Description
Book SynopsisThis book brings an international perspective of school leadership, but this time, examines how such leadership can have a positive impact on students considered to be unique. At one time, such students considered unique or special were often placed in special education programs and/or special schools to address their physical, emotional, and/or mental disabilities. Through legislation and changes in beliefs, many countries have changed approaches with these students from a warehouse approach, where such students were placed in special schools, to more of an inclusive approach where such students remain in their particular home school in an environment that was more inclusive and less restrictive.Over the past two decades or so, schools around the globe have been experiencing a significance increase in not only the number of traditional types of students needing special services, but a new generation of unique and diverse students, including those with:?sexual identity and orientation
Trade ReviewThe key issue addressed in this book is how international educational leaders work to provide the best services for a special group of children with special educational needs. The unique strategies and practices offered by the authors make it a must-read reference book for scholars, teachers, educational administrators and curriculum planners who work with educational development of children with special needs. This is one of the few books in the market readers should not miss. -- Tak Cheung Chan, Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership, Kennesaw State University
An extraordinary collection of thoughtful chapters about students who worldwide are often underserved. Critical issues include social justice for those seeking a better life, inclusion programs and the perils facing vulnerable children. The book written by a group of international school leaders are to be commended for this fresh perspective. A marvelous synthesis of essential information regarding a complex difficult topic. -- Frank F. Calzi, EdD, former director of Special Education, Superintendent of Schools and Chairperson of the Educational Leadership Program at Niagara University (Ret.)
Peter Litchka and his colleagues have produced informative, interesting and engaging case studies of efforts to improve educational opportunities for young people from marginalized groups in their respective countries, namely Israel, China, Turkey, Thailand, Columbia, Guatemala, and the United States. They examine the role of institutional leaders in facilitating organizational and societal changes that benefit these vulnerable children. There are awe-inspiring accounts of committed leaders putting forth great efforts to make meaningful and lasting changes on behalf of their students. Some of the reports indicate how much more work is needed to provide educational equity for all. There are many lessons, practical and theoretical, to be learned from this volume. -- Robert C. Johnson, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Ethnic, Gender and Women's Studies, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN USA
Table of ContentsForeword Introduction Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Beating the Odds: Transforming At-Risk Schools to Sources of Hope and Inspiration Adam Nir Chapter 2: School Leadership to Increase Inclusive Education Practices in China, Thailand and Turkey Tanyathorn Hauwadhanasuk, Min Zhuang, Susan Toft Everson, Shenggang Yu, and Mustafa Karnas Chapter 3: Equipping Orphans and Vulnerable Children for Success: Beyond the Institution Calvin Roso Chapter 4: Notre Dame Mission Volunteers AmeriCorps-A National Program with Local Impact Peter Litchka About the Editor About the Authors
