ABSTRACT

Special education embraces a wide and complex area of knowledge and skills. Underpinning the approach and choice of entries in this Handbook are several broad areas or themes. While the entries have an A-Z format there is an underlying structure that is reflected in the classified list/thematic index. Many readers of earlier editions of the book have said that a few minutes spent familiarising themselves with the classified index helps in negotiating the book effectively. There are seven broad areas – some of which are subdivided – as follows:

1 Basic terms, ideas and values

a Special education issues/terms b Disciplines associated with special education

2 Venues relating to special education, and school organisation 3 Roles and responsibilities 4 Individual differences among learners with disabilities/disorders 5 Curriculum and assessment; resources and technology

a Curriculum and assessment b Resources and technology

6 Pedagogy and classroom organisation 7 Therapy and care.