Kids in the Middle: The Micro Politics of Special Education

"Kids in the Middle: The Micro-Politics of Special Education" takes the reader on a fascinating journey through special education in the past, present, and future. On this journey, the micro-politics of special education are seen through the eyes and experiences of children with disabilities, their parents and advocates, adult educators, and school administrators. Supplementing these perspectives to develop an understanding of special education that goes beyond its administrative and political aspects, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), are scholars with expertise in special education law, administration, severe and profound disabilities, ethics, finance, teaching, and disability rights. Together, these voices explain the micro-political issues that affect how children with disabilities are educated. "Kids in the Middle" promotes a new model of special education to help transform special education. Instead of perpetuating a system grounded in the concepts of promises, privilege, and power, this book considers how to build a system based on caring, compassion, and the common good, a system that will elevate the status of special education children who are lost in the middle. Chapters include: (1) Borderline: The Political Divide in Special Education (Marshall Strax); (2) Schooling Tommy in the Past: A Personal Perspective (Thomas E. Strax, Lisa Luciano, and Anna Dunn); (3) Free At Last? Legislation for Children with Disabilities (Allan Osborne and Charles Russo); (4) The Limits of Freedom: Legislation and Litigation in Special Education (Charles Russo and Allan Osborne); (5) The Costs and Benefits of Special Education (Bruce S. Cooper); (6) Kid in the Middle: A Case Study of an Impartial Hearing (Carol Strax and Marshall Strax); (7) Common Confusions with Inclusion (David Connor); (8) Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pay: Services for Children with Severe and Chronic Disabilities (Arnold Danzig); (9) Schooling Tommy in the Present (Catherine Hall Rikhye); (10) Voices From the Field: Students Speak Out (Carol Strax); (11) Voices From the Field: Parents Speak Out (Carol Strax); (12) Voices From the Field: Education Professionals (Carol Strax); and (13) Schooling Tommy in the Future: The Ideal (Marshall Strax). (Foreword by Nel Noddings.)