Through real-life stories about children, their families, and their teachers, and through the use of the most recent evidence-based research on special education, this important book provides students with a comprehensive introduction to special education and its relationship to general education. The sixth edition provides this experience within the framework of three guiding themes: Inclusion, Partnerships, and Universal Design for Learning.

Long noted for its focus on progress in general education through inclusion, families, and parent-professional partnerships, the new sixth edition of Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today's Schools, now includes a “Values and Outcomes” end-of-chapter feature that discuss the ideal educational outcomes for each student presented in the opening vignette - outcomes that can occur if teachers put highly effective, research-based strategies into practice and uphold the values addressed throughout the book. In addition, the new edition has an in-depth focus on the IEP process with more coverage in chapter 2 and IEP margin notes integrated throughout each chapter to help inform teachers of their role in the IEP process in relation to chapter content.