Experiences Of Special Education

Discussion about educational provision for children with learning difficulties has largely ignored the voices of those for whom that provision is intended. Experiences of Special Education argues that these 'insider perspectives' are of central importance for a fuller understanding of special educational needs policy. Bringing a unique focus to the subject of special needs education, Derrick Armstrong reassesses the history of special educational policy through the life-stories of those who have first-hand experience. These stories contest official policy discourses and inform an understanding of the competing political and professional debates in this area, allowing the reader to: * Investigate the social and historical contexts of special educational needs policy * Challenge traditional notions of policy research * Explore alternative policy discourses informed by the voices of the excluded. This thought-provoking book is based on detailed case-study analysis of the experiences of over thirty adults who attended special institutions/schools between 1994 and the present. It provides a fresh perspective on current discussions of special educational provisions for teachers, student teachers, policy makers and academics, involved in special education.

Providing both a theoretical framework and practical strategies, this resource will help teachers, counselors, and related service providers develop understanding and empathy to improve outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with disabilities. The text features narrative portraits of six immigrant families and their children with disabilities, including their cultural histories and personal perspectives regarding assessment, diagnosis, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and other instances in which families engaged with the special education process. Using guiding questions for reflection and “Talk Back” comments from preservice students throughout the text, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own positionality and to develop nuanced and dynamic understandings of CLD children, youth, and families—countering persistent and stereotypical deficit views. “A long-overdue textbook that proactively contributes to preparing teacher candidates to know more about and better understand the diverse students they will teach.” —From the Foreword by Maria de Lourdes B. Serpa, professor emerita, Lesley University “Accessible and innovative. It will be valuable to students, teachers, and family members.” —Philip Ferguson, professor emeritus, Chapman University “This powerful and much-needed book highlights the cultural misunderstandings and systemic inequities that can occur when disability intersects with race.” —Maya Kalyanpur, University of San Diego

Discussion about educational provision for children with learning difficulties has largely ignored the voices of those for whom that provision is intended. Experiences of Special Education argues that these 'insider perspectives' are of central importance for a fuller understanding of special educational needs policy. Bringing a unique focus to the subject of special needs education, Derrick Armstrong reassesses the history of special educational policy through the life-stories of those who have first-hand experience. These stories contest official policy discourses and inform an understanding of the competing political and professional debates in this area, allowing the reader to: * Investigate the social and historical contexts of special educational needs policy * Challenge traditional notions of policy research * Explore alternative policy discourses informed by the voices of the excluded. This thought-provoking book is based on detailed case-study analysis of the experiences of over thirty adults who attended special institutions/schools between 1994 and the present. It provides a fresh perspective on current discussions of special educational provisions for teachers, student teachers, policy makers and academics, involved in special education.

This book is comprised of many of my teaching experiences with the SPEDs like me. The experiences I had as a Special Education teacher are from four different states and regions in the country. All having different ideas as to how a student with disabilities, should be taught and how they learn. Youd be surprised at the way some states treat and handle Speds. Nevertheless, I want to show you the love these children need at any age as well as the structure and discipline required for them to overcome this disability and succeed. I hope that Special Education teachers read this book for insight and training on what it really is to work with the Speds at any age. These are issues usually not taught in college classrooms. Many people may think I was harsh in some of my cases, but as I said, each student learns differently and all children need structure and discipline to learn what is necessary in making it and becoming an active successful member of society. With many of my Lessons Learned throughout the book I found the students always came through. At the end on their own or together they all shined like stars in the night. It was not about me but about them.

A great resource for teaching assistants, NQTs, and school leaders and principlas wishing to establish a collaborative and consistent SEN setting where their students feel safe and successful.

"For years the text of choice for developing excellence as a teacher of K-12 students with moderate and severe disabilities, this clearly written work has now been revised and updated. Chapters provide step-by-step procedures for designing standards-based individualized education plans and evaluating and enhancing student progress. Methods and materials for teaching literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies are described in depth. The book also describes effective ways to build functional daily living skills. User-friendly features include extensive vignettes and classroom examples, end-of-chapter application exercises, and reproducible planning and assessment tools. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. Subject Areas/Key words: special education, children, adolescents, special-needs learners, disabled, moderately, severely, developmental disorders, academic interventions, academic skills, life skills, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, inclusion classrooms, systematic instruction, special educators, teachers, literacy, reading, mathematics, textbooks, texts Audience: Students in special education and school psychology; K-12 special educators, school psychologists, reading specialists, classroom teachers, and administrators"--

An international sampling of children with special education needs give their views on teachers, lessons, parents, schools, changing schools, feeling different, friends and enemies, fun and games, getting into trouble, and being assessed by special education professionals. Special education professionals from Britain then suggest how their colleagues might make use of the material both to design programs and to relate to individuals in classrooms. Distributed by Taylor and Francis. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

A guide to the essentials of special education looks at various aspects of the field, from statistics and disability categories to appropriate learning environments.