New Perspectives in Special Education opens the door to the fascinating and vitally important world of theory informing contemporary special education. It examines theoretical and philosophical orientations such as 'positivism', 'poststructuralism' and 'hermeneutics', relating these to contemporary, global views of special education.

This book should be read by everyone who wants to understand special education today. New Perspectives in Special Education opens the door to the fascinating and vitally important world of theory that informs contemporary special education. It examines theoretical and philosophical orientations such as ‘positivism’, ‘poststructuralism’ and ‘hermeneutics’, relating these to contemporary global views of special education. Offering a refreshingly balanced view across a broad range of debates, this topical text guides the reader through the main theoretical and philosophical positions that may be held with regard to special education, and critically examines positions that often go unrecognised and unquestioned by practitioners and academics alike. It helps the reader to engage with and question the positions taken by themselves and others, by providing thinking points and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter. Perspectives covered include: Positivism and empiricism Phenomenology and hermeneutics Historical materialism and critical theory Holism and constructivism Structuralism and post structuralism Pragmatism and symbolic interactionism Psychoanalysis Postmodernism and historical epistemology Anyone wishing to gain a fuller understanding of special education should not be without this stimulating and much needed text.

Leading on Inclusion: Dilemmas, debates and new perspectives critically examines the current theory and legislative context of special educational needs and disability, and explores the enduring issues and opportunities that will affect future practice in all schools. The central theme throughout the book asks the inevitable question ‘What happens next?’ and the expert team of contributors, drawn from a pool of teachers, academics and researchers, consider wide-ranging issues such as: the voice of young people whole school development and planning for inclusion educational change within the context of inclusion the pros and cons of multi-professional working inclusive and ethical research international perspectives on inclusion, SEN and disability the development of teacher education and the notion of ‘joined up’ thinking. This forward-thinking and rigorously researched book will be essential reading for students, teachers undertaking school-based training, SENCOs, inclusion managers, higher education tutors and anyone with a professional interest in the future for inclusive education.

Enduring Issues in Special Education is aimed at any course in the undergraduate or graduate special education curriculum that is wholly or partly devoted to a critical examination of current issues in special education. The book organizes 28 chapters into seven sections using familiar structuring principles—what, who, where, how, when, why, and whither. Each section begins with an introduction that provides historical, legal, and theoretical background information and organizing commentary for the chapters that follow. The book’s objective, in addition to informing readers about the issues, is to develop critical thinking skills in the context of special education. Key features include the following: Dialectic Format – Each of the 28 chapters presents compelling reasons for addressing the issue at hand and specific ways to do so. Because each issue is written from different perspectives and focuses on a variety of aspects, readers are encouraged to weigh the arguments, seek additional information, and come up with synthesized positions of their own. Organizing Framework – The book’s seven sections have been arranged according to a scheme that is the essence of most investigative reporting and provides a coherent, easy-to-understand framework for readers. Expertise – All chapters are written by leading scholars who are highly regarded experts in their fields and conclude with suggested readings and discussion questions for additional study.

This book provides readers with a comprehensive description of procedures and practices that can enhance special education collaboration, consultation and cooperation in classroom learning environments and ancillary educational services. Experts in the field of special education provide detailed information on critical topics such as fostering the collaboration between regular education and special education teachers. Detailed discussions also focus on the role of mental health providers in special education, and the innovative use of technology in enhancing partnerships in general and special education. Unique chapters include the psychologist in the special education process, the role of the government as a partner to enhance special education services, and the vital role that principals play as school leaders to insure that special education students garner the necessary services to maximize their learning potential. Lastly, the critical roles that speech and language and physical education specialists play are discussed with regard to optimizing the overall development of students with special needs.

It is now widely believed in many Western countries that the segregation of students with special educational needs is problematic, and that wherever possible these students should be educated alongside their peers in regular education settings. There has been a general move towards integrating special and regular education into one system that caters for a much wider range of students. But the outcomes in various countries have been very different. This book describes and evaluates these outcomes. The book provides both quantitative and qualitative information, analysing the similarities and differences between integration practices in six Western countries.

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. NOTE: Used books, rentals, and purchases made outside of Pearson If purchasing or renting from companies other than Pearson, the access codes for the Enhanced Pearson eText may not be included, may be incorrect, or may be previously redeemed. Check with the seller before completing your purchase. This package includes the Enhanced Pearson eText with MyEducationLab and the loose-leaf version The Fourth Edition of Marilyn Friend’s Special Education: Contemporary Perspectives for School Professionals gives the most authentic, current, research-based introductory account on the field of special education to date. Advocating real teachers, real families and students, real classrooms, and real research, this comprehensive resource emphasizes contemporary concepts and evidence-based practices that prepare teachers and other education professionals for their evolving roles in education and the well-being of students with disabilities. Combining current research with practical information, the text offers structure and predictability for novices to the field of special education and for educators working in this challenging age of high standards and accountability. Thoroughly revised and updated and throughout to provide a multi-dimensional view of the field, with a mix of key concepts and immediately applicable information, the new edition emphasizes: the specific disability areas, the historical background and characteristics of special education students, prevalence data, assessment, service delivery, research-based instructional practices, parent perspectives, issues related to the disability area, curriculum access, inclusive practices, professional collaboration, student diversity, RTI, technological advancements, and now the text is written to reach a broader range of professionals working in the field. Because special education is made up of real children and real professionals, the author helps to put a “face” on the field to enliven and authenticate the information for novices. Each chapter features stories of individuals with disabilities, from the parents of children with disabilities, and from professionals who work in the field. Readers of this truly exceptional resource will come away with the best understanding of the expectations for educators and students, and learn how critical concepts translate into educational practices. The Enhanced Pearson eText features embedded video. Improve mastery and retention with the Enhanced Pearson eText The Enhanced Pearson eText with MyEducationLab provides a rich, interactive learning environment designed to improve student mastery of content. The Enhanced Pearson eText is: Engaging. The new interactive, multimedia learning features were developed by the authors and other subject-matter experts to deepen and enrich the learning experience. Convenient. Enjoy instant online access from your computer or download the Pearson eText App to read on or offline on your iPad® and Android® tablet.* Affordable. Experience the advantages of the Enhanced Pearson eText along with all the benefits of print for 40% to 50% less than a print bound book. *The Pearson eText App is available on Google Play and in the App Store. It requires Android OS 3.1-4, a 7” or 10” tablet, or iPad iOS 5.0 or later.

This book showcases the diverse nature of policy, provision and practice for special educational needs and disability (SEND) across different international settings. Situated across a backdrop of varied international policies relating to inclusion, the book offers insights into the rhetoric of SEND policy and practice across a range of settings to contribute to our understanding of SEND provision. It explores the complexities, concerns and challenges experienced by staff, pupils, parents and carers in contemporary education settings. Chapters draw on empirical research and are structured around four parts: special education needs and disability within policy; stakeholder perceptions and experiences of SEND provision; meeting the needs of SEND children; and moving towards inclusive practice. The volume will challenge thought, stimulate critique and provoke debate in the field of special educational needs both locally and globally and will be of interest to researchers and postgraduate students in the field of inclusive education, special needs education and comparative education.

The book draws together, in one source, divergent perspectives on critical issues or questions confronting the field of special education. Each issue is addressed in a pro/con format. Each contributing author was requested to outline his/her position on a particular issue and to provide the strongest supporting arguments and evidence available.