• New to this edition:
  • Examines leadership within special educational needs
  • Addresses the concept of children with special educational needs participating in their own learning
  • Recent special educational needs research conducted in Ireland is included
  • New developments in the provision of special educational needs support.

• Provides a foundation knowledge of and a framework for analysing and reflecting on issues in special education in Ireland.
  
  

• Introduces the basic concepts underlying policy, practice and provision in this area.
  
  

• Traces the development of special education policy and practice in Ireland within European and international contexts.
  
  

• The Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) permeates the text.
  
  

• An informal approach is used in presenting the philosophical and ethical issues underlying relevant policies and provision.
  
  

• Reflective questions and/or case studies are provided at the end of each chapter.
  
  

Michael Shevlin is a senior lecturer in the School of Education at Trinity College Dublin where he teaches courses in special education for students completing the Postgraduate Diploma for post-primary education and students at Masters level. He has published widely, nationally and internationally, on developing inclusive learning environments.

Section One: Setting the Scene

2: The Experiences of People with Disabilities: Marginalisation, Recognition and Rights

3: Historical Emergence: The Irish Experience

4: Developing Policy and Provision in Special Education

5: Moving Towards Schools for All

Section Two: Beginning the Process

6: Addressing Core Issues in Special Education

7: Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs

8: Individual Education Planning

Section Three: Developing Classroom Strategies

9: Accessing the Curriculum: Models of Differentiation

10: Examining Difficulties in Literacy and Numeracy

11: Understanding and Approaching Behaviour Difficulties

12: Strategies for Specific Special Educational Needs

Section Four: Sustaining Collaborative Approaches

13: Developing Collaborative Relationships with Parents and Families

14: Creating and Developing Partnerships within Schools

15: Mapping the Road Ahead