Challenging Behaviour and People with Learning Disabilities by 
Key Concepts in Learning Disabilities by
This is a handy guide to the topics you need to know about whether studying or working in the field of learning disabilities. The A-Z format allows you to "dip in" and quickly find relevant information on topics ranging from Autism to Rights and from Advocacy to Challenging Behaviors.
Learning Disabilities by
This volume addresses the most current perspectives and issues related to learning disabilities and is written by leaders in the field of learning disabilities. The layout of the book and ordering of chapters will allow readers to follow learning disabilities in a very logical and thoughtful process from legal issues, identification, and assessment, to effective practices and response to intervention finally ending with practical issues of inclusion, working with families, and teacher preparation. Chapters can be read in order or independently which will allow readers considerable versatility.
Learning Disabilities Sourcebook by
Summary: "Provides basic consumer health information about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of various learning disabilities and other conditions that impact learning, along with facts about early intervention and the special education process, advice for coping at home and school, and handling the transition to adulthood. Includes index, glossary of related terms, and other resources"--Provided by publisher.
Learning Disability by
Annotation With its spread of chapters covering key issues across the life cycle this text has established itself as the foundational primer for those studying the lived experiences of people with learning disabilities and their families, and outcomes achieved through services and support systems. Recognising learning disability as a lifelong disability, this accessible book is structured around the life cycle. The second edition is refreshed and expanded to include seven new chapters, covering: Aetiology,Breaking news (about disability) and early intervention,Transition to adulthood, The sexual lives of women, Employment, Personalisation, People with hidden identities. With contributions from respected figures from a range of disciplines, the book draws heavily upon multidisciplinary perspectives and is based on the latest research and evidence for practice. The text is informed by medical, social and legal models of learning disability, exploring how "learning disability" is produced, reproduced and understood. Extensive use is made of real-life case studies, designed to bring theory, values, policy and practice to life. Narrative chapters describe, in the words of people with learning disabilities themselves, their lives and aspirations. They helpfully show readers the kinds of roles played by families, advocates and services in supporting people with learning disabilities. New exercises and questions have been added to encourage discussion and reflection on practice. Learning Disability is core reading for students entering health and social care professions to work with people with learning disabilities. It is a compelling reference text for practitioners as it squarely addresses the challenges facing people with learning disability, their loved ones and the people supporting them.
Overcoming Learning Disabilities by
Summary: "This book is dedicated to methods of preventing or overcoming learning disabilities based on the ideas of the great Russian psychologists Lev Vygotsky and Alexander Luria. The typical forms of learning disablities are described, and the effective methods of remediation of attention, executive functions (working memory and cognitive control), spatial and visual-verbal functions are discussed in details, The book has many illustrations of typical errors of children with learning disabilities and examples of remedial tasks. The book is useful for qualified psychologists and students, teachers and parents of children with learning disablities"--Provided by publisher.
The PMLD Ambiguity: Articulating the Life-worlds of Children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities by
Summary: This book challenges the ways we experience, think about, and interact with children described as having profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Contrary to received wisdom, the book starts from the premise that traditional psychological approaches operating in the "PMLD field" are overly reductive and constrain our abilities to listen to and learn from children with PMLD. This in turn runs the risk of maintaining exclusionary practices such as segregated education, where such practices are predicated upon the notion that some children are too disabled to participate in mainstream life.To address the situation the authors explore new terrain in three areas: theory, research and practice. The authors draw from phenomenological notions of embodied consciousness and introduce how this gives rise to novel ways of understanding the agency of children with PMLD. This critique leads to examination of interpersonal methodology as a means to access the experiences of children with PMLD, which in turn culminates in a research project examining how inclusive education could support learning for a young boy with PMLD. What becomes apparent through this story is that children with PMLD engage with the world in ways far more complex than existing approaches can take account of.
