When a group meets to discuss a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), they are called a team, but they rarely understand the perspectives of the people with whom they are sitting at the table. This is especially true when cultural and linguistic diversity is part of the equation. This unique book explores the individual perspectives of IEP meeting participants who work with students who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD). Authors interviewed a principal, a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), an educational advocate, a disability rights attorney, a parent, a translator, a school psychologist, a specialist, a transition services specialist, and a guidance counselor. Their experiences provide critical insight for those seeking to realize the potential of these sometimes marginalized students. Interviews examined the dynamics of home-school communication, IEP meetings, and cross-cultural interactions. The perspectives shared in this book relate to known best practices and also provide practical suggestions for improving the experiences of teams serving the CLD population.

Black school psychologists are significantly underrepresented in American schools, and this must be addressed to effectively meet the needs of marginalized groups in this field. Through the lenses of critical race theory, intersectionality and the trauma-informed approach, this phenomenological study explored the experiences of eight Black graduate students studying school psychology at both predominantly White institutions (PWIs) and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Convergent data yielded themes of (1) Awareness of Intersectionality, (2) Black Representation Matters, (3) Black Mentor/Faculty as Support, (4) Black Sociocultural Safe Spaces, (5) Cultural Incompetence at PWI, and (6) Unsupported Traumatic Experiences at PWI. Divergent data revealed that students from HBCUs experienced a sense of belonging, whereas students from PWIs experienced feelings of isolation. Lastly, divergent data revealed that accreditation was the main concern for students who attended HBCUs. Implications, recommendations, limitations, and future research directions are provided.

As the inclusive classroom becomes the placement of choice for many students with disabilities, the implementation of a student’s individualized education plan (IEP) is no longer the sole responsibility of a special education teacher. Together the general education teacher and the special education teacher work to ensure each student’s progress toward meeting carefully crafted goals. Success with IEPs provides teachers with practical, research-based advice and solutions to five of the most common challenges posed by IEPs: Understanding the full scope of the teacher’s role Doing the critical prep work for IEP meetings Offering modifications and accommodations Contributing to the IEP team Monitoring student progress Author and educator Vicki Caruana explores principles that debunk some common misconceptions about how to work with students with disabilities. She offers insights, tips, and strategies that will help teachers fine-tune their practice to better meet each child’s unique needs. For teachers uncertain of their ability to meet the needs of students with IEPs, this manageable guide is a great place to start.

Written by legal and education experts and aligned with the reauthorization of IDEA 2004, this practical resource provides a step-by-step plan for creating, writing, and evaluating IEPs.

Recipient of the 2017 BRONZE Winner for Education Award from Foreword Indies. Get the educational services and support your child deserves. Federal law guarantees every child a free appropriate education, and the goal of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is to assure that every child with special needs receives what the law promises. But you know that your family must make sure the school follows through. This powerful book covers: • eligibility rules and assessments • working with outside experts • developing your child’s ideal educational program • preparing for and attending IEP meetings, and • resolving disputes with school districts. The 11th edition explains the law and provides key forms, sample letters, and resources you need at every stage of the IEP process. With it, you can ensure your child gets a good education—the education your child deserves.

Recipient of the 2017 BRONZE Winner for Education Award from Foreword Indies. Get the educational services and support your child deserves Federal law guarantees every child a free appropriate education, and the goal of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is to assure that every child with special needs receives what the law promises. But if you have a special ed child, you know that your family must make sure the school follows through. This powerful book covers: eligibility rules and assessments working with outside experts developing your child's ideal educational program preparing for and attending IEP meetings, and resolving disputes with school districts. The 10th edition includes summaries of important court decisions, expanded information on independent evaluations and bullying, and additional real-life tips. It provides key forms, sample letters, and resources you need at every stage of the IEP process. With it, you can make sure your child gets a good education—the education he or she deserves. With downloadable forms, letters and resources inside. Includes IEP blueprint.