Full Description
This book examines what special education could become if schools fully embraced evidence-based practice, meaningful inclusion, strong leadership, effective collaboration, and a relentless focus on student outcomes. Rather than concentrating solely on compliance, the book explores the systems, structures, and practices that help students succeed academically, socially, and functionally.
Drawing on research, policy analysis, practitioner experience, and voices from students, families, teachers, administrators, and related service providers, the authors explore assessment, progress monitoring, specially designed instruction, related services, inclusion, educator preparation, family engagement, advocacy, and dispute resolution. The book provides practical recommendations while challenging readers to rethink long-standing assumptions about disability, belonging, and educational success.
Written for educators, administrators, policymakers, advocates, families, and university students, this book offers a vision for creating a special education system that finally fulfills its original promise.
Contents
Chapter 1. In Their Words: Voices from the Frontlines
Chapter 2. Cultivating a Community Where All Students Belong
Chapter 3: Assessment: What Would It Take For It To Work?
Chapter 4: Special Education and Specially Designed Instruction
Chapter 5: Related Services: What Would It Take for It to Work?
Chapter 6: Progress Monitoring: What Would It Take to Work?
Chapter 7: General Education Teachers: What Would it Take?
Chapter 8: Principals and Special Education: What Would It Take for It to Work?
Chapter 9: Paraprofessionals: What Would It Take for It to Work?
Chapter 10: A World Without Labels
Chapter 11: Building Bridges: Connecting Schools, Families, and Communities
Chapter 12: Empowering Educators: Professional Development, Continuous Learning, Emotional and Mental Well-being for Teachers
Chapter 13: A State Test Case: Rhode Island's Advocacy-to-Policy Path
Chapter 14: If It Doesn't Work - Options Available for Resolving IDEA Disputes, and Room for Improvement The Unique Context of Special Education Disputes and Why It Matters
References
Index
About the Authors
