Description

Introduces the basic concepts underlying policy, practice and provision in this area

Traces the development of Special Education policy and practice in Ireland within a European and international context

The Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) permeates the text

A discursive approach is used in presenting the philosophical and ethical issues underlying relevant policies and provision

Refers to relevant Irish research on issues within this area

Reflective questions and/or case studies are provided at the end of each chapter

Suitable for undergraduate students in primary teacher education, and students completing the Higher Diploma for post-primary education

Also suitable for Special Education personnel,a` Special Needs assistants and parents


Author Biography
Sean Griffin is Academic Head in St Nicholas Montessori College, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin where he is also Director of Special Education Studies. He is a tutor in Special Education postgraduate studies in Trinity College Dublin and a part-time lecturer in the School of Education Studies, Dublin City University. His background is in primary education and he was principal of a special school for children with autism.

Michael Shevlin is Senior Lecturer in Special Education in Trinity College Dublin where he teaches under–graduate students in primary teacher education, and students completing the Higher Diploma for post-primary education. He also co-ordinates Special Education courses at postgraduate level. His research has been published in national and international journals and he is co-author of Breakthrough (1994), Hidden Voices (2000) and co-editor of Encouraging Voices (2003). His background is in post-primary education and he co-ordinated schools’ link programmes between mainstream and special schools.


Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Guiding Principles: Concepts of Special Education Needs
Chapter 2: Attitudes: Voices and Experiences
Chapter 3: Historical Emergence: An Irish Experience
Chapter 4: Developing Policy and Provision in Special Education in Ireland
Chapter 5: Core Issues – (1) Moving towards Schools for All
Chapter 6: Core Issues – (2) Identification, Assessment and Planning
Chapter 7: Core Issues – (3) Curriculum Differentiation/Adaptation
Chapter 8: Core Issues – (4) Classroom Strategies
Chapter 9: Behaviour Difficulties
Chapter 10: Support Issues and Partnership