Reference Material

The following is a list of books featured in our previous 'Book of the Month' section.

April / June 2012

Teachers’ Pocketbooks Series

The ‘Teachers’ Pocketbooks’ Series provides a useful range of quick-reference resources on many aspects of teaching pupils with special educational needs. The Pocketbooks are easy to browse and give many practical tips on how to manage day-to day issues that arise.

January / March 2012

STRANDS

By Department of Special Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Collaboration with the Special Education Support Service (SESS)

The STRANDS publication aims to equip primary teachers and special education teachers with a wide range of instructional strategies that can be used to facilitate participation and learning among children with Down syndrome and general learning disabilities.

A first of its kind in Ireland, STRANDS is a richly informative and comprehensive book which was developed by the Department of Special Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in collaboration with the Special Education Support Service (SESS)..

The text has 14 ‘strands’ relating to information about the needs and strengths of children with Down syndrome and provides specific research supported methods for teaching them in the major areas of the curriculum including language, literacy and mathematics. As the emphasis is on instructional practices that are responsive to the needs of visual learners, this book will be of interest to primary teachers who are teaching a wide range of children with general learning disabilities and special educational needs. This book also provides hundreds of visual illustrations of strategies and methods which teachers can apply in their classrooms.

While a copy has been posted to each primary and special school throughout the country, additional copies are available for purchase from the Curriculum Development Unit of Mary Immaculate College at 061-204366 or by email at: cdu@mic.ul.ie.

A sample chapter is available here.

October / December 2011

The Social and Life Skills Menu : A Skill Building Workbook for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

By Karra M. Barber (2011). Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

During adolescence social development and social status among peers can be of crucial importance. For teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) social interaction does not come naturally and often needs to be carefully learned. This workbook provides guided strategies to help those with ASD to engage and connect with other people at home, school, work, at social gatherings and in the community.

May / September 2011

Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties - A Continuum of Support: Guidelines for Teachers

These Guidelines issued by NEPS recognise that behavioural, emotional and social difficulties occur on a continuum. They can range from developmentally appropriate behaviours or mild and transient difficulties to difficulties which are significant and persistent. The Guidelines are designed to assist teachers in intervening at whatever level of the continuum is most appropriate.
Click here to download [PDF, 1.8 Kb]

March / April 2011

Building Bridges of Understanding Resource

Building Bridges of Understanding is a whole school approach to the teaching of comprehension devised by Dr. Ann Courtney of the University of Hartford, Connecticut, Dr. Martin Gleeson, Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick and nine schools in the Munster area. Drawing on current research regarding effective comprehension instruction its primary focus is the teaching of comprehension, with the ultimate aim of enabling children to become self-regulated strategic readers.
Click for details from MIC

January / February 2011

Handbook of Special Education

Published by Routledge

This publication synthesises empirical findings and provides a critical analysis of the status and direction of current research related to special education in the USA. According to the publishers: "This book is an appropriate reference volume for anyone (researchers, scholars, graduate students, practitioners, policy makers, and parents) interested in the state of special education today: its research base, current issues and practices, and future trends. It is also appropriate as a textbook for graduate level courses in special education."

November / December 2010

Transition Toolkit: Helping you Support a Child Through Change (ASD)

Published by Autism Education Trust, UK (http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk ).

This provides a summary of the common issues surrounding transition for young people on the autism spectrum, as well as a guide to the considerations that should be taken by those supporting them. It offers practical strategies to support transition periods as well as a list of useful links.
Click here to download [PDF, 2mb].

Please note that many of the references in this publication are to UK sources. Click on the link below to access the SESS Transition page.
Click here to see SESS Transition pages.

September / October 2010

Starting High School: Orientation Activities for New Students

Published by User Friendly Resources

This provides a variety of ‘setting up’ and orientation activities that teachers can undertake with their new class in the first few weeks of the new school year. This may be of particular benefit to pupils who find transitions difficult. This is particularly relevant to pupils entering post-primary for the first time.
Click here for more details.

