Essentials of Special Education Law

Andrew M. Markelz Ph.D. is an associate professor in the department of educational foundations and exceptionalities at James Madison University. He is founding editor of the Journal of Special Education Preparation and has co-authored several books pertaining to special education law, advocacy, and research. Dr. Markelz has also served as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) for many years. Through research and practice, he is committed to expediting the novice-to-expert teaching curve by preparing special educators to implement proactive classroom management strategies and develop meaningful and legally defensible individualized education programs. David F. Bateman, Ph.D., is a Principal Researcher at the American Institutes for Research, and is finishing up this academic year as 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 hundreds of 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.

Rarely have I seen a book so effortlessly distill the essentials of special education law into such an accessible yet astute guide. It’s a powerful ‘pocket reader’ packed with clear explanations, practical examples, and helpful resources. Whether you’re an educator (pre-service or in-service), professor, administrator, or parent, this is an indispensable tool for understanding special education law without needing prior legal experience. Markelz and Bateman deliver another must-have resource that empowers everyone involved with special education.

• PrefaceSection One: Role of GovernmentChapter 1: The Government and Special EducationChapter 2: The History of Special EducationChapter 3: Individuals with Disabilities Education ActSection Two: Gears of IDEAChapter 4: Free Appropriate Public EducationChapter 5: Nondiscriminatory EvaluationChapter 6: Individualized Education ProgramChapter 7: Least Restrictive EnvironmentChapter 8: Parent ParticipationChapter 9: Procedural SafeguardsSection Three: Additional IssuesChapter 10: DisciplineChapter 11: Transition and Related ServicesChapter 12: Confidentiality in Special EducationKey Terms Every Special Educator Needs to KnowIndex