The Essentials of Special Education Law distills the legal complexities of special education into a practical resource for preparation programs as well as professionals in the field. Written and organized with college students and practicing educators in mind, this book serves as a go-to guide to the historical underpinnings of special education, the six pillars of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), essential court cases that have propelled the field of special education to where it is today, and practical application tips to ensure legal compliance. With 45 years of combined special education legal experience, authors Andrew Markelz and David Bateman present the essential components of special education law like never before.

David F. Batemanis professor at Shippensburg University in the department of educational leadership and special education, where he teaches courses on special education law, assessment, and facilitating inclusion. He has recently coauthoredA Principals Guide to Special Education,A Teachers Guide to Special Education,Charting the Course: Special Education in Charter Schools, Special Education Leadership: Building Effective Programming in Schools, andCurrent Trends and Legal Issues in Special Education.

Andrew M. Markelz is assistant professor of special education at Ball State University. As the coordinator of Ball States Director of Special Education Licensure Program, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in special education law, administrative and organizational theory, and family collaboration. Markelz is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and has served on the executive board of the Teacher Education Division.

PART I ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

1 The Government and Special Education

2 The History of Special Education

3 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

PART II PILLARS OF IDEA

4 Free Appropriate Public Education

5 Nondiscriminatory Evaluation

6 Individualized Education Program

7 Least Restrictive Environment

8 Parent Participation

9 Procedural Safeguards

PART III ADDITIONAL ISSUES

10 Discipline

11 Transition and Related Services

12 Confidentiality in Special Education

Key Terms Every Special Educator Needs to Know

Index