Special Education: Contemporary Perspectives for School Professionals

by Marilyn Friend

Real teachers, real families and students, and real classrooms bring the field of Special Education to life. Special Contemporary Perspectives for School Professionals , Fifth Edition, provides a multi-dimensional view of the field of special education. The most current information and research available provides structure and predictability for novices to the field of special education in today’s educational world. 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. 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 text will come away with the best understanding of the expectations for educators and students, and learn how critical concepts translate into educational practices. Also available with MyLab Education MyLabTM Education is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment program designed to work with the text to engage students and improve results. Within its structured environment, students see key concepts demonstrated through video clips, practice what they learn, test their understanding, and receive feedback to guide their learning and ensure they master key learning outcomes. You are purchasing a standalone product; MyLab Education does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with MyLab Education, ask your instructor to confirm the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information.
If you would like to purchase both the physical text and MyLab Education, search
0134995708 / 9780134995700 Special Contemporary Perspectives for School Professionals plus MyLab Education with Enhanced Pearson eText -- Access Card Package, 5/e Package consists

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Disability, Textbooks, School

640 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2004

Reviews

[Natalie Kral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the first time in my life that I have read a textbook in its entirety.

The concepts were laid out clearly and it got me PUMPED to start my SPED Master’s program.

**edit: dropped out of my SPED master’s program 😬

[Amanda K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the exceptionalities protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Using the definitions listed in IDEA, Friend thoroughly explains the cognitive, emotional/social, and physical characteristics of each exceptionality and provides information regarding prevalence, assessment, academic supports, parent perspectives, and transition plans for each. Friend advocates against the deficit mindset which has pervaded cultural thought and emphasizes the importance of assessing the individual for their specific strengths and abilities.

Overall, this textbook is an excellent introduction to Special Education in America.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is okay. It has some really good information, but it needs some updating in the areas of Autism. The problem is that some areas is special education is ever evolving and once it’s put in print, it’s already out of date. The other issue is the misrepresentation and under-diagnosing of females isn’t addressed. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Trish Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I read it for my Exceptionality class last semester and found it to be enlightening.

[Chris Garth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a text book that I had to read for a class that as it turns out I didnt have to take.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my textbook for a graduate level course on exceptional students. It's a good book in the sense that it gives you a solid overview of most disabilities as well as current legislation that affects educators as well as the students that they are responsible for teaching. It's not the most recent edition, so it doesn't have the most up-to-date NCLB info, but it's still quite helpful and I plan to keep it around as a resource.

[Syd · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some good case studies and the chapter on autism was fairly up to date.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful and informative.