April / May 2010

Dyslexia Toolkit: A Resource for Students and their Tutors

Written by Vicki Goodwin and Bonita Thomson (Open University, 2004)

This ‘Toolkit’ looks at various strategies that can facilitate the pupil with dyslexia in terms of developing study and revision skills. Areas looked at include: study strategies, revision and exams, technology, and how teachers can support the pupil with dyslexia. This is downloadable and is perhaps more suitable for teachers teaching pupils in the post-primary sector. It can be downloaded
Click here to download [PDF, 754 KB].

November / December 2009

Mental Health in Children and Adolescents A Guide for Teachers

Written by Sarah Buckley,Blánaid Gavin and Fiona McNicholas (published by Mulberry Publications)

This book, written by psychiatrists with extensive experience of working in primary and post primary levels in Ireland, provides an up-to-date introduction to mental health in children and adolescents.

Click here for more details.

September / October 2009

How to Support and Teach Children with Special Educational Needs

Written by Veronica Birkett and illustrated by Rebecca Barnes (published by LDA)

This is a very practical book providing helpful hints and strategies to support children with a wide range of difficulties including those in the areas of communication, learning, behavioural, sensory / physical and medical. It provides a wealth of practical support strategies; checklists for assessment; useful addresses and resource lists. 

July / August 2009

I Can Sign: The Alphabet

Lorna McCormack and Stephen Wylie (Simple Signing: ISBN: 978-09557918-7-1)

This book introduces children of all ages to the alphabet in Irish Sign Language (ISL). The book is illustrated by Stephen Wylie and colourfully written by Lorna McCormack. This book is available from www.simplysigning.ie or www.IrishDeaf.com. 

May / June 2009

International Experiences in the Provision of Individual Education Plans for Children with Disabilities

Darren McCausland
National Disability Authority (2005)   
International Experiences in the Provision of Individual Education Plans for Children with Disabilities Report [PDF - 220KB]

The aim of this report is to examine international practice in the provision of individual education plans (IEPs). An overview of policy is presented in relation to five different countries, namely Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The report also identifies a range of recommendations which may be applied to the emerging system in Ireland.

March / April 2009

How to use ICT to support children with Special Educational Needs

Anne Sparrowhawk and Ysanne Heald
LDA
ISBN-10: 1855034204

The aim of this book is to highlight some of the many ways in which Information Communication Technology (ICT) can be made accessible to all pupils, and to outline specific ICT solutions that will engage and facilitate the learning of those with special educational needs.

The authors make suggestions as to how to:

• Provide effective learning opportunities for pupils
• Choose appropriate hardware and software for pupils
• Assess the effectiveness of ICT provision and use
• Include parents and carers
• Ensure ones interactive whiteboard use is inclusive.

January / February 2009

What Really Works in Special and Inclusive Education – Using Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies

David Mitchell (2008)
Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group
ISBN: 978-0-415-36926-8

While the primary focus of this book is on learners who have special educational needs, most of the strategies presented are applicable to all learners. Each of the strategies has a substantial research base and clear practical guidelines on how they can be best employed.

Twenty four specific strategies are presented to include:

• co-operative group teaching
• social skills training
• memory strategies
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• functional behavioural assessment
• formative assessment and feedback.

Each strategy is presented systematically, with reference to:

• the definition of the method
• the underlying idea
• how to put the strategy into practice with the use of case studies and examples
• a review of the research on the method, and discussions of the pros and cons
• addressing risks and problems, including ethical issues.

November / December 2008

Improving Low-Reading Ages in the Secondary School : Practical Strategies for Learning Support

Paul Blum (2004)
Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group
ISBN 978-415-32909-5

This practical guide shows how Learning Support teachers and Resource teachers can work effectively with pupils in the post-primary sector who are struggling with their reading. It relates directly to the working practices of teachers, steering them through issues such as:

• assessing the low-age reader
• working with reading withdrawal groups
• finding and creating resources for low-age readers
• constructing spelling strategies to support reading
• understanding the emotional dimension to being a poor reader
• how to effectively involve parents.

