The Complete Guide to Special Education, Third Edition, explores the special education process from testing and diagnosis to IEP meetings and advocating for special needs children. The stages of identification, assessment, and intervention are explained step by step to help you better understand special needs students' legal rights and how to become an active, effective member of a child's educational team. This third edition has been revised throughout and discusses Response to Intervention (RTI); provides updates on new laws and regulations; expands coverage of autism spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder; and includes a revamped Resources section for teachers and parents.

"The Complete Guide to Special Education is a valuable resource for teachers or parents who suspect their student or child may have a disability due to academic or behavioral struggles in school: it covers the intervention process (RTI), how to read and understand evaluations, the different disability categories under IDEA, and how to work through the IEP process in partnership with a school. This book is an understandable yet comprehensive resource on how to work collaboratively to meet the special educational needs of a child. It will be a valuable addition to any library." -Scott R. Smith, EdD, former Special Education Director