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"It does not take long for the reader to realize that these seasoned special educators have the knowledge, skills, experience, and dispositions to provide a treasure trove of useful information for the novice or veteran educator, whether they are a general education teacher, special education teacher, principal, superintendent, or special education administrator. Ealey and McArdle leave no stone unturned and thoroughly address such topics as programs and services, discipline, budget development, professional development, supervision, and evaluation.
"The special education administrator position is the most difficult job in public education. Challenges abound—conflicts with parents, teachers, and other administrators; changes to department of education regulations and guidance; litigation looming behind every decision—and these are just a few. Perhaps the biggest, ever-present challenge is balancing advocacy for students with disabilities and the fiduciary responsibility to the school district.
"The role of the administrator of special education in any school district might be the most challenging position in the neighborhood. With constrained budgets and burgeoning needs for students who require special services, the typical administrator often struggles with complex if not agonizing life-altering decisions. Layered upon this reality is a massive number of regulations, codes, laws, standards, and paperwork that must be followed and attended to.
"I have the good fortune to have been mentored by Bob McArdle in my career as an administrator of special education and have worked with Jim over the last 11 years as a senior district leader. What a benefit to the larger community of special education administrators that they can now access the collective knowledge and experience that the authors have in the field through this book!
"This is a succinct guidebook that distills many years of practical experience and provides the reader with concrete guidance on the various aspects of the role of administrator of special education. The authors address not only the anticipated issues associated with the position, but also nicely weave in helpful advice on other potentially overlooked yet essential skills and actions necessary to be a successful administrator in public education.
"There are no better Administrators of Special Education (ASEs) than Jim Earley and Bob McArdle, and now their wisdom is available to any educator who reads their book. Drawing on their decades of experience in special education leadership, they have created a thorough and practical guide that provides a wealth of information, useful advice, and most importantly, ways to assess difficult situations and arrive at reasonable and equitable solutions.
"For a novice special education administrator, this book is a professional gem. Grounded in integrity, and keeping students at the forefront of their work, the authors have created a practical guide for how to approach and manage the all-encompassing role of administrator of special education. Starting with a refresher on special education law and moving into a myriad of topics which fall under the responsibility of director, this resource is invaluable to all those working in the field of special education."
"The provision of special education services is essential to ensure that all school-age students receive a free and appropriate public education. This book presents effective procedures to implement the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and its many complexities.