Paul Blum offers advice on how to make mainstream subject textbooks accessible to low-aged readers and makes suggestions as to where to find good free resources and commercial materials to suit pupils with reading difficulties. Exploring the vital relationship between the mainstream and learning support/resource function, he also outlines the ways in which the two can be harnessed to make a significant difference to reading improvement.
Contents:

1. Assessing the Low Aged reader
2. Working with reading withdrawal groups in secondary school
3. Using Phonic and Non-Phonic Reinforcement strategies to improve word recognition
4. Supporting low aged readers in their mainstream lessons
5. Finding resources
6. Creating new materials
7. Spelling and Reading
8. Using Information Technology

September/October 2008

Teaching Math to People with Down Syndrome and Other Hands-On Learners: Book 2, Advanced Survival Skills

DeAnna Horstmeier (2008)
Woodbine House
ISBN: 978-1890627669

This is the much-anticipated sequel to DeAnna Horstmeier's popular and successful first book on teaching essential maths used in daily living. Although written for an American audience, it can be easily adapted for the Irish educational setting. The author continues with her practical hands-on activities--with the help of games, manipulatives, props, and worksheets--to make learning concrete and more tangible to hands-on learners, including those with Down syndrome, autism, or other cognitive disabilities. All the visual supports and worksheets that make DeAnna's teaching technique so effective are included in the book. Just like Book 1, the follow-up book focuses on survival math--computations and concepts that relate to everyday life and being as independent as possible.
Book 2 reviews some of the basics but mostly focuses on more challenging skills that are usually taught in upper primary and lower post-primary settings including:

• Multiplication & Division
• Fractions
• Measurement
• Money
• Decimals

This is the much-anticipated sequel to DeAnna Horstmeier's popular and successful first book on teaching essential maths used in daily living. Although written for an American audience, it can be easily adapted for the Irish educational setting. The author continues with her practical hands-on activities--with the help of games, manipulatives, props, and worksheets--to make learning concrete and more tangible to hands-on learners, including those with Down syndrome, autism, or other cognitive disabilities. All the visual supports and worksheets that make DeAnna's teaching technique so effective are included in the book. Just like Book 1, the follow-up book focuses on survival math--computations and concepts that relate to everyday life and being as independent as possible.
Book 2 reviews some of the basics but mostly focuses on more challenging skills that are usually taught in upper primary and lower post-primary settings including:

• Multiplication & Divisio
• Fractions
• Measurement
• Money
• Decimals

July/August 2008

Off We Go

Avril Webster (2007)
Speechmark
ISBN: 9780863886355

This series of six books prepares children for a particular event, like going to the dentist or going shopping. The books explain ‘what comes next’ on an outing, and therefore help children to get through the task or situation more easily, and ultimately reduce stress for themselves and those around them. Each book is a simple, clear uncluttered analysis of a task: going to the dentist; going to the doctor; going to the hairdresser; going to the restaurant; going to the supermarket; going swimming. Each book has the same look and feel, and uses the same ‘family’ of characters, which promotes familiarity and learning.

May/June 2008

Language for Learning: A Practical Guide for Supporting Pupils with Language and Communication Difficulties across the Curriculum

Sue Hayden and Emma Jordan (2007)
Routledge
ISBN: 978-1-84312-468-9

This reference handbook provides teachers and practitioners with a practical framework for supporting pupils with speech and language difficulties in mainstream settings. The book supports inclusive practice by helping readers to:

• identify speech and language difficulties
• plan a differentiated curriculum
• facilitate the development of skills across meaningful learning experiences
• empower pupils to access the curriculum.

The book, although written for a UK setting (Key Stages 1&2), is equally applicable to the Irish educational setting.

April 2008

Applied Behaviour Analysis for Teachers (Seventh Edition)

Paul A. Alberto and Ann C. Troutman (2006)
Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall
ISBN: 0-13-117994-2

This text presents a broad coverage of behaviour management techniques in a practical and accessible manner. It contains many 'snapshots' of classroom practice with pupils representing all ability levels ranging from pre-school to young adulthood.

