Special Education in Today's Diverse Classrooms: Meeting the Needs of Students With Exceptionalities

Special Education in Today’s Diverse Classrooms: Meeting the Needs of Students with Exceptionalities is an introductory-level textbook designed for all pre-service teachers to learn about meeting the needs of students with exceptionalities in inclusive environments. Along with descriptions of each IDEA disability category, the book presents high-leverage practices (HLPs) and evidence-based strategies that are practical and applicable to any instructional environment. Through the lens of HLPs, this text emphasizes universal design for learning (UDL), tiered supports, culturally inclusive pedagogies and practices (CIPP), and evidence-based practices (EBPs). 

This textbook bridges the gap between research, knowledge about disabilities, and a practical approach to educating students, offering a comprehensive framework for educators navigating the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities. By placing a strong emphasis on CIPP and EBPs as they relate to HLPs, it equips readers with tools to create meaningful and equitable learning experiences. The unique structure, enriched by authentic vignettes and aligned with professional standards, ensures the practical application of frameworks such as UDL and MTSS. Additionally, the book underscores the importance of family engagement, making it a vital resource for fostering collaboration in education. The content aligns with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards ensuring its relevance and utility for professional educator preparation.

Through its innovative approach, this text inspires educators to not only meet students’ needs but also celebrate their individuality, preparing them to succeed in dynamic, inclusive school and classroom environments.

Key Features

• Real-life vignettes from individuals with disabilities, their families, and educators offer authentic perspectives that go beyond case studies
• Text boxes that provide links to resources to increase exposure and knowledge about specific topics, designed to enrich understanding and application of inclusive practices
• Includes coverage of concepts such as trauma, neurodiversity, social and emotional learning, assistive technology, and new instructional technologies
• With inclusive language and culturally inclusive pedagogies and practices, the book prepares future educators to foster trust and promote equity in their classrooms
• Focus on application to the classroom through questions and activities at the end of each chapter
• Color graphics, visual frameworks (e.g., UDL models), and instructional charts enhance comprehension and engagement
• The companion website includes PowerPoint slides, test banks, case studies, video links, and flashcards to support both instructors and students in maximizing their learning experience

PluralPlus Ancillaries

For instructors: Test Bank, Syllabus, and PowerPoint Slides with Lecture Notes, Case Studies, and Class Activities
For students: Quizzes, eFlashcards, and Videos

Reviews

“This book represents an integrated and authentic approach to understanding special education and how to support children and youth with disabilities through an inclusive lens in today’s schools. Vignettes provide real-world experiences and perspectives and reflect the spectrum of diversity across special education. Vignettes are also well-developed, presenting three-dimensional depictions of students with disabilities as humans with families, communities, cultures, intersectional identities, and unique strengths and areas of need. Learning outcomes reflect the hierarchy of Bloom’s taxonomy, thus challenging readers to move beyond simple read and recall approaches to learning. Outcomes are also thoughtfully aligned to the high leverage practices and initial preparation standards in special education.” —Serra De Arment, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University

“Since HLPs are essential to both general and special education, having them as a framework in the textbook ensures that the content is focused on key areas such as collaboration, assessment, social-emotional learning, and instructional practices. This structure provides clear, actionable strategies that your pre-service teachers can implement in real-world classroom settings, making the material more relevant and applicable. It also promotes consistency across different courses and connects theory to practice in a meaningful way.”
— Nicole Henderson, EdD, EdS, Assistant Professor of Special Education, Athens State University

“The text is well organized and sets a good foundation for introductory course learners.  Incorporating the HLP’s with each chapter along with EBP’s for specific needs was helpful.  The student examples at the beginning of each chapter were very powerful and will provide a deeper understanding for learners.”— Christopher T. Closson, PhD, Assistant Professor, The State University of New York at Fredonia

“This textbook presents components that are often overlooked in introductory courses. It provides a thorough examination of each component of IDEA, highlighting the legal and ethical responsibilities that educators must adhere to. This textbook also includes numerous important components that are often overlooked in introductory courses. The in-depth exploration of each aspect of IDEA, with a focus on the legal and ethical responsibilities of educators, is quite refreshing since many programs only require teacher candidates to take one introductory special education course.”— Whitney Stovall, MEd, Program Coordinator for Special Education, Literacy Center Chair, Northwestern Oklahoma State University
 
“The biggest strength for me is in how clearly and consistently it is made for teachers, building consistently from a teaching practice point of view rather than from the traditional psychological/what-is-wrong-with-some-children-who-are-different point of view.”— Peter Clyde Martin, EdD, Ithaca College