"Contains critical information that administrators need as they navigate special education policies and procedures. Administrators will discover a practical process for not only improving the quality of special education services, but also for transforming the teaching/learning cycle for all students." —Kim Benton, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Special Populations Meridian Public Schools, MS Lead effective special education programs that promote student achievement! The No Child Left Behind Act and other recent federal mandates have established a new level of accountability for special education programs. Updated to reflect these changes, this practical guide assists principals in developing special education programs that address current standards and students′ diverse needs. The second edition of McLaughlin′s bestseller provides a straightforward overview of special education for principals and other administrators. This resource offers insights on how to lead programs for students with special needs and covers basic legal and procedural information. Written by a well-known and respected scholar in special education, this guide includes new information that enables principals to: Fulfill requirements of NCLB and the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA, including standards-based individualized education programs Ensure that special education students can appropriately access the general curriculum Understand standardized testing options and accommodations to comply with federal law Support accurate identification and eligibility decisions, including Response to Intervention procedures Promote positive behavior and encourage family involvement Help your students with disabilities reach their full potential through high-quality special education programs and services.

School leaders who succeed at creating a high-achieving learning community must also be committed to creating an equitable environment for all students. In this new book, key scholars across the content areas show how to put into practice a commitment to equity and excellence across the Pre-K12 spectrum. Readers learn directly from experts in each of the content domains (literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, music, early childhood, special education, English language learners, world languages, and physical education) how a commitment to social justice and equity can be grounded in core subject areas, why each has a place in the school, and what they need to know and do in each subject area. This book is a critical instructional leadership resource for new and veteran principals who want to see all students succeed. Contributors: Antonio J. Castro, Julie Causton-Theoharis, Virginia Collier, Katherine Delaney, Catherine Ennis, Virginia Goatley, Beth Graue, Rochelle Gutirrez, Kathleen A. Hinchman, Anne Karabon, Christi Kasa, Dave McAlpine, Mitchell Robinson, Victor Sampson, Sherry A. Southerland, and Wayne Thomas

Discover best practices for implementing efficient school management! While principals may understandably devote a great deal of attention to supporting the cultural and instructional needs of their schools, the core administrative challenge remains: managing the school′s personnel, facilities, and financial resources. As the sixth volume of a seven-part series, What Every Principal Should Know About Operational Leadership provides an essential tool for new and veteran principals who want to run their school sites more efficiently and intentionally every day of the school year. Filled with best practice examples, resources, reflection and self-assessment opportunities, and implementation ideas, this guide also includes the following features: Before we get started" questionnaire and response analysis Case study and accompanying reflective questions "What You Should Know About" section framing each chapter Self-Assessment resource for determining effectiveness of cultural leaders This book covers the essentials for organization and time management, overseeing and evaluating facilities, handling the budget, addressing legal mandates, recruiting and evaluating personnel, working with an assistant principal, and enhancing communication in individual and group settings.

Set the tone for schoolwide success and watch student achievement soar! Heightened student achievement is cultivated in a safe, stimulating, and cooperative learning environment. This user-friendly guide provides principals ways to focus on creating a positive school climate and culture, realizing visionary leadership, embracing cultural diversity, and promoting school self-renewal. Both research based and rich with examples, this second volume of a seven-part series will instill confidence in new principals and renew the enthusiasm of veteran administrators. Its straightforward insights and proven best practices make it a one-stop resource for harnessing the power of school culture to boost morale and achievement while fostering a successful learning community schoolwide. This well-organized resource crystallizes key points for quick access and easy implementation through features such as: "Before We Get Started" questionnaire and response analysis Case study and accompanying reflective questions "What You Should Know About" section framing each chapter Self-assessment resource for determining effectiveness of cultural leadership Other titles in this leadership series:

Diversity creates a rich environment for ideas to evolve into new and more refined forms. This pedagogical approach can help students to appreciate and value all forms of diversity and enrich learning. There is a need for administrators in education to institute policies that will support diversity and inclusion within special education classrooms. Rethinking Inclusion and Transformation in Special Education explores the latest findings on how children learn by discussing global policies and educational practices, considering professional expectations, establishing parent relationships that enhance communication, creating an effective learning environment that meets all students’ needs, and using technology wisely. Covering topics such as language development promotion, school leadership practices, and long-term skill support, this book is essential for special education teachers, diversity officers, school administrators, instructional designers, curriculum developers, academicians, researchers, and upper-level students.

Strengthen and hone your strategic leadership skills for effective school planning! This is an essential guide for new and veteran school leaders focused on strategic planning, data-driven decision making, and transformational leadership. A comprehensive and practical handbook, it provides nine steps to strategic planning, plus guidelines for promoting a vision and mission, using data to empower and implement change, evaluating school programs, and moving from micro-political to transformational leadership practice. This last volume in a seven-part leadership series features examples, and best practice, including: Insightful questionnaire and response analysis Case study with reflective questions "What You Should Know About" sections framing each chapter Self-assessment resources for leadership effectiveness "In-Basket Simulations" exploring real-life examples For leadership that can empower and transform a school community, this insightful volume provides a sure-footed path for leaders seeking to foster and manage effective and lasting change.

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.

In this book, aspiring, new, and veteran principals will learn how to build better school-community alliances, and use community partnerships to narrow the achievement gap.

Global Leadership for Social Justice

Collaborate to alleviate stress and elevate success! The demands on today′s principals can be overwhelming in their complexity. More than ever, it is critical for principals to engage in meaningful collaboration empowering staff, parents, community members, and students with a voice in making decisions and making a difference. By drawing on the collective wisdom of the school′s stakeholders, principals can promote a sense of shared conviction and responsibility for heightened levels of success-and this guide will help you get there. It offers a proven three-phased collaborative leadership approach, covering best practices for: Team building-including 10 characteristics of successful teams, "25 Questions" exercise, and team assessments; Action research-highlighting the three forms of action research, plus steps for implementation; and Shared decision making-with emphasis on developing teacher leaders. This fifth volume of a seven-part leadership series features reader-friendly tools including: Insightful questionnaire and response analysis Case study with reflective questions "What You Should Know About" sections framing each chapter Self-Assessment resources "In-basket Simulations" exploring real-life examples