Students with Learning Disabilities - Softcover

Mercer, Cecil; Pullen, Paige

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0132228424 ISBN 13: 9780132228428

Publisher: Pearson, 2008

Synopsis

The seventh edition of this popular text for learning disabilities offers comprehensive coverage and a balanced approach of all of the varying theories and practices in the field—educational, medical, and psychological—incorporating assessment, definition, characteristics, and strategies–all to help readers develop their own personal perspective. It presents equal treatment to information about the characteristics, definitions, causes, and controversies of learning disabilities, with each researched-based topic clearly designed to support both diagnosis and intervention. Throughout the text, “best practices” have been identified through thorough research and practical examples. Revised to include the latest research and recent developments, the seventh edition reflects the latest trends in the field of learning disabilities. Current and classic, Students with Learning Disabilities, Seventh Edition will stimulate and interest its readers about the nature and needs of individuals with learning disabilities in today’s school environment.

About this title

From the Publisher

This text addresses every aspect of learning disabilities, from assessment, definition, and characteristics through specific strategies for individual disorders. Based on a multi-theoretical foundation, this new edition integrates numerous philosophical and practical perspectives into a supportive framework of best practices for both diagnosis and intervention.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Learning disabilities is a dynamic and expanding field. Individuals with learning disabilities exist across all ages, socioeconomic levels, and ethnic groups; their problems range from mild to severe. Professionals as well as parents continue to seek greater knowledge about the nature of learning disabilities and proven methods for enhancing academic, social, and vocational success for people with learning disabilities.

This book offers comprehensive coverage of the field. Many theories and practices have developed quickly. Some have been challenged and found to be lacking. Thus, many practices have been refined, whereas others have either waned or grown. In this text, we have tried to present a balanced picture of the varying theories and practices (educational, medical, and psychological), and we hope this allows you to develop your own perspective.

The book has been revised to include recent developments. This sixth edition reflects the latest trends in the field of learning disabilities, explores current issues, and highlights identification, including response to treatment. The 1997 reauthorization of IDEA has been included. However, as this edition goes to press, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is undergoing reauthorization: We have addressed this issue throughout the text and will provide updates on the reauthorization on the Companion Website. The book is written from a perspective of what research indicates are the best practices in the field of learning disabilities in regards to identification, assessment, and intervention. Noteworthy changes in this edition include expanded coverage of cultural diversity, consensus documents in reading instruction, effective practices to prevent and remediate reading difficulties, and effective assessment and teaching practices in the academic areas based on recent meta-analyses of the best instructional practices. In addition, this edition has been streamlined to provide concise but complete information. Many of the additional resources found in previous editions, including reviews of specific curricula and materials, are provided on a new Companion Website. Each chapter has been refined extensively to provide comprehensive yet timely coverage of pertinent information. In addition to covering topics that facilitate an understanding of learning disabilities, we have included a strong focus on how to teach and manage students with learning disabilities.

Why is the sixth edition of Students with Learning Disabilities a worthwhile book for your learning disabilities introductory class? It is as current as possible, and you will find the research to be well integrated. While an effort has been made to provide a definitive point of view, we also have tried to treat fairly the many approaches to learning disabilities. We have attempted to describe how schools really function in this country in an effort to assist you in handling situations in your current or future classrooms.

In the field of learning disabilities, there are no easy answers. It is fraught with controversy, ambivalence, and vagueness, and it lacks consensus about many basic issues. We have made every effort to present the best of what we know. It is our hope that this book stimulates you to discover even more about the nature and needs of individuals with learning disabilities.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0132228424
• ISBN 13: 9780132228428
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 546