Special Education Law

The 7th Edition of Special Education Law, written by Laura Rothstein and Scott F. Johnson, provides a comprehensive and current overview of the major federal law, and judicial interpretations of those laws, that apply to special education students. School administrators and attorneys attend to special education issues on a regular basis, and local superintendents, principals, special education professionals, psychologists, and regional and state administrators must also be familiar with the legal requirements of educating students with disabilities. Classroom teachers of all types need to be aware of the laws that affect them and their students. Special Education Law 7e is intended for students in education and educational administration, both graduate and undergraduate, as well as law students in courses on special education law, school law, and special education.

The framework of this book begins with five introductory chapters on the major issues that are addressed in special education
law. These topics include an overview the legal system, the history of special education, major statutes in special education law, stakeholders such as students, families, educators, and advocates, and finally, requirements for protection under various special education laws. The remainder of the text presents and analyzes special education case law within specific contexts. The text helps educators understand what the law requires so that they can make decisions that comply with these laws.

The 7th edition reflects major changes in judicial interpretation and education policy developments at the federal level since 2021, including the dramatic impact of the COVID pandemic on education generally and special education specifically, a new Supreme Court decision, and new references and examples throughout.