Peer Connections — NEW to the 12th edition Readers gain a better understanding of exceptionality as they read about the lives of exceptional learners who are young adults. Features consist of informal interviews with individuals with a disability between the ages of 18-25. Readers are then invited to communicate online with the subjects of these interviews. Students reading the textbook will get to know individuals with disabilities through their personal stories, and likely realize that their peers with disabilities are very much like themselves. Responsive Instruction: Meeting the Needs of Students Boxed features located throughout the eleven categorical chapters (Chapter 5—15) offer a variety of sound, research-based strategies (e.g., mnemonics, self-monitoring and group contingency, classwide peer tutoring, computer-based video instruction, functional behavioral assessment, testing accommodations) for teaching students with disabilities. In an era of accountability, these features stress teaching practices that have a sound research base. Success Stories: Special Educators at Work Each of the eleven categorical chapters (Chapters 5—15) includes an example of a special educator’s work with an individual student and shows readers the wide range of challenges they face, the dynamic nature of their positions, and the competent, hopeful practice of special education. Each feature concludes with questions for students that relate to CEC Standards. Making it Work: Collaboration and Co-Teaching Boxed features in all categorical chapters (Chapter 5—15) are devoted to co-teaching and collaboration among special and general education teachers, families, and other professionals. Each provides relevant information about Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in its Performance-Based Professional Standards (2008), as well as research-based instructional practices and descriptions of successful collaborations in real classrooms. Focus on Concepts Boxed features throughout the text focus on a variety of special topics of interest and importance to all educators to stimulate critical thinking about current research, issues, and events. Personal Perspectives Boxed features throughout the text present the human side of having a disability, showing how text topics affect the personal lives of students, teachers, parents, and others. Misconceptions about Exceptional Learners: Myths and Facts Boxes Each chapter is introduced with a list of myths and facts about the subject of the chapter. This popular feature, familiar to longtime users of previous editions, serves as an excellent advance organizer for the material to be covered.