Risk Assessment in People with Learning Disabilities by
Risk Assessment in People with Learning Disabilities, Second Edition reflects legislative updates made over the past decade while continuing to demystify the process of assessing risk for people with intellectual impairment (previously called 'learning disabilities'). *Revisits techniques of risk assessment outlined in First Edition in light of the recent legislative changes, most notably the 2005 Mental Capacity Act *Covers methods of assessing a person's capacity to consent in a range of situations, from the everyday, to complex medical or psychological scenarios *Covers implications of new guidelines issued in relation to the Care Programme Approach (CPA)
S. T. E. M. Education by
Advancing education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in U.S. public schools has been at the forefront of educational issues and a national priority (President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, 2010). Although there is a need for this ambitious initiative, students with disabilities has been left out of the conversation. Individuals with disabilities have been underrepresented in STEM fields for many years. Traditionally individuals with disabilities in STEM careers lag even further behind discrepancies of race and gender in these areas. Therefore, the need to provide general and special education teachers practices and strategies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities in STEM areas is imperative. The nation's changing demographics and continued need to remain globally competitive makes it clear that general and special education teachers need strategies to support, instruct and engage students with disabilities in STEM education. Students in U.S. schools are academically behind their international peers in STEM areas. Currently, the United States ranks 17th in science and 25th in mathematics among other nations (National Center for Education Statistics, 2011). In the field of engineering, college programs in China and India graduated many more engineers than in the U.S. (Gerefii, Wadhwa, Rissing, & Ong, 2008). For example, in 2011, China's engineering graduates totaled one million (Shammas, 2011), as compared to colleges in the U.S. which graduated 84,599 engineers (Deffree, 2012). To address this pressing need to provide general and special education teachers practices and strategies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, this book provides teachers and educational professionals the knowledge, skills, practices and strategies to support learners with disabilities in STEM education. This book is intended for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in methods courses in Colleges of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and Institutes of Technology. More specifically, this book provides background information to prepare K-12 general and special education teachers and educational professionals in pedagogy for integrated inquiry-based teaching and learning for students with special needs in STEM concepts. This book will also help to provide: (a) ideas about adaptation to STEM content for learners with special needs to meet student learning outcomes and (b) general and special educators with the knowledge, skills and resources for effective STEM teaching and learning for students with special needs.
Specific Learning Disabilities by
This book is a concise but comprehensive review of Specific Learning Disabilities, with a special attention to the biology of these diverse conditions. The reader will get a review of most aspects of SLD, including the different clinical syndromes (mostly dyslexia and dyscalculia), the clinical manifestations and the therapeutic approaches. It is unique in the proportion of its content dedicated to the biological aspects of SLD. It attempts to assemble and present the biological knowledge which has been accumulated on these conditions. This knowledge includes the neurological anatomy of dyslexia and dyscalculia, demonstrated with the help of modern neuro-imaging studies, and the physiology and the genetics of these conditions, again demonstrated by recently available technologies. These new technologies produced major discoveries related to SLD including the importance of phonological processing in reading, the presence of "number center¨in the brain, and the rain networks involved in reading. We recognize that many dyslexic subjects have a deficit in aspects of language processing, specifically phonological processing; that dyscalculia can be the result of a number of distinct cognitive impairments, and that the basic underlying deficit in many cases of SLD may be a genetic variation. The same new biological investigative techniques can, like never before, measure the outcome of therapeutic techniques and learning methods. Such measurements will, in the future, be the "gold standard¨in assessing the efficacy of different methods of classroom teaching in regular and different learners. Last, unlike many other publications on SLD, this book discusses the relatively unrecognized emotional aspects of SLD, and the sometime devastating effects that these conditions have on the life of affected subjects and their families, in and out of the classroom.
Taking on a Learning Disability by
In the United States, approximately 2.5 million students are diagnosed as having a learning disability and the majority of those children are placed in special education because of an inability to read as expected. As a result of this diagnosis, these children may be placed in special education classrooms - classrooms that are separate from the 'mainstream' population. For children with learning disabilities, there is likely no place, other than in school, where a student's inability to read as expected leads to this separation from his/her peers. Once school is over, these children play alongside the kids in their neighborhoods, participate in sports teams, and attend community activities. This book looks at the impact of being labeled as learning disabled and separated from peers in school through the eyes of Samson, a middle school student described both as learning disabled and a non-reader. This qualitative case study explores how Samson, his family, his teachers and this researcher make sense of special education and the complexities of learning to read as an adolescent. Throughout this book, there is a contrasting of the laws and procedures designed to guide special education, with the actual experiences of those impacted by these laws and procedures. Through the three years that Samson was in middle school, this book investigates his perspective on his classes, his interpretation of what it means to 'be' a student in special education, and the process by which he learns to read. How disability gets created, contested, and discussed is highlighted through the many contexts that allow disability to be recognized and to fade into the background.
