Positive Special Education spotlights the power of positive special education, combining insights from researchers and teachers in special education from several countries.

The expert team of authors, being both teachers and academics, highlight the powerful influence of teachers fostering optimistic approaches as well as the impact a positive educational experience has on young students. Instead of focusing on medical perspectives and individual difficulties, this book’s uniqueness lies in showcasing how educators, students, and care workers can be empowered to overcome daily challenges by changing beliefs and attitudes. Based on extensive experience in schools across Sweden and the UK, this book:

• contains a history of positive special education and central theoretical concepts such as self-efficacy, implicit theories, and inclusion
• explores the potential of digital tools and how they can support students with their learning and development
• focuses on instructional methods in reading, writing, and vocabulary development

Practical case studies throughout the book provide various examples for educators to apply the principles of positive special education in different learning environments. It is a must-read for teachers in SEND and mainstream schools, in preschool, pre-service teachers as well as undergraduate or masters’ students in education.

Monica Reichenberg is Senior Professor at Gothenburg University, Sweden.

Ann-Katrin Swärd is Senior Lecturer at Gothenburg University, Sweden.

Catherine Shipton is Headteacher of Archdale School, Sheffield, UK.