Understanding Special Education: An Examination of the Responsibilities through Case Studies

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Description

In increasing numbers, general education teachers are faced with the task of educating students with disabilities in their classrooms, and many beginning teachers are not prepared for the diverse classroom that awaits them. The cases in this book are written from the viewpoint of general education teachers, with the goal of providing them with the information and tools to improve their ability to approach this task with confidence. As participants process the cases in this book, they will learn to collect and evaluate data, identify important concepts, apply legal requirements, develop hypotheses, and create or defend arguments. Through introductory materials included in each chapter, the major provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are outlined in easy and understandable terms and illuminated through the cases presented. Discussion questions, links to websites, and suggested activities are included in each chapter.

Reviews

As a former classroom teacher and teacher educator, I am pleased to endorse Dr. Hooper and Dr. Gentry's book, Understanding Special Education: An Examination of the Responsibilities through Case Studies. This text offers aclear understanding of the issues surrounding children with special needs. Through an inclusive format, Dr. Hooper and Dr. Gentry provide a framework that reflects theclassroom inclusive model. They guide readers in putting theory into practice in areas such asbehavior, IEPs, instruction, andworking with parents, to name a few. This text is an excellent resource and learning tool for both student and practitioner, and I highly recommend it for both. -- Suzanne G. Houff, PhD, Professor Emerita, University of Mary Washington, Adjunct Faculty, The Citadel
Dr. Hooper and Dr. Gentry have really met a distinct need in teacher preparation or in-service in theirUnderstanding Special Education: An Examination of the Responsibilities through Case Studies. As they point out, Real life is messy. Helping teachers maneuver through the complicated task of teaching requires activities that enhance those higher level thinking skills essential to successfully enhance instruction for all learners. The case studies and activities offered in this book guide teachers through a complicated process using real-life scenarios. I highly recommend this text to those working in both the pre-service and in-service areas of teacher preparation. -- Hope Jordan, PhD, Professor, Regent University
This book has a goal: to train and create relevance for general and special education teachers on critical issues that they will face in the classroom. This is a must-read for teacher preparation programs looking to engage candidates in friendly conversation about issues faced in schools.The use of real world cases and scenarios provide a level of authenticity that will create genuine dialogue in the classroomThe authors coverage of special education law and processes, along with the case studies, makes this a perfect textbook for beginning special education training classespreparing both general and special education teachers. -- LaRon Scott, EdD, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University
Drs. Gentry and Hooper have developed a much needed and critical resource for preparing teacher candidates to be effective educators in the 21st century. Understanding Special Education: An Examination of the Responsibilities through Case Studies translates the numerous mandates required per special education legislation into applicable concepts illustrated through authentic scenarios pre-service teachers will soon encounter in their own classrooms. By explaining and illustrating application of special education law using rich case studies, Gentry and Hooper demystify the entire IEP process, addressing important topics like the pre-referral process and eligibility, co-teaching and collaboration, behavior management, assessment, and perhaps most significant given the fundamental ideology behind special education law in the United States: engaging and empowering parents as advocates for their children. While this text was developed to supplement college level introduction to special education courses, I believe it will quickly become a valued resource for in-service teachers and administrators as well. -- Lucinda S. Spaulding, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Education, Liberty University

Author Bio

Dr. Gentry earned her doctorate degree in special education disability policy and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. She worked as a special education teacher before serving as a district level administrator of special education. Currently, Dr. Gentry is an assistant professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She teaches special education coursework, professional development courses, and supervises student teachers. Dr. Hooper earned her Ph.D. in special education is from George Mason University. She has experience as both a general and special education teacher at the middle and elementary levels and has taught in inclusive settings for fifteen years. Additionally, Dr. Hooper has served as a district-wide special education director and as a professor of special education at the University of Mary Washington.