A-Z of Learning Disability by
If you are looking for an incisive overview of current thinking and practice in the field of learning disabilities, then this is the book for you. Written by a highly experienced team of authors, this handy pocket-sized guide succinctly captures the fundamental ideas in policy and practice that currently dominate the field of learning disabilities. With a strong grounding in ethics and values, the book focuses on the experience of people with learning disabilities through examination of topics such as discrimination, communication and assistive technology, as well as promoting readers' understanding of key areas such as care planning, accommodation and application of the Human Rights Act 1998. With explicit 'Implications for Practice' points and extensive signposting to further reading, A-Z of Learning Disabilities is an essential resource not only for students and practitioners in learning disability nursing or social work, but also teachers, policymakers, families and anyone who lives with, or whose work brings them into contact with, people who have learning disabilities.
A Clinician's Guide to Learning Disabilities by
Many children with learning disabilities have mental health needs that bring them into contact with clinicians who work outside of school settings. When external clinicians are not trained in school-based special education procedures, however, treatment goals and recommendations are often inconsistent, creating confusion for both clinicians and parents. A Clinician's Guide to Learning Disabilities seeks to remedy this disconnect and demystify the process of assessing and diagnosing learning disorders. This book provides succinct description of various types of learning disorders that affect educational achievement-illustrated with numerous case studies and supplemented with clear descriptions of educational assessment best practices and psychoeducational test score reporting-and contains key information to help clinicians identify learning these disorders in students of all ages. Current practices for major diagnostic and legal references, such as the DSM-5® and IDEA, are compared, contrasted, and clarified. A chapter on the legal background of learning disabilities provides guidance on supports for students with learning disabilities in all settings. Chapters on preschool assessment and the transition to post-high school college and career expand the scope of the book beyond the school years. Discussion of referral and collaboration will inform clinicians who seek deeper educational knowledge about their clients to better guide students and their families. Through its thorough presentation of learning disabilities and the psychoeducational evaluation process, A Clinician's Guide to Learning Disabilities will serve as an essential resource for mental health clinicians working with children and adolescents.
Essentials of Specific Learning Disability Identification by
Summary: "This newest addition to the Essentials series presents the latest research and information from leading scholars and researchers in the field of learning disabilities. With multiple perspectives spanning several different theoretical orientations and offering several different approaches to SLD identification--from RTI methods to cognitive strengths and weaknesses approaches--this volume offers step-by-step information on accurately identifying learning disabilities. This is essential reading for professionals who work with children and youth who may be at risk for learning disabilities"-- Provided by publisher.
How to Reach and Teach Children and Teens with ADD/ADHD by
Summary: "The most up-to-date and comprehensive vital resource for educators seeking ADD/ADHD-supportive methods How to Reach and Teach Children and Teens with ADD/ADHD, Third Edition is an essential guide for school personnel. Approximately 10 percent of school-aged children have ADD/ADHD--that is at least two students in every classroom. Without support and appropriate intervention, many of these students will suffer academically and socially, leaving them at risk for a variety of negative outcomes. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to understand and manage ADHD: utilizing educational methods, techniques, and accommodations to help children and teens sidestep their weaknesses and showcase their numerous strengths. This new 2016 edition has been completely updated with the latest information about ADHD, research-validated treatments, educational laws, executive function, and subject-specific strategies. It also includes powerful case studies, intervention plans, valuable resources, and a variety of management tools to improve the academic and behavioral performance of students from kindergarten through high-school. From learning and behavioral techniques to whole group and individualized interventions, this indispensable guide is a must-have resource for every classroom--providing expert tips and strategies on reaching kids with ADHD, getting through, and bringing out their best. Prevent behavioral problems in the classroom and other school settings Increase students' on-task behavior, work production, and academic performance Effectively manage challenging behaviors related to ADHD Improve executive function-related skills (organization, memory, time management) Apply specific research-based supports and interventions to enable school success Communicate and collaborate effectively with parents, physicians, and agencies"-- Provided by publisher.
Learning Disabilities by
Summary: "The area of learning disabilities is constantly changing and advancing as a result of legislation, new trends, and current research investigations ... topics addressed include legal issues, assessment, placement, prevention, culturally and linguistically diverse students, evaluating bilingual students, English language learners, the problem-solving approach, as well as differentiated instruction"--P. [4] of cover.
Learning Disabilities by
Summary: "The area of learning disabilities is constantly changing and advancing as a result of legislation, new trends, and current research investigation ... Topics addressed include inclusion, instruction in reading, mathematics, writing, and social skills, transition, assistive technology finally ending with working with families, and teacher preparation"--P. [4] of cover.
