Preface

Interdisciplinary Connections to Special Education is divided into two volumes: Volume 30A, Important Aspects to Consider and Volume 30B, Key Related Professionals Involved.

Individuals with disabilities have been supported in the school system since 1975. Since then, the field of special education has changed drastically and currently, many professionals involved in educating individuals with disabilities were not previously involved. For students to benefit to their fullest potential many key professionals need to be involved and key data needs to be collected to assure proper education and success for these individuals. What was done in the past has changed and current best practices involve many different professionals that were not even considered in the past. Through time, energy, growth, and research, practices have changed over time to now benefit students and their families at a level that was not previously considered.

This volume in Advances in Special Education focuses on Interdisciplinary Connections to Special Education: Important Aspects to Consider. The volume is a comprehensive examination into connections that need to be made and the data and considerations that need to take place when trying to meet the individual needs of a student with disabilities. The volume begins with a rationale of why interdisciplinary relations are important. Next, the volume addresses key stakeholders that should be involved in the process of developing individualized education programs (IEPs) like special educators, general educators, counselors, psychologists, school leaders, and related professionals. These chapters are followed by chapters that address families, communities, and the government. The book concludes with a chapter that addresses the comprehensive support model.

The volume is composed of 11 chapters written by university professors who are actively involved in teaching special education courses and engaged in research related to these topics. It should be used as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduate special education majors and graduate students who are looking for detailed and comprehensive information for their research papers or theses.