How has special education policy evolved over the years, and where should it go in the near future? One of the best known and most respected leaders in special education policy, Jim Gallagher, takes a candid and critical look at these questions in this informative book. Students, administrators, and policymakers will fully understand how four "engines of change"--legislation, court decisions, administrative decisions, and professional initiatives--direct decision making in education for children with special needs. Readers will discover the complex role these drivers play in: determining eligibility and diagnostic criteria; supporting differentiated instruction; strengthening personnel preparation programs; ensuring comprehensive educational planning for students with special needs; making adaptations, accommodations, and assistive and instructional technology accessible to students; supporting educational research; and funding special education programs. Following a preface, this book is divided into the following chapters: (1) Decision Making in Special Education: How Are Decisions Made?; (2) Finding Children with Special Needs: Eligibility; (3) Differentiated Programs for Children with Disabilities; (4) Personnel Preparation and Technical Assistance; (5) Research and Evaluation; (6) Finance and Data Systems; (7) Educational Planning for Children with Special Needs; (8) Technology and Children with Disabilities; (9) The Education of Gifted Students; (10) Outside Forces that Affect Decisions in Special Education; and (11) Some Alternative Futures for Special Education. A list of references and an index are also included. This book was published by Brookes Publishing Company.