ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores how specialist educational knowledge can inform and enhance mainstream educational provision. It is for mainstream teachers, designed to lay the groundwork in terms of their knowledge about Special Educational Needs (SEN). The book is designed to help teachers become more aware of their existing approaches to teaching pupils with Special Educational Needs Disability and offers a framework for improving with self-evaluation as a starting point. It aims teachers, rather than SEN co-ordinators (SENCOs), and one overarching aim is to unpack SEN jargon and clarify the relevant terminology required for good practice. The book deals with the origins of these terms and clarifies their meaning and the relationship between them. It refers that the word 'differentiation' is a shorthand for teaching that actively acknowledges and respects diversity – teaching that enables access, considers individuals, includes and thinks seriously about challenge.