The Learning Tree by
The Learning Tree offers a new understanding of learning problems. Rather than looking just at symptoms, this new approach describes how to find the missing developmental steps that cause these symptoms. The best solution to the problem comes from knowing what essential skills to strengthen.Using the metaphor of a tree, Dr. Stanley Greenspan explains that the roots represent how children take in the world through what they hear, see, smell, and touch. The trunk represents thinking skills through which children grow both academically and socially. From these, the branches-children's basic abilities to read, write, do math, and organize their work-develop. Both parents and early learning professionals will especially welcome the sections on finding and solving learning problems early. With Dr. Greenspan's characteristic wise optimism, this book "raises the ceiling" for all children who learn differently or with difficulty.
Making the Grade by
Summary: Designed to be a valuable resource, this book provides educators, administrators, practitioners, and families with a clear understanding of how to meet the instructional, emotional, and social needs of students with learning disabilities. Readers will benefit from the extensive research provided and will gain an appreciation for the importance of collaboration, creating safe and supportive learning environments, as well as effectively implementing interventions. -- Provided by publisher.
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities by
Summary: "Increasing numbers of children and adolescents are being diagnosed with nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD), yet clinicians and educators have few scientific resources to guide assessment and intervention. This book presents up-to-date knowledge on the nature of NLD and how to differentiate it from DSM-5 disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder. Effective strategies for helping K-12 students and their families address the challenges of NLD in and outside of the classroom are illustrated with vivid case material. The authors thoughtfully consider controversies surrounding NLD, discuss why the diagnosis is not included in the current DSM and ICD classification systems, and identify important directions for future research"-- Provided by publisher.
Barriers to Inclusion by
Barriers to Inclusion offers a comparative and historical account of the rise of special education over the twentieth century in the United States and Germany. This institutional analysis demonstrates how categorical boundaries, professional groups, social movements, and education and social policies shaped the schooling of children and youth with disabilities. It traces the evolution of special education classification, explores growing special education organizations, and examines students' learning opportunities and educational attainments. Highlighting cross-national differences over time, the author also investigates demographic and geographic variability within the federal democracies, especially in segregation and inclusion rates of disabled and disadvantaged children. Germany's elaborate system of segregated special school types contrasts with diverse American special education classrooms mainly within regular schools. Joining historical case studies with empirical indicators, this book reveals persistent barriers to school integration as well as factors that facilitate inclusive education reform in both societies.
Debating Special Education by
Debating Special Education is a provocative yet timely book examining a range of criticisms made of special education in recent years. Michael Farrell analyses several key debates in special education giving balanced critical responses to inform policy and practice for the future of special education. The book identifies possible limitations to the current special education knowledge base and provision. Michael Farrell examines the value of labelling and classification, and asks if intelligence testing may have detrimental effects.
Effective Inclusive Schools by
Summary: "How to raise the achievement of all kids, from gifted to those with severe disabilitiesThis book presents lessons learned from in-depth case studies of some of our most effective inclusive public schools. The authors conclusively demonstrate that schools can educate students with mild and severe disabilities in general education classrooms by providing special education services that link to and bolster general education instruction. This goes beyond complying with Special Education law; having a truly inclusive environment raises the achievement level for all students and results in more committed and satisfied teachers.Insights shared from teachers, school leaders, parents, and the students themselves provide a path forward for anyone striving to Improve special education services. The authors reveal what these exemplary schools do that makes them so successful, and provide advice for readers who want to incorporate these practices themselves. Hehir, former U.S. Office of Special Education (OSEP) Director, is a leading name in Special Education Highlights the important relationships between administrators, teachers, and parents to foster maximum collaboration between general and special education Includes information on committing to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Positive Behavior Supports This vital resource zeroes in on what excellent public schools do differently to ensure all students succeed"-- Provided by publisher.
Equality, Participation and Inclusion 2 by
This second edition of Equality, Participation and Inclusion 2: Diverse Contexts is the second of two Readers aimed at people with an interest in issues of equality, participation and inclusion for children and young people. This second Reader focuses in particular upon the diverse experiences and contexts in which children and young people encounter issues of equality, participation and inclusion. Comprising readings taken from the latest research in journal articles, newly commissioned chapters, as well as several chapters from the first edition that retain particular relevance, this fully updated second edition has broadened its focus to consider a wider range of diverse experiences and contexts, whilst maintaining an emphasis on educational settings. Drawing on the writing of academics, practitioners, children and young people, this collection is a rich source of information and ideas for students and practitioners who are interested in thinking about how inequality and exclusion are experienced, and how they can be challenged, and will be of particular interest to those working in education, health, youth and community work, youth justice and social services. Families and advocates are also likely to be drawn to the material as much of it reflects on lived experiences and life stories.
