Families, Professionals, and Exceptionality: Positive Outcomes Through Partnerships and Trust

by Ann P. Turnbull, H. Rutherford Turnbull, Elizabeth J. Erwin

The best-known authors in the field of family and professional collaboration, this practical text instructs teachers, education professionals, and families on how to empower, collaborate, and advocate for children with special needs and how everyone involved can form lasting partnerships for the betterment of the children they live for and serve. The book has always been strong in its depiction of family systems theory, the history and current status of policy, and the principles of partnership and their application by teachers and other professionals, as well as the plethora of practical advice given to help educators find true ways to apply these principles on the job. The inclusion of authentic stories and genuine depictions of special needs people and their families only deepens the authenticity and richness of the narrative, and adds a unique and touching human element to the subject at hand. Backed by the most recent research and evidence-based practices, the authors have brought all citations and references in this edition up to date (2009). This new edition more families and their unique stories, including a Marine Corps family, and a single-parent family; more coverage of secondary students, and an overall broader range of disabilities; more cultural diversity and examples of families from different ethnic backgrounds; and the book now portrays a family’s entire lifespan.

Genres: Education, School, Textbooks, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 1990

About the author

Ann Turnbull is the Marianna and Ross Beach Distinguished Professor Emerita in Special Education, at University of Kansas.

Reviews

[Jennifer]

I thought this book was a great outline of IDEA and NCLB. The authors also did a great job demonstrating true partnership between families and providers. A must read for anybody working in the education field or servicing children with disabilities.

[Ryan]

Before empowerment was a term, these folks put together the best strategy for bringing communities for the betterment of children.

[Kristen Luppino]

Lots of good information on working with families of children with special needs. Some information is redundant, but there is a lot of new info too. Also, I read the 6th edition.

[Billi Hoyle]

Very easy to read and lots of great information for educating students with exceptions. This gives great advice and guidance on how to build relationships with students, families, and other important people in the school and community.

[J.R. Wilson]

Very informative and timely.

[Holly]

The information in this book is geared toward supporting parents and often felt like it was belittling the work that teachers do in order to support students.

[Lori]

*3.5 stars*