March 2008

Special Educational in Irish Classrooms: A Practical Guide

Fiona King (2007)
Primary ABC
ISBN: 0954583752

This book is an invaluable resource for all teachers. The book sets out in a clear, step by step manner, approaches to assist and encourage an inclusive learning process for all. Fiona's vast knowledge and experience as a practitioner in the area of special needs education are obvious and the methodologies she promotes in the book can be implemented effectively and seamlessly in any classroom setting. The strategies she advocates can be employed by anybody seeking to enrich the learning environment for all students, in particular those with special educational needs. I believe this book is an absolute staple for any teacher's library (contributed by Sarah Staunton).

KEY TOPICS IN THE BOOK INCLUDE:

• Ideas for the structure of in-class support
• Getting started and following a strategy
• Applying peer-tutoring strategies
• Practical guidelines for assisting reading comprehension skills
• Tips on encouraging creative writing
• Successful teaching strategies for Mathematics
• Effective instruction for spelling in a whole class situation
• Useful resources and websites

February 2008

Special Educational Needs - A Continuum of Support Guidelines and Resource Pack for Teachers (NEPS)

NEPS (2007)
The Stationary Office, Dublin
ISBN: 0-7557-7585-6

The National Educational Psychological Service Agency (NEPS) have developed these guidelines and a complimentary resource pack for teachers to present the continuum of assessment and intervention processes which acknowledges the central role of the class teacher supported as appropriate by the school's special education personnel and by agencies external to the school.
The guidelines and resource pack are of practical use to teachers and they provide working templates for regular use and adaptation.

December '07/ January '08

Help for Vocabulary - Handbook of Exercises for Language Processing

Andrea M. Lazzari (1999)
LinguiSystems, Inc., East Moline, IL 61244
ISBN: 800-776-4332

Use this book to expand the word knowledge of students and enable them to apply vocabulary skills in context. The hierarchy of tasks lets you see where breakdowns occur. Each page is a lesson with an IEP goal and ready-to-use exercises. This is a sample of what is covered:

• identifying nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
• forming compound words
• choosing correct definitions
• matching words and definitions
• defining with context clues
• completing sentences with appropriate words
• substituting synonyms in paragraphs

November 2007

Lost for Words - Dyslexia at Second-Level and Beyond

Wyn McCormack (2007)
Tower Press, Stillorgan, Dublin
ISBN: 0-9532427-2-2

This is a source of relevant and practical information for parents and teachers. This new edition includes the latest developments such as the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and the Post Primary Guidelines on the Inclusion of Persons with Special Educational Needs published in 2007.

October 2007

Inclusion: 450 Strategies for Success - A Practical Guide for All Educators who Teach Students with Disabilities.

Hammeken, P. A. (2000)
Minnesota. Peytral Publications Inc.,
ISBN: 1-890455-25-3

This very practical book will guide teachers through all aspects of inclusive education, from programme implementation to working effectively with colleagues and students in the general education environment. The book includes hundreds of teacher-tested techniques and easy-to-use strategies that will save time and help teachers reach their ultimate goal – success for all learners. The twelve chapters contain practical strategies in the following areas:

• Planning
• Accommodations for Students with special educational needs
• Adapting Textbooks
• Assignments
• Written Language
• Spelling
• Mathematics
• Organisational Skills
• Directions
• Large Group Instruction
• Assessment
• Attention Difficulties

Twenty five practical worksheets are included in the book.

September 2007

Deafness and Challenging Behaviour: The 360° Perspective

Sally Austen (Editor), Dave Jeffery (Co-Editor) (2006)
Wiley
ISBN: 978-0-470-02548-2

Challenging behaviours, such as aggression and violence, are more common in deaf people than hearing people. This book will appeal equally to those who work occasionally or entirely with Deaf or hearing impaired client groups of all ages. Special emphasis is placed on the needs of deaf sign language users.

