The Special Education Toolbox

The world of special education can sometimes feel like a confusing place to novice teachers and families; however, The Special Education Toolbox: Supporting Exceptional Teachers, Students and Families is a primer that everyone can use to become an expert in their own right. Beginning with a brief walk through special education history and including the basics of assessment and IEP writing, this book considers student success from a variety of perspectives to include the role of the paraprofessional, the home-school connection, and transition planning to name just a few. The Special Education Toolbox will easily be one of the most used books on the shelf in any office, classroom, or home. -- Vinnie Regan, MS, Med, Principal, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA The Special Education Toolbox: Supporting Exceptional Teachers, Students and Families is a complete and easy to read tome that describes all facets of special education. Parents, administrators, novice and seasoned teachers will benefit from each chapter as it leads them through the laws, response to intervention and understanding the differences between an individualized education plan and a Section 504 plan. From there the reader is exposed to collaborating with outside providers, addressing behavioral and social deficits, and so much more. The Special Education Toolbox ends with a useful collection of resources that point readers to dig deeper into topics of interest. -- Martha H. von Mering, executive officer of special education & related services, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA Few classroom teachers, parents, administrators, as well as college professors and students, have the appropriate training and understanding to help special education students, despite the rise in numbers during the last decade. The Special Education Toolbox: Supporting Exceptional Teachers, Students and Families is a practical reference guide that provides the most up-to-date information, real-world examples, and resources to guide those who work and live with with our struggling students. -- Elizabeth Jean Ed.D, professor, Van Loan School of Education, Endicott College, Beverly, MA

Dr. Nicholas D. Young has worked in diverse educational roles for more than 30 years, serving as a teacher, counselor, principal, special education director, graduate professor, graduate program director, graduate dean, and longtime psychologist and superintendent of schools. Melissa A. Mumby, EdD has worked in various levels of K-12 education for over a decade. She began her career as a high school English and drama teacher, and then transitioned into a role as a special educator, working with both middle and high school students. From there she became a special education coordinator for grades K-5, and eventually the special education director for grades K-12 at a local charter school. She is currently an educational team leader for the Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA. Michaela F. Rice has worked in education for more than ten years. She has worked with students preschool age through high school with various disabilities in the home, community, hospital and school setting. Mrs. Rice holds a BA in special education, a MEd in reading and literacy, and she is a doctoral candidate in an EdD program for educational administration. She is currently a middle school special education teacher.

Preface Acknowledgement 1. The Fundamentals of Special Education: Defining Disabilities and the Federal Laws that Provide Guidance 2. Response to Intervention & Multi-Tiered Systems of Support: A Close Examination of the Pre-Referral Process 3. Determining the Need for Special Education Services: A Spotlight on the Assessment and Diagnostic Process 4. Laying the Foundation for Success: Developing Meaningful Individualized Education Plans 5. Finding the Right Fit: The Least Restrictive Environment 6. Understanding the Role of the Paraprofessional: Leveraging Student Success 7. Its Not All About Academics: Addressing Disability-Related Behavior Problems and Social Deficits 8. Expanding the Team: Effective Collaboration with Outside Services and Professionals 9. Harnessing the Home-School Connections: Planning for Effective Parent-Teacher Partnerships 10. Transition Planning: Ensuring Successful Post-Secondary Outcomes for Students with Disabilities 11. Resources to Support Special Education Professionals About the Authors