"Makes a strong contribution to the field, illuminating many issues and significant concerns."-Mary Carlson, Special Education TeacherPark Hill K-8 School, Denver, CO"A unique, timeless collection that raises interesting questions about disability classification internationally."-Wendy Dallman, Special Education TeacherNew London High School, WIPromote equal educational opportunity through improved classification practices!The identification of children for special educational services has long been a topic of debate. Are students classified accurately? Do current classification systems produce adequate education services? Have systems designed to ensure equity instead resulted in discrimination?Disability Classification in Education offers a comprehensive analysis of current classification systems and categorical labels in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Covering specific national policies from historical, sociological, and legal perspectives, this collection of articles from a group of esteemed educational researchers identifies the disparities between different classification systems and suggests changes based on recent requirements, challenges, and trends. Aligned with NCLB and the reauthorization of IDEA 2004, this edited volume examines:The evolution of special education classification policies The relevance of existing disability classification systemsDilemmas educators face in using current classification proceduresAlternatives for serving learners with special needs Approaches to developing a standardized or universal classification policyIntended to stimulate discussion and spark change, this guide helps school or district administrators and university faculty improve the professional practice of those entrusted with the development and well-being of children with disabilities.

The publication of this very important volume comes at a timely juncture in the history of learning disabilities. The focus of this volume is on developing a multidisciplinary understanding of the complexities of the research on learning disabilities and its various sUbtypes. It also will serve as an important compendium of the subtyping literature, particularly with respect to pertinent issues of nosology, specific sUbtyping models, neuro psychological diagnosis, and treatment. As the authors so correctly suggest, the differential diagnosis of learning disabilities subtypes is a critical first step in developing theoretically sound programs of psychoeducational intervention. Clearly, one must have some idea about the general abilities of a child before realistic expectations can be charted. Also, how can one plan a program of intervention without some knowledge of the deficient components of achievement within a do main? Does it not make both conceptual and practical sense to identify an individual's relative strengths and weaknesses so that abilities or strengths can be utilized to optimize functioning in areas of deficit? Although these all sound like reasonable precursors to assisting individuals in need of academic assistance, there are those who would argue otherwise. Impor tantly, however, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, in a recent report to Congress, advocates exactly what this volume proposes. Indeed, there are important needs to be addressed, and the literature reviewed herein strongly supports the conclusions drawn by these authors.

This fourth edition examines the characteristics of individuals with learning disabilities and how their success is mediated by the demands and attitudes of their families and school environments. The book takes an ecological perspective on learning disabilities. A focus on multicultural diversity issues is included in special sections throughout. It is written in a readable style with many anecdotes and over 45 personal vignettes contributed by individuals with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers, and psychologists. Topics to this new edition include: the concept of learning disabilities; causes of learning disabilities; task and setting contributors; academic development; social-emotional development; assessment; and more. Educators of students with learning disabilities.

Includes bibliographis and index.