July / August 2007

Responding to Special Educational Needs - An Irish Perspective

Sean Griffin and Michael Shevlin (2007)
Gill and Macmillan
ISBN-9780717141975

This book establishes the area of Special Education within an Irish context and provides a foundation knowledge of and a framework for analysing and reflecting on issues in Special Education in Ireland. It introduces the basic concepts underlying policy, practice and provision in this area and traces the development of Special Education policy and practice in Ireland within a European and international context. The Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) permeates the text.

June 2007

Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom: How to Reach and Teach All Learners

Diane Heacock (2002)
Free Spirit Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1575421056

This book is a great introduction for those teachers interested in differentiation as a teaching methodology. It introduces the concept of differentiation as an effective means of including all students in mixed ability classrooms and draws on the theories of Blooms Taxonomy and Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. It provides the reader with valuable, practical strategies to include the wide diversity of learners in the classroom. The book, although written for an American audience, is equally applicable to the Irish educational setting. It describes how differentiation can be applied to support pupils with particular learning disabilities and those considered to be gifted and talented. The book includes ready to use, reproducible resources and templates that can be applied to both primary and second level students.

May 2007

Tips for Teens and Teachers: Developmental Coordination Disorder

The Dyspraxia/DCD Association Cork (2007)

Click to download this book in pdf format. Tips for Teens with DCD [PDF - 364 KB]
This book considers the challenges faced by the pupil with DCD with a specific focus on the complexities that emerge at the time of transition from primary to post-primary schooling. Practical suggestions and solutions are offered to teachers, parents and other professionals with a particular focus on teachers working within the post-primary sector.

To view PDF documents you will need to download Adobe Reader from the Adobe website.

April 2007

Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom

Susan Winebrenner (2001)
Free Spirit Publishing
ISBN: 1-57542-089-9

This book outlines strategies and techniques every teacher can use to meet the academic needs of the gifted and talented pupils. It is a vehicle for guiding gifted pupils on the road to life long learning and achievement. It can be used for primary and second level pupils.

March 2007

Maths for the Dyslexic - A Practical Guide

Anne Henderson (1998)
David Fulton Publishers
ISBN: 1 85346 534 8

This book is a practical guide for those who help students with dyslexia who struggle with mathematics. The book deals with the basic concepts and language of mathematics and lots of practical strategies are recommended. This book can be used with pupils of all ages.

February 2007

Not the Real Me. Coping with literacy and self esteem problems

Tony Doyle and Sean Glasheen (2006)
Limerick: SEN/CDU
ISBN: 1 900148 08 8

Sean Glasheen (recently deceased) provides us with clear insights into the debilitating effects of reading failure on pupils and especially how this impacted on their self-esteem.

Professor Philip Garner, Editor of the prestigious NASEN journal ‘Support for Learning’ describes Sean’s poignant story as ‘A lucid narrative of one man’s fight for educational justice against all odds’. He goes on to say that the story is ‘terrifying and inspiring.’
It is Professor Garner’s view that this publication ‘provides one of the few attempts to understand the wider issues involved in underachievement, so that others may benefit from the telling.

January 2007

Catchwords - Ideas for Teaching Spelling

Charles Cripps and Margaret Peters (1993)
London, Collins
ISBN: 9780003005097

This programme is based on the Fernald approach (1947) which strongly advocates the use of the pupil's own vocabulary supplied in his/her free writing, for spelling. It insists that the most important way teachers can ensure spelling is taught effectively is by their attitude to and awareness of the value of purposeful writing.

Catchwords programme consists of a teacher's resource book and six pupil activity books based on Key stages 1-6 of the English curriculum. Age range (5-11 years).

December 2006

Beyond Monet – The Artful Science of Instructional Integration

Barrie Bennett and Carol Rolheiser (2006)
Bookation Inc., Toronto, Ontario
ISBN: 0-9695388–3-9

This user friendly book offers both the trainee and experienced teacher a great variety of innovative teaching methodologies. It examines the teaching and learning process from the perspective that there are innumerable ways to merge ‘instructional possibilities’ to make a difference in pupil learning. It is a guide that teachers at all levels can use to augment concept attainment amongst their pupils and consequently the sample lessons are easily adjusted to meet the needs of all. Also worthy to mention is that chapter three has been entirely set up as a web site, www.beyondmonet.ca. The principle behind this is that information is constantly changing, thus this web site allows the book to be more meaningful as new ideas and studies are constantly being added and updated.

November 2006

Engaging Learners: Mobile Technology, Literacy and Inclusion

NCTE (2006)
Brunswick Press Ltd ;
ISBN: 0-9538851-3-5

The DVD and book are resources directed primarily at post-primary principals and teachers and are based on learning from the 'Laptops Initiative' - an NCTE project involving 31 post-primary schools which aimed to investigate and demonstrate how laptops and other mobile technology can be used for tackling literacy issues and supporting inclusion in the post-primary context.

The DVD and book - the book in particular being a resource guide containing lots of information and advice as well as practical ideas and examples of how to use laptops and software in teaching. These will be of special interest to the learning support and resource teachers (for special educational needs) and ICT coordinating teachers in post-primary schools. It is also of relevance to those involved in policy and planning development around the three themes of technology, literacy and inclusion, particularly in the post-primary school context.

October 2006

Acelerated Learning in Practice: Brain Based Methods for Accelerated Motivation and Achievement

Smith, A (1998)
Network Educational Press Ltd
ISBN: 1855390485;
Cost £19.95

This book models the practices of accelerated learning. It gives an overview, previews material and implants questions that activate the brains pattern-seeking tendency. It shows how mind mapping techniques can be employed to visually record learning material and offers strategies for multi-sensory input. A coherent structure is both given and described by the author in relation to how teachers can motivate learners, help increase self-esteem within students and how one can access and teach to different types of intelligence. This book would be of benefit to all teachers as a teaching aid and not just necessarily those with SEN.

September 2006

Cracking the Hard Class: Strategies for Managing the Harder Than Average Class

Rogers, B (1997)
Sage Publications Inc
ISBN: 0761969284;
Cost £17.09

This book highlights many practical strategies that can be implemented to overcome the hard class syndrome. Rogers highlights the normality of the pressure and stress felt by teachers.

July / August 2006

Freaks, Geeks & Asperger Syndrome

Jackson, L (2002)
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN: 1843100983;
Cost €18.90

A book for adolescents with Asperger Syndrome, written by a thirteen year old who has Asperger Syndrome. This book enhances our understanding of Asperger Syndrome. Luke gives guidance on bullying, friendships, when and how to tell others about AS, problems at school, dating and relationships, and morality.

June 2006

How to Promote Children's Social and Emotional Competence

Webster-Stratton , C. (1999)
London: Paul Chapman Publishing
ISBN: 0761965017;
Cost £22.00

Another one from the bookshelves of the past which has become very popular with two reprints in each of the last four years. This book is very suited for teachers of 4-8 year old pupils and presents a variety of classroom management techniques aimed to develop children's social, emotional and academic competencies. Very readable with lots of effective anecdotes and examples.

May 2006

Strategies for Closing the Learning Gap

Hughes, M. & Vass, A. (2001)
Stafford: Network Educational Press
ISBN: 1855390752;
Cost £17.95

While this is not a new publication, it continues to receive high recommendation from teachers and teacher educators. It features ideas that can be implemented in the classroom which fit with what research is telling us about the way the brain works. The authors assert that there is a learning gap between what we know about the brain and the learning process and what is happening in the classroom, which they wish to address.

April 2006

Dyslexia: An Irish Perspective

Ball, M. Hughes, A. & McCormack, W. (2006)
Dublin: Blackhall Publishing
ISBN: 1842180959;
Cost €17.95

This book is written for parents and teachers and for adults who have dyslexia. It examines dyslexia from an Irish perspective, outlining provision, supports and legislation relevant to the Irish context. Other topics include screening and assessment, coping at second level, and the benefits of using computers and ICT. It also has a very useful FAQ chapter as well as a Glossary of Terms.

March 2006

In Step With Your Class: Managing Behaviour in an Inclusive Classroom

Janis-Norton, N. (2004)
Edinburgh: Barrington Stoke
ISBN: 1842992171;
Cost £12.99

Review to follow.

