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The Fourth Edition of Marilyn Friend’s Special Education: Contemporary Perspectives for School Professionals gives the most authentic, current, research-based introductory account on the field of special education to date. Advocating real teachers, real families and students, real classrooms, and real research, this comprehensive resource emphasizes contemporary concepts and evidence-based practices that prepare teachers and other education professionals for their evolving roles in education and the well-being of students with disabilities. Combining current research with practical information, the text offers structure and predictability for novices to the field of special education and for educators working in this challenging age of high standards and accountability. 

Thoroughly revised and updated and throughout to provide a multi-dimensional view of the field, with a mix of key concepts and immediately applicable information, the new edition emphasizes: the specific disability areas, the historical background and characteristics of special education students, prevalence data, assessment, service delivery, research-based instructional practices, parent perspectives, issues related to the disability area, curriculum access, inclusive practices, professional collaboration, student diversity, RTI, technological advancements, and now the text is written to reach a broader range of professionals working in the field.

Because special education is made up of real children and real professionals, the author helps to put a “face” on the field to enliven and authenticate the information for novices. Each chapter features stories of individuals with disabilities, from the parents of children with disabilities, and from professionals who work in the field. Readers of this truly exceptional resource will come away with the best understanding of the expectations for educators and students, and learn how critical concepts translate into educational practices. The Enhanced Pearson eText features embedded videos.

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Marilyn Friend, Ph.D., has spent her entire career as a general education teacher, special education teacher, researcher, teacher educator, and staff developer. She is Professor Emerita of Education in the Department of Specialized Education Services at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Past-President of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. Dr. Friend has consulted with school professionals nationally and internationally (giving more than 3000 presentations and projects in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia) as they collaborate to educate their students, assisting them to create classroom partnerships, to form productive and efficient work teams, and to foster inclusive practices.

1. Understanding Special Education 2