Even though each individual is different in some way from every other individual, the majority of students share certain common characteristics. In a way, nature is even handed: about 3% of all children across countries, races, religions and cultures are 'special'. The term being used refer to those who deviate from what is supposed to be average in physical, mental, emotional or social characteristics to such an extent that they require special educational services in order to develop to their maximum capacity. These specials arrive on earth with their unique gifts but mainstream life has little time for them and considers them a problem because they have some special needs. The term Special Needs is a short form of Special Education Needs and is a way to refer to students with disability. In the education setting the term Special Needs comes into play whenever a child's education program is officially altered from what would normally be provided to students through an Individual Education Plan which is sometimes referred to as an Individual Program plan. Special need is a term used in clinical diagnostic and functional development to describe individuals who require assistance for disabilities that may be medical, mental, or psychological.

Practical and forward-thinking, Developing Teacher Leaders in Special Education is the administrator's essential guide to growing special educator leadership in any school, district, or program. Special educators need to be flexible, proactive, and collaborative – qualities that make them uniquely suited to roles in school leadership – but these skills are often overlooked when choosing effective teacher leaders. Featuring helpful tips and detailed examples to demonstrate the concepts in action, this book breaks down the qualities that special educators can bring to your school leadership team and explores how you can leverage those skills to create a more inclusive and successful community.

From Music Student to Teacher: A Professional Approach helps prospective music educators begin their transition from music student to professional music teacher. The text uniquely works to build upon the individual’s personal experience to enhance their approach to the profession. The authors help students first recognize their personal perspectives of the profession, and uncover the assumptions they have concerning learning and teaching. They are then prepared to make mindful informed decisions about their professional education. The topics and activities are deliberately organized to help the reader think as a professional rather than a student. Divided into three parts: (a) discovery of self, (b) discovery of teaching, and (c) discovery of learners; The three parts address the primary stages of teacher development. Within each part readers are connected to the theoretical foundations of the text and the process of becoming an insider to the profession.From Music Student to Teacher: A Professional Approach incorporates online resources and tools that are already familiar to students in their world of networking through social media Features include: Social networking activities to aid self-reflection and discussion ‘Connecting to the Profession’ sections that provide resources which help to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Discussion and glossary that provide a solid base in professional terminology An integrated companion website, including videos of teaching practice and further activities for self-reflection, plus instructor material. Michael A. Raiber is Professor of Music Education at Oklahoma City University David J. Teachout is Associate Professor and Department Head of Music Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Since the publication of Robert Pianta's 2001 handbook on the quality of the teacher-student relationship, much has been accomplished and research contributions have multiplied from different authors and countries. This testifies to the richness and continuous evolution of this field of research. The quality of the teacher-student relationship has been recognized as an important factor in the psychological development of students and seems to increase their adjustment to the school context. A good quality of relationship, according to attachment theorists, is characterized by closeness, affection, and respect. In this direction, the teacher can offer a relational context that can support the child in their learning processes and psychological development, preventing negative outcomes. The research focused on defining the salient features of this educational relationship and refining tools that could collect the perceptions of students and teachers, trying to identify the possible outcomes associated and the mechanisms involved.

Recent research suggests that good relationships between parents and their children’s providers or teachers could lead to positive outcomes for children and families. Positive, mutually respectful, and collaborative relationships between families and schools and education providers and teachers contribute to young children’s school readiness, increase positive family engagement in children’s programs, and strengthen home-program connection, a critical factor to children’s school success. Bridging Family-Teacher Relationships for ELL and Immigrant Students is a comprehensive reference source that focuses on research-based pedagogical practices for teaching young English language learners (ELL) and immigrants. It specifically looks at strategies across the curriculum including social-emotional development, parent involvement, language development, and more. While highlighting major themes that include academic engagement and achievement among ELL and immigrant children, factors affecting partnerships with schools and home, the impact of home environments on school readiness, and student performance, this book shares pedagogical practices across different subjects that use partnerships with families of ELL/immigrants. It is intended for classroom teachers (early childhood and K-12), parents, faculty, school administrators, academicians, professionals, researchers, and students interested in family-teacher relationships.

Original Scholarly Monograph

A jargon-free overview of special education's prereferral process, IEPs, eligibility services, procedural and legal safeguards, annual reviews and evaluations, and transitions from school to adult life.