11. The Pressured Child
Cover image courtesy of Michael Thompson
12. The Short Bus
Cover image courtesy of Jonathan Mooney
13. Smart But Scattered
Cover image courtesy of Guilford Press
14. Teaching Test-Taking Skills
The cover claims, "Training test-taking skills aims to improve the validity of the test. It makes scores more accurately reflect what students really know by making sure that students lose points only because they do not know the information, not because they marked an answer choice incorrectly or misinterpreted the test directions." If you've ever uttered the phrase "My child doesn't test well," you'll understand the need for books like this. 4 Stars15. You, Your Child, and 'Special' Education
Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing
Working with your child's school to plan an IEP and make sure the program is carried out properly is a daunting task for most parents. With this comprehensive guide, author Barbara Coyne Cutler seeks to calm your fears, organize your priorities, muster your courage, and maybe slip an advocate in the room with you to make sure you get what your child deserves. Whether the result makes you more confident or less will probably depend on your personal style and your school's degree of difficulty. 4 Stars
16. Believe in My Child With Special Needs!
Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing Co.
17. Beyond Words
Image courtesy of Diane Linder
There are two journeys in this lyrical memoir, a boy traveling through misguided therapy and inappropriate classrooms before arriving at a school environment that fits just right, and his mother finding her way from doubt and fear to advocacy and trusting her instincts. If you're somewhere on that road, this family will be good company -- particularly for those also putting their faith in inclusion. 3.5 Stars
18. IDEA 2004: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
Cover image courtesy of Shelley Smith
19. A Life in Balance
Photo courtesy of Learning Breakthrough
"Learning Breakthrough" is a program that uses a balance board, pendulum, bean bags, and other therapy items to train kids' brains and make learning easier. Frank Belgau, who developed the program, tells of his experiences in the classroom and in academia as he worked with children to find the techniques that would turn the lights on for them. It's an engaging tale, maybe even enough to make you want to seek the program out and buy a kit at the end. 3.5 Stars
20. The Paraprofessional's Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms
Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing
Ever wonder what a paraprofessional does to support your child's special education? Too often, paraprofessionals are left wondering that, too, as they're thrown into trying situations without adequate training or guidance. The Paraprofessional's Handbook seeks to fill that gap with suggestions for working with both the kids and the adults in the classroom. It's worthwhile reading for parents, too. 3,5 Stars
