Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today's Schools (3rd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: A must have book
Review: A well organized and thought provoking book, the authors successfully translates Special Education topics into easy to comprehend case studies, sidebars, and resources without overwhelming readers with medical terminology. Each chapter contains a vignette- a short portrait of students, parents and teachers- which humanizes the exceptionality under discussion. Special features include tips for inclusion, effective teaching practices,
evaluation procedures, and resources for further study.

I found the chapter on autism particularly helpful as I had always been confused by the origins of this spectral disorder and did not realize all the variables involved in diagnosis.
I'm particularly grateful that their research and resources are extensive and well organized. There is an interactive website that is a great companion to the book complete with a message board, and chat room. The opportunity to dialog and collaborate with other educators seems essential to working with special needs students and I was happy to see they've created a forum for it online. This book had raised my consciousness and level of sensitivity regarding advocacy for children with special needs. I suspect I will be using it for years to come.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding humanistic approach to disability and ability
Review: This textbook is a nuts and bolts approach to special education that recognizes disability but doesn't accept predefined educational limitations. There is no telling how far a learning disabled child can go until that particular child is put to the test in a caring and supportive environment.

The chapter on giftedness is perhaps the best ever published.