Case Studies in Special Education

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Special education law and practice have transformed significantly over the past 50 years, leading to a greater likelihood that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. However, the ideals of the law are not always reflected in effective practice, resulting in the undereducation of many children with disabilities. This book highlights key failures in the system through real children's experiences, using a case study approach to give voice to students, families, and educators affected by the special education process. The first section addresses issues related to identifying students with learning disabilities, including inconsistencies in assessment, the challenges faced by slow learners, and how behavioral issues can impact educational performance. The second section discusses problems in the evaluation process that adversely affect diagnoses, particularly the disproportionate representation of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, students of color, and bilingual students. The third section focuses on significant concerns regarding service provision in special education. Through narratives of children impacted by a fractured system, the book offers recommendations to address specific issues like inconsistent identification, disproportionate representation, poorly conceived IEPs, ineffective instruction, and inadequate RTI programs. It emphasizes the ne