Attitudes And Attitude Change In Special Education

Twelve papers address issues of attitudes towards handicapped persons. The authors were invited to summarize and critically evaluate the literature in their area of expertise, including their own research. Contributions touch on measurement and methodological issues as well as other topics. The following papers are included: "Attitudes and Attitude Change in Special Education" (R. Jones and S. Guskin); "Perspectives and Issues in the Study of Attitudes" (H. Triandis, J. Adamopoulos, D. Watts); "Approaches to the Measurement of Attitude" (R. Dawes); "Sociometric Research in Special Education" (D. MacMillan and G. Morrison); "Classroom Learning Structure and Attitudes toward Handicapped Students in Mainstream Settings: A Theoretical Model and Research Evidence" (D. Johnson and R. Johnson); "Attitudes toward Mentally Retarded Children" (J. Gottlieb, L. Corman, R. Curci); "Attitudes toward the Learning Disabled in School and Home" (B. Reid); "Children's Attitudes toward Emotionally Disturbed Peers" (C. Chiba); "Attitudes toward the Physically Disabled" (J. Siller); "Attitudes of Educators toward the Handicapped" (J. Jamieson); and "Modifying Attitudes toward the Handicapped: A Review of the Literature and Methodology" (A. Towner). (CL)

The emphasis in this book shifts to the coordination of practice into schools, regional and national policies and the power and interest groups concerned with educational difficulties and disability. In the opening section the authors review the location of power in the systems; the impact of Local Management of Schools, case studies of Union policy, the National Curriculum Council and voluntary societies. They then look at one threatened element of the power structure - the local education authorities. They examine the features of local authority policy and attempt to systematise local policy. The experience of families is examined in their relationships with professionals, particularly during the preparation of Statements of Special Educational Need. This is followed by sections on services for under-fives, integrating education and the authors provide examples of changing school policies and the practices that have arisen from them; supporting the learning of all pupils in primary and secondary schools, changing the role of special schools, ensuring that girls and boys are provided with equal opportunities, writing a development plan and the experience of a teacher with a disability. They then examine policies and practices in education after school and finish with theories of integration and disability.

Demonstrates how the fields of special education and inclusive education have evolved philosophically and technically over the past 30 years.

This book combines a teaching text with exemplary reports of research and a literature review by international scholars.

Inclusion in the classroom is a growing phenomenon that covers a range of areas and subjects; with prominent discussions about race, gender, sexual orientation, and age, today’s world is increasingly focused on making sure education is designed so everyone can succeed. Inclusivity in special education is particularly important as special education covers a wide range of students, including those with physical, intellectual, and behavioral disabilities. As more research and information surrounding best practices, new technologies, and teacher education for special education is considered, it is imperative that teachers and administrators remain up to date on these innovative techniques. The Research Anthology on Inclusive Practices for Educators and Administrators in Special Education is a critical reference source that includes abundant research on all aspects of inclusion in special education as well as the latest trends, research, and studies to provide a comprehensive look at the current state of special education. Covering topics such as accessibility, educational models, teacher training, and assistive technologies, it is ideal for special education teachers, academicians, in-service teachers, pre-service teachers, professors, students, researchers, professionals, administrators, curriculum developers, instructional designers, and policymakers.