EXPERIENCING SPECIAL EDUCATION

Within this book the viewpoints of children with special educational needs are placed centre-stage; their attitudes and opinions are given a major voice in the text. The authors argue that student views are an untapped potential which can aid educational provision as well as teacher understanding. They point out that massive amounts of assessment, case conferencing and liaison between adults may go on "in the child's interests" but the actual interests and views of the young learner are not usually ascertained; in "Experiencing Special Education" they seek to redress the balance. An international sample of students give us their views on teachers, lessons, parents and schools, changing schools, feeling different, friends and enemies, fun and games, getting into trouble, and being assessed. This kind of consultation is likely to lead to greater self-awareness, increased motivation and improved relationships; and is a necessary part of matching provision to individual needs. Finally, as well as offering a voice to children with special needs, Barrie Wade and Maggie Moore also offer guidelines (arising out of this work) to policy-makers.