Description: This is a must-have book for those who feel overwhelmed by the jargon and nuances of special education legislation, regulation, and case law. This book should serve as your go-to-guide to the historical underpinnings of special education, the six gears of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), essential court cases that have propelled the field of special education to where it is today, and practical application tips to ensure legal compliance.
Brief description: 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.
Review Quotes: "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." --DR. TIERNEY BARCARSE, SPECIAL EDUCATION DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST, HAWAI'I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION