"In an era when government policy emphasizes ′scientifically based research′ (No Child Left Behind), this book provides an important resource in understanding what this means." Diane Browder, Snyder Distinguished Professor of Special Education University of North Carolina, Charlotte "This is a superb book. I learned by reading it, and I found myself rethinking some of my own thinking about research on individuals with disabilities." James E. Ysseldyke, Professor University of Minnesota Learn how research can lead to improved skills and contribute to successful lives. When face-to-face with the challenge of providing special needs children with a quality education, teachers and other educators are often met with the dilemma of inadequate research on the topic, or they are uninformed that a framework for critically analyzing and conducting special education research exists. Research-based practice is a powerful tool for success, as it can inform educators and others about educational strategies that work. Research and Evaluation Methods in Special Education is intended to enable educators to design, conduct, and report research and evaluation in a way that transforms special education by addressing the needs of persons with disabilities as heterogeneous, cultural groups. This text provides practical guidance for: Planning research and evaluation Addressing the implications of legislation and program evaluation Using empirically based data for decision-making in a variety of settings Assessing additional research needs in areas such as standards-based reforms, personnel development, family involvement, and new and developing topics in special education Using quantitative research methods, including casual comparative, correlational, single case, and survey research Using qualitative methods, including identification and selection of research participants, information collection, and more This excellent resource provides an approach to research and evaluation that helps educators better understand and address the needs of students with various disabilities, including blindness, mental retardation, deafness, learning disabilities, and more.

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.

The Third Edition of the highly acclaimed Encyclopedia of Special Education has been thoroughly updated to include the latest information about new legislation and guidelines. In addition, this comprehensive resource features school psychology, neuropsychology, reviews of new tests and curricula that have been developed since publication of the second edition in 1999, and new biographies of important figures in special education. Unique in focus, the Encyclopedia of Special Education, Third Edition addresses issues of importance ranging from theory to practice and is a critical reference for researchers as well as those working in the special education field.

This unequaled, all-encompassing collection of international programs on special education will enable educators worldwide to investigate special education practice within its social context to enhance their own initiatives with new ideas.Comparative Studies divides into five sections, each with an introduction to the chapters within. This thorough text begins with limited special education in such venues as South Africa, and Senegal. Section Two addresses emerging special education in Nigeria, Brazil, and several other locales. Segregated special education in Japan, Russia, and other countries makes up Section Three, and Section Four explores countries that are approaching integration, such as Poland and Australia. Integrated special education is described in Scandinavia, New Zealand, and other nations in the final section.More than 50 noted scholars have contributed to this important work, offering every involved student and practitioner an indispensable, detailed frame of reference in which to assess education programs worldwide for all special populations -- blind, deaf, physically and mentally disabled, and all others.

This book brings together for the first time research informing leadership practice in special education from preschool through transition into post-secondary settings. It provides comprehensive coverage of 1) disability policy 2) leadership knowledge, 3) school reform, and 4) effective educational leadership practices. Broader in scope than previous books, it provides in-depth analysis by prominent scholars from across the disciplines of both general and special education leadership. Coverage includes historical roots, policy and legal perspectives, and content supporting collaborative and instructional leadership that support the administration of special education. Comprehensive – This is the first book to integrate the knowledge bases of special education and educational leadership as these fields impact school improvement and the performance of students with disabilities. Chapter Structure – Chapters provide a review of the knowledge base as well as recommendations for special education leadership and future research. Multicultural Focus – Addressing special education leadership within the context of a multicultural society, chapters incorporate content related to the diversity of families, teachers, and students. Expertise – Chapter authors have made significant contributions to the knowledge base in their specific areas of study such as educational policy, special education law and finance, school reform,, organizational management, and instructional leadership. This book is a reference volume for scholars, leaders, and policy makers and a textbook for graduate courses in special education, educational administration, and policy studies.

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.

The recent move towards inclusive education has radically influenced the way educational research is conducted. Students need to become aware of the critical legal and ethical responsibilities that arise from investigation in this new and expanding area. Written from the standpoint of inclusive education, rather than 'special education', this carefully edited collection of readings from a wide variety of sources, will develop the student's ability to: * identify and respond to ethical dilemmas that occur within their particular research methodologies and settings. * respond appropriately to the myriad of complex legal issues that are pertinent to their own work The contributions to this book draw upon examples of inclusive practices from around the world. Students taking postgraduate courses or diplomas in Inclusive education will find this an invaluable read.

Enduring Issues in Special Education is aimed at any course in the undergraduate or graduate special education curriculum that is wholly or partly devoted to a critical examination of current issues in special education. The book organizes 28 chapters into seven sections using familiar structuring principles—what, who, where, how, when, why, and whither. Each section begins with an introduction that provides historical, legal, and theoretical background information and organizing commentary for the chapters that follow. The book’s objective, in addition to informing readers about the issues, is to develop critical thinking skills in the context of special education. Key features include the following: Dialectic Format – Each of the 28 chapters presents compelling reasons for addressing the issue at hand and specific ways to do so. Because each issue is written from different perspectives and focuses on a variety of aspects, readers are encouraged to weigh the arguments, seek additional information, and come up with synthesized positions of their own. Organizing Framework – The book’s seven sections have been arranged according to a scheme that is the essence of most investigative reporting and provides a coherent, easy-to-understand framework for readers. Expertise – All chapters are written by leading scholars who are highly regarded experts in their fields and conclude with suggested readings and discussion questions for additional study.

This fully revised and updated third edition presents teachers with a range of up-to-date evidence-based strategies they can use to tackle the challenges of inclusive education. An essential resource for the busy educator, each of the twenty-nine strategies explored in this book has a substantial research base drawn from a range of countries, a strong theoretical rationale and clear guidelines on their implementation, as well as cautionary advice where necessary. Key features of the third edition include: An easy to follow structure divided into four categories: behavioural approaches, social strategies, cognitive strategies and mixed strategies Eight new chapters, focusing on topical areas such as neuroscience, social and emotional education, visual learning and communication and the transition from school to post-school environments Updated chapters that consider the most diverse and up-to-date research in education, psychology, health and technology Whilst the focus of this book is on children with special educational needs, the strategies are universally applicable, making this essential reading for all classroom teachers, school leaders, teacher educators and students, educational psychologists, special needs coordinators and consultants and educational researchers.