Widely recognized as a market leader for its innovation, strong research base, and accessibility, the ninth edition of William L. Heward#x19;s Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Educationcontinues this tradition of excellence. A FOCUS ON EXCEPTIONAL TEACHERS " Featured Teacher essaysEach chapter begins with a first-person essay by master teachers that reflects the joys, challenges, and realities of teaching exceptional children. Drawn from urban, suburban, and rural school districts across the country, the 18 featured teachers share personal experiences and wisdom gathered from years of instructing children in a variety of school settings. " MyEducationLabAccess to MyEducationLab for this text allows readers to see, hear, and learn from the teachers featured in the text through video. Throughout the book, MyEducationLab icons connect key content and concepts practiced by master teachers to Homework & Exercises on MyEducationLab. " Tips for Beginning TeachersEach chapter culminates with practical, quick tips for beginning teachers#x13;offered by the master teacher featured in each chapter#x13;on how to avoid common pitfalls in the classroom. A FOCUS ON EFFECTIVE RESEARCH-BASED PRACTICES " Teaching & Learning featuresAll of the strategies described in the Teaching & Learning features are classroom-tested, supported by research, and provide clear and practical step-by-step guidelines for designing, implementing, and evaluating instruction for students with disabilities. " MyEducationLabEach of the research-based practices discussed in the Teaching & Learning features are connected to Homework & Exercises or Building Teaching Skills activities in MyEducationLab that extend and further develop these strategies through video, artifacts, or articles. A FOCUS ON ISSUES AND TRENDS " Current Issues and Future Trends featuresThese essays highlight the ever-changing nature of special education with the controversial issues, triumphs, struggles, and interventions involved in special education. For Future Preparation and Teacher Certification: " CEC Performance-Based StandardsThe Common Core standards are printed on the inside front cover of the text. Margin notes throughout the text link critical content to specific knowledge and skill statements from CEC#x19;s Performance-Based Standards for Beginning Teachers. " Coverage of PRAXIS IITM TestsA PRAXIS Study Grid in the Appendix shows where content areas of the PRAXIS II Test, Education of Exceptional Students: Core Principles, are discussed in the text. A listing of the principles is on the inside back cover of this text.