FOCUS ON SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Focus on Special Educational Needs exploresthe characteristics of effective classroominstruction for language learners aged 5-18with special educational needs. It guidesteachers and other educational practitionersto combine their perspectives in providingbalanced, coordinated, cohesive, andcomprehensive approaches. The authorspresent a framework for developing inclusivelearning environments which are culturallyand linguistically responsive, based onstrengths-based perspectives. Researchstudies and examples from the classroomillustrate collaborative practice in action. Additional online resources atwww.oup.com/elt/teacher/fosenCristina Snchez-Lpez is a teacher educatorin Chicago at the Illinois Resource Center,Multilingual Cultural Classroom, and ParidadEducation Consulting. Theresa Young is a speech-languagepathologist and educator in private practicein Parry Sound, Ontario. 'This excellent book provides detailed guidancefor educating language learners with specialeducational needs, based on a thorough reviewof classroom research. The authors advocateapproaches which build upon all the assetslearners bring to the classroom, and integratethese with decades of best practices in secondlanguage development and special education. This will be a welcome resource to graduatestudents and practicing teachers alike.'Dr Nadeen T. Ruiz, School of Education, University ofCalifornia at Davis