ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book enables teachers of English to plan and deliver lessons that will meet the individual needs of learners who experience difficulties. It is valuable to subject teachers because the ideas and guidance are provided within a subject context, ensuring relevance and practicability. Our school population is now more diverse than ever before, with pupils of very different abilities, aptitudes and interests, from a wide range of cultures making up our mainstream and special school classes. Teachers have a keen awareness of the factors affecting a pupil's ability to learn, not only characteristics of the individual but also aspects of the learning environment that can either help or hinder learning. High quality continuing professional development (CPD) has a big part to play in this. The book contributes to whole-school CPD on meeting special educational needs, and in facilitating subject-specific staff development within departments.
