Jenifer L. Cline

Special education isn’t defined by paperwork—it’s defined by decisions. And when those decisions are wrong, the consequences are immediate, personal, and often legal. This book puts you inside real-world special education scenarios drawn from actual cases involving students, families, and school systems. Each case challenges you to think like a leader under pressure—balancing law, data, and judgment in moments where the right answer isn’t always obvious. With clear analysis and practical commentary, you’ll see not just what happened, but why it mattered and how decisions could have been stronger. Designed for both new and experienced educators, this is not a theory book. It’s a field guide for making defensible decisions, avoiding common mistakes, and delivering services that hold up—to scrutiny and to the needs of students.

Despite the prevalence of students with disabilities in the general education classroom, few teachers receive training on how to meet these students' needs or how to navigateDespite the prevalence of students with disabilities in the general education classroom, few teachers receive training on how to meet these students' needs or how to navigate the legally mandated processes enumerated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). What is their role? What are their responsibilities? What are the roles and rights of parents? And what must all teachers do to ensure that students with disabilities and other special needs receive the quality education they're entitled to? In this practical reference, David F. Bateman—bestselling author of A Principal's Guide to Special Education—and special education administrator Jenifer L. Cline clarify what general education teachers need to know about special education law and processes and provide a guide to instructional best practices for the inclusive classroom. Topics covered include:The pre-referral, referral, and evaluation processes. Individualized education programs (IEPs) and the parties involved. Accommodations for students who do not quality for special education, including those covered by Section 504. Transition from preK to K-12 and from high school to postschool life. Classroom management and student behavior. Educational frameworks, instructional strategies, and service delivery options. Assessment, grades, graduation, and diplomas. The breadth of coverage in this book, along with its practical examples, action steps, and appendixes covering key terms and definitions will provide the foundation all K-12 teachers need to successfully instruct and support students receiving special education services. It's an indispensable resource for every general education classroom.