The sad and almost comical ways in which our public schools functionThe tragedy is that our public schools work so poorly. The comedy is the off target comments about educational reform made by educators, business leaders, secretaries of education, presidents, and congress. Mathematical impossibilities, pompous postmodern pap, seemingly scholarly non-sequiturs, and lot of other nonsense give us much to laugh about.

According to James M. Kauffman, too much of what is said today about educational reform is nonsense that shortchanges students, parents, and taxpayers. This deforms education rather than reforming it. The primary objective of this book is to help teachers, teacher educators, policy makers, and parents think more critically about current rhetoric about education. Reason and science in the enlightenment tradition are more helpful in reforming and improving education than political agendas. Reform should focus on instruction. Education must address the full range of learners, from those who are mentally retarded to those who are intellectually gifted. Special education, multicultural education, and standardized testing are among the controversial issues explored. Extremes of both left and right ideologies are rejected in favor of careful thinking and sound judgment.

Hallahan and Kauffman continue their tradition of presenting the latest trends and issues in this edition with more than 400 new reference citations dated 2000 and after. Theory and research is presented in clear and concise language, and practical teaching suggestions are based on sound research. There are good reasons why Exceptional Learners has been the bestselling introductory text in special education for generations of general education and special education teachers. Depth, lucidity, clarity, and coherence combine to make a text appropriate for students at all levels: graduate and undergraduate, from introductory to advanced. Hallahan and Kauffman bring readers information they can trust.

ALERT: Before you purchase, check with your instructor or review your course syllabus to ensure that you select the correct ISBN. Several versions of Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products exist for each title, including customized versions for individual schools, and registrations are not transferable. In addition, you may need a CourseID, provided by your instructor, to register for and use Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products. Packages Access codes for Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products may not be included when purchasing or renting from companies other than Pearson; check with the seller before completing your purchase. Used or rental books If you rent or purchase a used book with an access code, the access code may have been redeemed previously and you may have to purchase a new access code. Access codes Access codes that are purchased from sellers other than Pearson carry a higher risk of being either the wrong ISBN or a previously redeemed code. Check with the seller prior to purchase. -- This title is only available as a loose-leaf version with Pearson eText, or an electronic book. In Exceptional Learners by Hallahan, Kauffman, and Pullen, readers get an up-to-date introduction to the characteristics of exceptional learners and their education that emphasizes classroom practices, as well as the psychological, sociological, and medical aspects of disabilities and giftedness. Based on the author's premise that professionals working with exceptional learners need to develop not only a solid base of knowledge, but also a healthy attitude toward their work and the people whom they serve, this book is designed to reach the heart as well as the mind. It asks both general and special educators to challenge themselves to acquire a solid understanding of current theory, research, and practice in special education, and to develop an ever more sensitive understanding of exceptional learners and their families. Video-Enhanced Pearson eText. Included in this package is access to the new Video-Enhanced eText for exclusively from Pearson. The Video-Enhanced Pearson eText is: Engaging. Full-color online chapters include dynamic videos that show what course concepts look like in real classrooms, model good teaching practice, and expand upon chapter concepts. Video links, chosen by our authors and other subject-matter experts, are embedded right in context of the content you are reading Convenient. Enjoy instant online access from your computer or download the Pearson eText App to read on or offline on your iPad and Android tablets.* Interactive. Features include embedded video, embedded assessment, note taking and sharing, highlighting and search. Affordable. Experience all these advantages of the Video-Enhanced eText along with all the benefits of print for 40% to 50% less than a print bound book. *The Pearson eText App is available for free on Google Play and in the App Store.* Requires Android OS 3.1 -- 4, a 7" or 10" tablet or iPad iOS 5.0 or newer 013357072X / 9780133570724 Exceptional Learners: An Introduction to Special Education, Loose-Leaf Version with Video-Enhanced Pearson eText -- Access Card Package Package consists of: 0133571041 / 9780133571042 Exceptional Learners: An Introduction to Special Education, Loose-Leaf Version 0133744035 / 9780133744033 Exceptional Learners: An Introduction to Special Education, Video-Enhanced Pearson eText -- Access Card

"Hallahan and Kauffman continue their tradition of presenting the latest trends and issues in this edition with over 400 new reference citations dated 2000 and after. Theory and research is presented in clear and concise language, and practical teaching suggestions are based on sound research." There are good reasons why Hallahan and Kauffman has been the best-selling introductory book in special education for generations of general education and special education teachers. Depth, lucidity, clarity, and coherence combine to make a text appropriate for readers at all levels: graduate and undergraduate, from introductory to advanced. Hallahan and Kauffman bring readers information they can trust." For anyone interested in education, specifically special education and human exceptionality.

eBookRecognize trouble and deal with it before it's too lateThe lives of young people with behavioral problems tend to be among the least satisfying. Their families are likely to suffer, their teachers are often disappointed and their peers constantly wonder what's the matter with them. James Kauffman, professor emeritus of education at the University of Virginia, says it doesn't have to be that way.

Special Education: What It Is and Why We Need It provides a thorough examination of the basic concept of special education, a discussion of specific exceptionalities, and constructive responses to common criticisms of special education. Whether you’re a teacher, school administrator, teacher-educator, or simply interested in the topic, you will learn just what special education is, who gets it or who should get it, and why it is necessary. The second edition of this brief yet powerful primer will help you build the foundation of a realistic, rational view of the basic assumptions and knowledge on which special education rests.