Introduction to Special Education provides an applied approach to children with disabilities by using specific and well-grounded research and suggestions to focus on how the educational practices impact the lives of children, their families, and their teachers. The Fourth Edition retains the overall organization that was perfected in its previous editions, with a basic overview of the field provided in the early chapters, and then the categories of disability and giftedness covered in order of incidence. This edition also introduces a new and unique way of looking at the field of special education in the new millennium, seeking to both examine its history and present the challenges and opportunities for its future.
"This book is the rule rather than the exception."
~ J'Anne Affeld, Northern Arizona University
"I believe a specific strength is the concise delivery of ideas in the text. The sections have good content but are not too detailed as to be off-putting for the general educator."
~ Patricia McClung, Lee University
"I really like [Chapter 3] and find it significantly superior to the Heward text. In fact, I spend little time with students on this chapter and use my own information. The 'History of the Field' section in Smith provides important background information and is followed by well presented information in this subfield of special education. [...] Smith's Introduction to Special Education is the best overall text I have seen for a survey course in special education. [... ] I would also highly recommend this text to any instructor looking for a new text in any introductory special education course."
~ Karen R. Smith, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
"I like the fact that she has a chapter that focuses on Multicultural and Bilingual Special Education because this is an area that I believe is overlooked not only in other textbooks but in Special Education classes. [...] In many ways I believe that this book is easier to follow and relate to than the Turnbull book."
~ Josephine Fritts, Ozarks Technical Community College
"Deb has included a great deal of current research to define and explain ADHD. It is refreshing to see her elaborate on the information we do not have as well as what we do know about ADHD. [...] I am particularly delighted to see an emphasis on post-secondary transition planning with a view to higher education."
~ Mary Jane Hayes, Austin Peay State University
"The sections on Families and Technology are not found in all books of this type. These were helpful to me as someone who teaches a course on Collaborating with Families and seeks to implement the requirement of the state standards regarding the use and incorporation of technology. The life-span emphasis [is] appropriate for my students and I particularly like the fact that they reflected different regions of the country."
~ Patricia McClung, Lee University
"The features of this text are interesting and extremely relevant to the topics. They add multiple ways to access the information from different points. [...] The Advanced Organizer is a particular favorite of mine."
~ Barbara West, Bloomsburg University
"Novices to special education would find the writing level and tone acceptable, not talking down or too difficult for their ability. Students with learning disabilities will find the terminology defined within the text and multiple examples to aid their comprehension."
~ Lessie L. Cochran, Bowling Green State University
"The 'Tips for Effective Teaching' are some of the best suggestions that one could ask for."
~ Jerry Neal, Central Missouri State University
