This book is written as an easily accessible guide for headteachers and other general education administrators who administer and/or interact with special education programmes and services in their schools. The book is designed to provide basic foundational knowledge of special education that every headteacher needs in order to lead effectively, as well as examples for how to create effective special education. In this era of universal accountability for improving student achievement and school wide improvement planning, it is imperative that headteachers understand fully the key components of special education. Headteachers may need basic legal and/or procedural information, but more important are the understandings about who gets into special education as well as current thinking about how to educate children with diverse disabilities.

An essential handbook for educating students in the 21st century, since its initial publication A Principal's Guide to Special Education has provided guidance to school administrators seeking to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The third edition of this invaluable reference, updated in collaboration with and endorsed by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals and incorporating the perspectives of both teachers and principals, addresses such current issues as teacher accountability and evaluation, instructional leadership, collaborative teaching and learning communities, discipline procedures for students with disabilities, and responding to students' special education needs within a standards-based environment.

"Contains critical information that administrators need as they navigate special education policies and procedures. Administrators will discover a practical process for not only improving the quality of special education services, but also for transforming the teaching/learning cycle for all students." —Kim Benton, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Special Populations Meridian Public Schools, MS Lead effective special education programs that promote student achievement! The No Child Left Behind Act and other recent federal mandates have established a new level of accountability for special education programs. Updated to reflect these changes, this practical guide assists principals in developing special education programs that address current standards and students′ diverse needs. The second edition of McLaughlin′s bestseller provides a straightforward overview of special education for principals and other administrators. This resource offers insights on how to lead programs for students with special needs and covers basic legal and procedural information. Written by a well-known and respected scholar in special education, this guide includes new information that enables principals to: Fulfill requirements of NCLB and the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA, including standards-based individualized education programs Ensure that special education students can appropriately access the general curriculum Understand standardized testing options and accommodations to comply with federal law Support accurate identification and eligibility decisions, including Response to Intervention procedures Promote positive behavior and encourage family involvement Help your students with disabilities reach their full potential through high-quality special education programs and services.

School leaders who succeed at creating a high-achieving learning community must also be committed to creating an equitable environment for all students. In this new book, key scholars across the content areas show how to put into practice a commitment to equity and excellence across the Pre-K12 spectrum. Readers learn directly from experts in each of the content domains (literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, music, early childhood, special education, English language learners, world languages, and physical education) how a commitment to social justice and equity can be grounded in core subject areas, why each has a place in the school, and what they need to know and do in each subject area. This book is a critical instructional leadership resource for new and veteran principals who want to see all students succeed. Contributors: Antonio J. Castro, Julie Causton-Theoharis, Virginia Collier, Katherine Delaney, Catherine Ennis, Virginia Goatley, Beth Graue, Rochelle Gutirrez, Kathleen A. Hinchman, Anne Karabon, Christi Kasa, Dave McAlpine, Mitchell Robinson, Victor Sampson, Sherry A. Southerland, and Wayne Thomas

Special education is often a confusing and expensive consideration of running a school. You have IEPs and BIPs in place, but are they really working? Find a refresher on the key legal rights of students with disabilities, along with methods for designing and implementing IEPs and BIPs that work, approaches to creating effective instruction and assessment practices, and opportunities for inclusion in the general education classroom.

This book offers practical guidance on such topics as roles and responsibilities, school environment and culture, classroom organization and management, collaboration with other professionals, and individual professional development.

Your guide to excelling in the complex role of a special education administrator The job of the administrator of special education is arguably one of the most difficult in a school district—and that complexity can be overwhelming. It requires an aspect of every administrative job in the district, including budgets, human resources, student advocacy, and curriculum and assessment. Written by two veteran special education administrators with more than 100 years of combined experience, this book shows current and aspiring special education administrators how to excel in the many demanding areas of their position, allowing them to be effective administrators and educational leaders. Among the many topics included in the book are The importance of visibility in the form of face-to-face interactions to assist staff, students, and building principals The importance of parents in the process The significance of confidentiality, due process, program development, and working with advocates Insight into decision-making and relationship-building A critical tool in any special education administrator′s box, as well as building administrators, central office administrators and school committee members, this book provides practical and friendly advice for a difficult but critical job.