This text, designed to be a comprehensive introduction to special education, emphasizes linking research and practice and implementing best practices in the education of students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral/emotional problems, giftedness, speech and/or language impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments,…

Noting that the number of students served in special education programs has increased at alarming rates since 1975, this paper posits that this increase is due to recent social and political variables and their impact on the educational system. Special emphasis is placed on how state and local educational leaders respond to national education…