The Essentials of Special Education Law is a valuable contribution to special education teacher preparation programs and professionals in the field. Written with undergraduates in mind, this accessible book is an ideal textbook supplement to any university course needing a greater emphasis on special education law. For professionals in the field, The Essentials of Special Education Law, can serve as a go-to-guide for quick reference to the historical underpinnings of special education, the six pillars of IDEA, essential court cases that have propelled the field of special education to where it is today, practical application tips to ensure legal compliance, and additional resources for further consideration.

Special education law is often reported by university faculty and professionals in the field as an overlooked topic, despite its fundamental importance. Each chapter in The Essentials of Special Education Law is presented in a structured format to answer essential questions about special education law. By the end of this book, readers will be able to answer questions such as:

• How do the three branches of government influence special education?
• What key court cases propelled special education?
• What is the progression of federal involvement in the education of students with disabilities?
• What is a nondiscriminatory evaluation?
• How do you ensure a free and appropriate education?
• How do you develop a legally compliant individualized education plan?
• What is meant by the least restrictive environment?

The first section of The Essentials of Special Education covers the role of government in establishing and defining special education. Seminal court cases and legislative initiatives that have shaped the field of special education are explored to provide historical context for understanding special education today. The second section examines each of the six pillars of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act. Key court cases that have influenced each pillar are presented along with practical tips for legally compliant implementation. The third section covers important topics such as discipline, confidentiality, and transition services. Key terminology are highlighted after each chapter along with additional questions to foster in-depth classroom discussions.

The Essentials of Special Education Law is a must-have book for those who understand the significance of special education law yet feel overwhelmed by the jargon and ever-changing nature of the law. The Essentials of Special Education Law cuts through the complexity of legislation and is a clear and concise resource for understanding the essentials of special education law.

About the Author

Andrew M. Markelz, PhD, is an assistant professor of special education at Ball State University. As the coordinator of Ball State's Director of Special Education Licensure Program, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in special education law, administrative and organizational theory, and family collaboration. Markelz is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and has served on the executive board of the Teacher Education Division as the publications & communications committee chair. He was a classroom teacher of students with high incidence disabilities in Philadelphia, PA.

David F. Bateman, PhD, is a professor at Shippensburg University in the department of educational leadership and special education where he teaches courses on special education law, assessment, and facilitating inclusion. He is a former due process hearing officer for Pennsylvania for over 580 hearings. He uses his knowledge of litigation relating to special education to assist school districts in providing appropriate supports for students with disabilities and to prevent and to recover from due process hearings. He has been a classroom teacher of students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, intellectual disability, and hearing impairments. He has recently co-authored the following books: A Principal's Guide to Special Education, A Teacher's Guide to Special Education, Charting the Course: Special Education in Charter Schools, Special Education Leadership: Building Effective Programming in Schools, and Current Trends and Legal Issues in Special Education.

Book Information
ISBN 9781538150030
Author Andrew M. Markelz
Format Paperback
Page Count 170
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 281g
Dimensions(mm) 232mm * 154mm * 11mm