Special Education

A reference work that presents a chronology focusing on special education, its development, and the important issues that both positively and negatively affect the field. Updated through current events, this second edition provides an excellent introduction to special education in all of its practical aspects-how it developed, its curriculum, assessment issues, the law, and advocacy. Historically, children with obvious disabilities were the objects of witch-hunts, exorcisms, burnings and abandonment. With the coming of nationwide compulsory education, it became necessary to accommodate those students who could be seen as not fitting the mold. This volume describes that history, and shows how special education can serve as a model for all education. In addition, the text explores how special education developed as an outgrowth of regular education and provides a context for understanding the current challenges and controversies surrounding the issue. Special Education: A Reference Handbook also includes a chronology of key events in the evolution of the concept of special education, along with a directory of organizations, associations and government agencies relating to all aspects of special education, bibliographies, and other reference materials. The comprehensive coverage of this important topic will make this resource a must-have for all public, university and high school libraries, in addition to the reference collection of university education departments and school districts.