Overview
Special education law is reported by faculty and teachers as an intimidating topic that is often avoided in teacher preparation programs, leading to unprepared educators in the field. The Essentials of Special Education Law, Second Edition distills the legal complexities of special education into a practical resource for preparation programs and professionals alike. Written and organized with college students and practicing educators in mind, this supplemental text covers the government’s role in establishing and defining special education. A historical context is explored through seminal court cases and legislative initiatives. Each of the six gears of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are detailed, with key court cases and practical tips for legally compliant implementation. Additional essential legal topics are also examined such as discipline, confidentiality, and transition services. This indispensable book cuts through the complexity of law and is a clear and concise resource for understanding the essentials of special education law.
Full Product Details
Author: Professor Andrew M. Markelz (Ball State University, US) ,
David F. Bateman
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Edition: 2nd edition
ISBN: 9798765162316
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 19 March 2026
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Availability: Not yet available
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.
Reviews
Rarely have I seen a book so effortlessly distill the essentials of special education law into such an accessible yet astute guide. It’s a powerful ‘pocket reader’ packed with clear explanations, practical examples, and helpful resources. Whether you’re an educator (pre-service or in-service), professor, administrator, or parent, this is an indispensable tool for understanding special education law without needing prior legal experience. Markelz and Bateman deliver another must-have resource that empowers everyone involved with special education. -- DR. TIERNEY BARCARSE * SPECIAL EDUCATION DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST, HAWAI’I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION *
Author Information
Andrew M. Markelz Ph.D. is an associate professor in the department of educational foundations and exceptionalities at James Madison University. He is founding editor of the Journal of Special Education Preparation and has co-authored several books pertaining to special education law, advocacy, and research. Dr. Markelz has also served as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) for many years. Through research and practice, he is committed to expediting the novice-to-expert teaching curve by preparing special educators to implement proactive classroom management strategies and develop meaningful and legally defensible individualized education programs. David F. Bateman, Ph.D., is a Principal Researcher at the American Institutes for Research, and is finishing up this academic year as a professor at Shippensburg University in the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education where he teaches courses on special education law, assessment, and facilitating inclusion. He is a former due process hearing officer for Pennsylvania for hundreds of hearings. He uses his knowledge of litigation relating to special education to assist school districts in providing appropriate supports for students with disabilities and to prevent and to recover from due process hearings. He has been a classroom teacher of students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, intellectual disability, and hearing impairments.
