This book is concerned with the evolution of special education policy and practice. It assesses what has been accomplished in the field over the past several decades, what remains to be done, and what must be reconsidered. Its retrospective approach allows noted authors in several areas of special education policy and practice to reflect on their previously published works, discussing the context and motivation of their writing and relating their ideas, intentions, and recommendations to present-day needs.

The book is organized into seven areas of special education scholarship. Thematically, readers are introduced to a conceptual framework for integrating the broad range of perspectives in the book and to a principled stance for the field of special education whose strength lies in its diversity of interests.

Special Features

• Evaluation of current status of special education policy & practice and what needs to be done to move forward
• Discusses a conceptual framework using a reciprocal research to practice approach with an ethical focus on civic professionalism
• The perfect text for courses dealing with issues and trends, policy and practice, and administration

Contents

Part One - Teaching and Learning
Part Two - Social and Emotional Challenges
Part Three - Significant Disabilities
Part Four - Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special Education
Part Five - Secondary Transition Education and Services
Part Six - Technology Part Seven Policy

486 pages
2009
Paperback/ISBN 978-0-89108-337-5
$68.00

This is an excellent book that addresses the policy shift in special education from procedural compliance to standards-based accountability and the changing conditions of practice under reform. It covers the major problems of implementing reform and presents several practices and models to improve the conditions of special education practice.

The authors support a collaborative environment for service delivery and inclusive work atmospheres with research-based instructional practices. The book gives prevention and intervention strategies including specific reading, writing, and mathematics instructional techniques. Other topics include transition, self-determination, school violence, health needs, and literacy instruction for Latino students.

The focus in the last part of the book is oriented to human needs and opportunities that will shape special education practice in the future including individual and environmental conditions. These include welfare of children working across social contexts and providing a planning framework for achieving integrated services.

Special Features

• Clear explanation of policy shifts from procedural compliance with federal and state law to academic performance of students with disabilities
• Recommends strategies for improving academic learning for students with disabilities
• Considers human needs and environmental conditions that contribute to educational achievement of children
• Provides an action-oriented planning framework for achieving integrated services

Contents

1. The Context of Special Education Practice Today

Part One: Standards-Based Reform and the Conditions of Practice

2. The IDEA Amendments of 1997 and the Conditions of Practice

3. Standards-Based Reform and Students with Disabilities

4. To Ensure the Learning of Every Child with a Disability

5. Special Education Teacher Supply and Teacher Quality

6. Access of Adolescents with Disabilities to General Education Curriculum

7. Supporting Beginning Special Education Teachers

8. Collaboration to Support Students’ Success

9. Students with Disabilities and Paraprofessional Supports

Part Two: Prevention and Intervention Strategies

10. Crossing Boundaries:What Constructivists Can Teach Intensive-Explicit Instructors and Vice Versa

11. Balanced Literacy Instruction

12. Self-Regulated Strategy Development in the Classroom: A Balanced Approach to Writing Instruction for Students with Disabilities

13. Balanced Perspectives on Mathematics Instruction

14. Searching for the Best Model for Instructing Students with Learning Disabilities

15. Fostering the Literacy Development of Latino Students

16. Post-Secondary Education and Transition Services for Students Ages 8–21 with Significant Disabilities

17. Self-Determination and Quality of Life

18. Supporting Students with Health Needs in Schools

19. School Violence and Disruption

Part Three: Risk, School, and Society

20. Risk, Families, and Schools

21. Integrating Services, Collaborating, and Developing Connections with Schools

592 pages
2004
Paperback/ISBN 978-0-89108-310-8
$72.00