First Steps to Preschool Inclusion by
Interested in preschool inclusion, but not sure where to start? This introductory guide gathers everything you need to know to launch a successful inclusive early childhood program—and get critical buy-in from your whole staff. A must for leaders of early childhood programs, this reader-friendly primer reveals how inclusive education benefits all children, how school staff and parents can work as a team to make it happen, and how to knock down common barriers to inclusion. Combining the latest research with the nuts and bolts of program development, this book will help current and future early childhood leaders assemble highly effective inclusion teams and develop programs where every child learns and thrives.
Guerrilla Mum: Surviving the Special Needs Jungle by
Getting the educational provision you need for your special needs child can feel like an uphill struggle. This book offers clear guidance on how authorities such as Local Education Authorities, schools, the National Health Service and the Government function, what the law entitles your child to, and how you can fight most effectively for the education they need. Basing the book on her own experience of bringing up two sons with special educational needs, Ellen Power describes how she worked with - and in some cases challenged - the authorities to get the right education for her children. Outlining what she did, how she did it, and how you can do the same, she explains clearly the implications of the Special Educational Needs code of practice and the Disability Discrimination Act, as well as giving advice on diagnosis, assessment, and dealing with the authorities. Further sections look at how to address issues such as transition between schools, and bullying. Interweaving real-life experience with practical advice, "Guerrilla Mum" is essential reading for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Inclusive Special Education by
Much has been written about special education and about inclusive education, but there have been few attempts to pull these two concepts and approaches together. This book does just that: sets special education within the context of inclusive education. It posits that to include, effectively, all children with special educational needs in schools requires an integration of both concepts, approaches, and techniques. It has never been more timely to publish a book that helps professionals who work with schools, such as psychologists, special education professionals, and counselors, to identify effective practices for children with special needs and provide guidelines for implementing these in inclusive schools.
The Many Faces of Special Educators by
Those who enter the special education profession should be recognized as positive contributors to society. This book celebrates the many talents of special educators and how those talents are utilized throughout all facets of life. It provides an excellent view of the positive dispositions of special educators and can also be utilized by employers seeking to employ special educators who possess these dispositions. .
The Principal's Handbook for Leading Inclusive Schools by
Behind every successful inclusive school is a great principal with passion, vision, and a practical plan. With so much riding on their strong and proactive leadership, every principal and administrator will want this how-to book: the essential guide to bringing schoolwide inclusion from theory to practice. Covering everything from the basics of special education to the everyday nuts and bolts of making inclusion work, two renowned inclusion experts give readers clear guidance they can use right away to lead a fully inclusive school where every student learns and belongs. New and veteran administrators will discover how to make schoolwide (and districtwide) reforms that support social and academic success—and help all students reach their full potential.
Common SENse for the Inclusive Classroom by
Mainstream teachers are often unsure how to adapt their regular teaching practices to support Special Educational Needs in the classroom most effectively. This useful guide provides teachers with all they need to know about teaching special needs students in a mainstream context and demonstrates how their existing skills can be used to create an inclusive environment for all students. Following a modern 'a la carte' concept, the book acts first and foremost as a teaching menu, offering a variety of options that teachers can use as and when they see fit. Written in a jargon-free, accessible style, the author gets to the heart of issues associated with teaching mixed ability classes, offering more flexible alternatives to traditional teaching strategies and suggesting helpful approaches that really work. Maintaining that teachers are usually far more capable of catering for special needs than they believe themselves to be, the book allows them to choose methods that suit their own personal style and the specific needs of the individual student. Essential background information on Special Educational Needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia, Asperger Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is included throughout. Combining practical methods with factual information about learning difficulties, this book is an invaluable resource for non-specialist teachers supporting children with special educational needs in inclusive classrooms.
Comparing Special Education by
In today's schools the number of students who receive additional resources to access the curriculum is growing rapidly, and the ongoing expansion of special education is among the most significant worldwide educational developments of the past century. Yet even among developed democracies the range of access varies hugely, from one student in twenty to one student in three. In contemporary conflicts about educational standards and accountability, special education plays a key role as it draws the boundaries between exclusion and inclusion. Comparing Special Education unites in-depth comparative and historical studies with analyses of global trends, with a particular focus on special and inclusive education in the United States, England, France, and Germany. The authors examine the causes and consequences of various institutional and organizational developments, illustrate differences in forms of educational governance and social policy priorities, and highlight the evolution of social logics from segregation of students with special educational needs to their inclusion in local schools.
