also many. The concerns that require attention involve the inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs, those from socially and economically disadvantaged groups and from diverse cultural and linguistic groups, and those alienated in classrooms that offer non-relevant curricula and teacher-centred methods. This book discusses these issues and challenges against the background of the existing educational system. Using a case study approach, the author has examined three different schools in Delhi where "special" needs children have been admitted, and has analysed the findings against the background of the Indian education policy and its provisions for special education.

This book features vivid case studies that bring to life real children, school personnel, and family members from the bestselling book Why Are So Many Minority Students in Special Education? Once again addressing the disproportionate placement of minority students in special education programs, this new book includes the voices and perspectives of all stakeholders to show the tremendous complexity of the issues and the dilemmas faced by professionals, family members, and children. Challenging questions and scenarios are offered at the end of each case study to provide thoughtful follow-up activities and topics for further study. This collection of cases can be used—on its own or as a companion to the main volume—in elementary and special education courses and professional development workshops. “This book provides a thorough and detailed description of the multiple factors that combine to provide inequitable educational opportunities for minority students living in poverty . . . the authors do not shy away from discussion of racism on the individual and institutional levels . . . they engage in this discussion in a refreshingly detailed and nuanced way.” —TC Record “It is the best casebook on special education that I have seen.” —Velma L. Cobb, Vice President of Education and Youth Development, National Urban League

"You've read the history and the background, now meet the families! This companion book to Meeting Families Where They Are traces the advocacy journeys of 12 caregivers across a range of racial, ethnic, social, disability, economic, and family identities. The stories reflect the unique lives, histories, and needs of each family, as well as the different approaches they employ to meet the needs of their children. Caregivers indicate when they began to advocate; describe how they continue their efforts across schools, medical offices, therapies, communities, and virtual spaces; and discuss how they adapt to changing social and health climates and educational delivery modes. They also share their collective wisdom to assist other parents who are new to the advocacy platform or are feeling discouraged with the process. This is must-reading for family members, teachers, administrators, health care personnel, and everyone invested in creating a culture of respect, love, and understanding. Book Features: ] Emphasizes how families have resisted the deficit-based view of their children while still utilizing systems of support. Identifies gaps and challenges across multiple systems, as well as "what's working." Incorporates the fields of special education and disability studies in education. Uses the framework of DisCrit to explore how disability and other social identities operate in tandem, examining concepts such as power, access, privilege, and barriers. Positions caregivers as experts in their children's lives, illustrating how they advocate for their children, teens, and young adults. Takes a deep dive into the nuances of generational, cultural, organizational, and geographical factors that impact how caregivers advocate. Resists approaches that typically involve professionals dictating what families need, centering instead on a collaborative model that includes families and professionals"--

This text will enable readers to use tools to design, conduct and report research in a way that transforms, when appropriate, the delivery of special education.

The field of special education constantly changes as a result of legislation, instructional formats and the research investigations. Addressing the issues and trends in special education, this title covers research, technology, and teacher preparation.

Divided into two volumes, Handbook of Special Education Research provides a comprehensive overview of critical issues in special education research. This first volume addresses key topics in theory, methods, and development, exploring how these three domains interconnect to build effective special education research. Each chapter features considerations for future research and implications for fostering continuous improvement and innovation. Essential reading for researchers and students of special education, this handbook brings together diverse and complementary perspectives to help move the field forward.

In increasing numbers, general education teachers are faced with the task of educating students with disabilities in their classrooms, and many beginning teachers are not prepared for the diverse classroom that awaits them. The cases in this book are written from the viewpoint of general education teachers, with the goal of providing them with the information and tools to improve their ability to approach this task with confidence. As participants process the cases in this book, they will learn to collect and evaluate data, identify important concepts, apply legal requirements, develop hypotheses, and create or defend arguments. Through introductory materials included in each chapter, the major provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are outlined in easy and understandable terms and illuminated through the cases presented. Discussion questions, links to websites, and suggested activities are included in each chapter.

The purpose of the Handbook of Special Education is to help profile and bring greater clarity to the already sprawling and continuously expanding field of special education. To ensure consistency across the volume, chapter authors review and integrate existing research, identify strengths and weaknesses, note gaps in the literature, and discuss implications for practice and future research. The second edition has been fully updated throughout to take into account recent changes to federal laws as well as the most current academic research, and an entirely new section has been added on research methods in special education.