Developed as a resource for educators and parents who teach and support the more than 6.5 million students with disabilities, this book includes contributions from acknowledged special and general education professionals. Contributors address overarching issues in the field and focus on topics that are relevant to students no matter what their individual disability. Topics include: (1) Working collaboratively with families as partners; (2) Including students with disabilities in general education settings; (3) Providing appropriate instructional practices for struggling learners; (4) Reducing the disproportionate representation of minorities in special education programs; (5) Establishing early intervention in K-12 settings; and (6) Implementing special education law for the benefit of all children and families. Each of nine chapters is accompanied by "From the Field" comments: (1) The Promise and Practice of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Nancy E. Huerta); From the Field: Reflecting on the Realities of Implementing Special Education Law (Marlene Canter); (2) The Evolving Relationship Between Families of Children with Disabilities and Professionals (Elizabeth J. Erwin and Leslie C. Soodak); From the Field: Gabriel's Journey-Never Quite Finished (Virginia M. Victorin); (3) Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in General Education (Holly Menzies and Mary A. Falvey); From the Field: A Personal and Professional Journey with Inclusion (Robert W. Farran); (4) Gaining Access to the Schoolhouse (Richard Cohen and Terese C. Jimenez); From the Field: Accessing the Schoolhouse for Richard (Sandra Renteria); (5) Reducing Disproportionate Representation in Special Education: Overview, Explanations, and Solutions (Robert Rueda, Janette Klingner, Nicole Sager, and Alejandra Velasco); From the Field: Reflections on Disproportionality (Alnita Rettig Dunn); (6) Early Intervention for Students in General Education: Promoting Academic Achievement for All (Diane Haager); From the Field: The Challenges of Early Intervention Implementation (Jo Ann Isken and Terese C. Jimenez); (7) Differentiated Instruction: Legislative Support and Classroom Practices (Tanya Santangelo, Greg Knotts, Katharine W. Clemmer and Marianne Mitchell); From the Field: Benefits and Challenges of Differentiated Instruction (Savina Woodyard); (8) Transition Services and Education for All (Ernest Rose); From the Field: Supporting the Transition of Individuals with Disabilities (Gina Semenza); and (9) Personal Experiences with Disability and Special Education: Discovering the Real Me (Sue Rubin); A Lifelong Journey (Olegario D. Cantos); From Instinct to Intellect (Janeen Steel); From the Field: Reflections on the Journey (Sandi Drinkward). Questions for Discussion are appended. The volume also includes a foreword (Michael M. Gerber); references; and an index.