Six Shifts to Improve Special Education and Other Interventions: A Commonsense Approach for School Leaders

by Nathan Levenson

Six Shifts to Improve Special Education and Other Interventions offers a set of bold, new ideas for dramatically raising the achievement of students with mild to moderate disabilities and students experiencing serious academic, social and emotional, and behavioral difficulties.

Despite much effort and caring on the part of educators, a new approach to supporting struggling students is critically needed so they can master grade-level skills and complete college, argues author Nathan Levenson. Combining research with evidence from his own implementation work in more than a hundred districts, Levenson makes the case for a wholesale rethinking of how interventions are delivered summarized by six essential “shifts.” Designed to be practical and draw on the talents of existing staff, Levenson’s shifts are paired with concrete advice and lessons learned from the field to improve special education and general education interventions such as Response to Intervention and Multi-Tiered Student Supports.

Six Shifts to Improve Special Education and Other Interventions serves as both a call to action and a critical guide for administrators looking for more effective, affordable ways to close the achievement gap.

Genres: Education

240 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[Stephanie Winemiller]

The number one predictor of achievement for students with disabilities is achievement of students without disabilities. Everyone cares, everyone is working hard, but we owe our children better.

This book is a MUST read for everyone in education.

[Kelly Williamson]

My boss told us we could DNF this book but you can bet your ass I still read (almost) all of it to count it for goodreads. This man talked in circles and gave no feasible, data driven changes we could make to support our special ed kids! Lame! Edit to add- I am the only 1 star review and yes I stand behind this decision

[Dara]

Every educator and honestly every parent that has a child that is a little behind or needing extra help should read this. Even parents who have children that don’t need extra help should read it.

The most common theme is the shifts needed are “common sense but not common practice”.

It’s a great reminder that communication is invaluable and that all need to be done completely not half way.

[Dave Moyer]

A much needed and long overdue book of common sense recommendations to improve special education. Tips and implementation guides guide this doable approach to improvement.

[Robin]

Very eye opening. Should be a must read for every school district.

[Eric Wildermuth]

I really enjoyed Levenson's work here. Thought provoking without being overbearing and provides solutions.

[Rylee Hill]

Lol read this for school but counting it for my reading goal

[Lisa]

Good ideas. Some easily implemented ideas... would need to check on the allowance of others. Would like my administrators to read this.