Connecting Teachers, Students, and Standards by
Creating and sustaining a classroom where every learner succeeds is a challenge for any teacher—especially when the elements of diversity and inclusion are added to the mix. How can teachers differentiate instruction in ways that help all students meet standards and develop lifelong learning skills? The authors of Connecting Teachers, Students, and Standards provide a comprehensive framework for reaching and teaching English language learners, students from culturally diverse backgrounds, and students with disabilities. In this book, you'll learn how to * Select the best instructional methods and materials for diverse learners * Create classrooms that are welcoming, practical, and conducive to learning * Develop classroom content that allows every student to achieve standards while meeting the individual needs of diverse learners * Collaborate effectively with fellow teachers and education specialists * Administer assessments that challenge and accommodate diverse learners. The book includes helpful, real-world scenarios that provide tips for connecting with diverse students in the classroom, communicating with their families, and coordinating efforts with colleagues. Packed with practical strategies for handling difficult issues, this is a go-to guide for any teacher facing the complexities of helping diverse learners flourish at school and beyond.
Education Is Special for Everyone by
Reform in education has focused mainly on development of new programs and procedures to increase the achievement of the student in the classroom. Teacher evaluations are now based on how students perform in their classrooms on yearly standardized tests. The advent of integrating students with special needs into the regular classroom has brought both benefits and concerns for average and above average students.
Effective Inclusive Schools by
Summary: "How to raise the achievement of all kids, from gifted to those with severe disabilitiesThis book presents lessons learned from in-depth case studies of some of our most effective inclusive public schools. The authors conclusively demonstrate that schools can educate students with mild and severe disabilities in general education classrooms by providing special education services that link to and bolster general education instruction. This goes beyond complying with Special Education law; having a truly inclusive environment raises the achievement level for all students and results in more committed and satisfied teachers.Insights shared from teachers, school leaders, parents, and the students themselves provide a path forward for anyone striving to Improve special education services. The authors reveal what these exemplary schools do that makes them so successful, and provide advice for readers who want to incorporate these practices themselves. Hehir, former U.S. Office of Special Education (OSEP) Director, is a leading name in Special Education Highlights the important relationships between administrators, teachers, and parents to foster maximum collaboration between general and special education Includes information on committing to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Positive Behavior Supports This vital resource zeroes in on what excellent public schools do differently to ensure all students succeed"-- Provided by publisher.
Inclusion by
Intended for parents, general and special education teachers, Inclusion: The Dream and the Reality in Special Education is a book about laws and practices that impact the inclusion of students with disabilities in public schools. Each chapter illustrates a child who presents a challenging problem. The book presents inclusion issues through compelling stories. People rarely change their attitude based on facts. Stories can change the way we think and feel about issues.Written by a college professor, teacher candidates find these experiences hilarious or tragic, but always illuminating. As new teachers they must be prepared to confront the important challenge in our schools- reaching every single student, black, white, indifferent or frightened. This is the secret strength and wonder of the American educational system.
Must Inclusion Be Special? by
Must Inclusion be Special? examines the discord between special and inclusive education and why this discord can only be resolved when wider inequalities within mainstream education are confronted. It calls for a shift in our approach to provision, from seeing it as a conglomeration of individualised needs to identifying it as a conglomeration of collective needs. The author examines the political, medical and cultural tendency of current times to focus upon the individual and contrasts this with the necessity to focus on context. This book distinguishes the theoretical perspectives that are often associated with special or inclusive education and the broad range of interests which depend upon their ongoing development. This examination leads to a problematisation of mainstream education provision, our understanding of why social inequities emerge and how additional support can overcome these inequities. Further chapters explore the underlying challenges which emerge from our use and understanding of the notions of special and inclusive, outlining an alternative approach based upon a community of provision. This approach recognises the interconnectedness of services and the significance of context, and it encapsulates the aspiration of much international legislation for participation and inclusion for all. But it also assumes that we tend towards diffuse practices, services, policies, settings and roles, spread across provision which is variously inclusive and exclusionary. In seeking to create equitable participation for all, support needs to shift its focus from the individual to this diffuse network of contexts. Must Inclusion be Special? emerges from the research base which problematises inclusion and special education, drawing upon examples from many countries. It also refers to the author’s research into pedagogy, language and policy, and his experiences as a teacher and the parent of a child identified with special educational needs.