February 2006

Successful Inclusion Strategies for Secondary and Middle School Teachers

Gore, M.C. (2004)
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press
ISBN: 0761939733;
Cost $32.95

A very useful book which has 70 'keys' to help struggling learners access the curriculum, this should have something that would appeal to second-level teachers. Some US-related topics and terminology.

December 2005 / January 2006

The Essential Guide to Special Education in Ireland

Carey, Dr. D.J. (2005)
Dublin: Primary ABC
ISBN: 0954583728;
Cost €15.95

This new publication provides an overview of special education in Ireland. It is written for parents and teachers who are involved with children who have learning difficulties, across the spectrum from dyslexia to autism. The book describes each special education condition in detail, and provides parents, teachers and principals with information and help they may need in the area of special education.

November 2005

Ethics and Research in Inclusive Education

Sheehy, K., Nind, M., Rix, J. & Simmons, K. (eds) (2005)
London & New York: Routledge Falmer
ISBN: 0415352061;
Cost €33.00

This is an interesting series of articles which explore the complex ethical issues which arise in relation to research in the field of inclusive education. While academic in focus, it has relevance also to practitioners.

October 2005

Dyslexia and Maths

Kay, J. and Yeo, D. (2003)
London: David Fulton Publishers
ISBN: 1853469653;
Cost £11.00

This is one of the BDA Curriculum Series books on dyslexia. It outlines mathematical concepts that may be difficult for students with dyslexia and gives some effective teaching suggestions.

September 2005

What Every Teacher Should Know About Special Learners

Tileston, D.W. (2004)
California: Corwin Press
ISBN: 0761931244;
Cost $18.95

A useful short book which includes some strategies for differentiating the curriculum and also some advice on supporting students with specific needs. NOTE: Some of the terminology is American, and there are references to US legislation and federal regulations.

July / August 2005

Dyslexia An Explanation: Answers to Questions Asked by Parents and Teachers

Murphy, M.F. (2004)
Dublin: Flyleaf Press
ISBN: 0953997456;
Cost €17.50

This book is written in a very readable style. It covers a range of topice related to dyslexia, including signs and symptoms, difficulties associated with writing and spelling, and some strategies to make the classroom environment more dylsexia-friendly. A nice feature is the glossary of terms frequently used in educational assessments.

June 2005

The Teacher's Toolkit: Raise Classroom Achievement with Strategies for Every Learner

Ginnis, P. (2002)
Carmarthen: Crown House
ISBN: 1899836764;
Cost €36.00

This is a very well-received book which is packed with practical strategies that will enable the classroom teacher to meet the needs of students of different abilities and learning styles in the classroom. It is a well structured book written in an easy to read style, and has a range of strategies, at least some of which should appeal to all teachers.

May 2005

Inclusive Education: A practical guide to supporting diversity in the classroom

Loreman, T., Deppeler, J. & Harvey, D. (2005)
London: Routledge Falmer
ISBN: 0415356695;
Cost €25.95

This book puts the case for inclusion of children with diverse abilities in regular schools and classrooms. It outlines how to develop and manage an individual programme and how the teacher can use collaborative instruction, organise his / her classroom and promote positive behaviour - each of which can promote inclusion.

April 2005

Educating Pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Hanbury, M. (2005)
London: Paul Chapman Publishing
ISBN: 1412902282;
Cost £16.99

Martin Hanbury is head of a school for pupils with autism. This is a practical guide for teachers which is written in a very accessible style. It explains some of the key interventions and approaches and it also offers suggestions for dealing with challenging behaviour displayed by pupils with autism. A very good introductory text for teachers.

March 2005

Inclusion Strategies that Work! Research Based Methods for the Classroom

Karten, T.J. (2005)
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1412905257;
Cost $34.95

This book is written from an American perspective, thus, some of the references to legislation don't apply in an Irish context. However, it does have some very good practical ideas for inclusion, including classroom management, social learning and co-teaching. It also has an excellent appendix which details causes and characteristics of a range of different disabilities.