Introduction
The evolution in society has created a situation where people are increasingly becoming more accepting of others. In the same spirit, the government has partnered with other organizations to provide facilities where students with special needs can get the education and skills needed to help them become functional members of society.
The book by David Bateman explores the structure of special education and develops insights into how educators can embrace and excel in the field of special education. The primary purpose of this book is to use the knowledge obtained from research and prepare educators to take up the changing roles of a “special education leader.” Special Education Leadership is seen to provide leaders with the tools and techniques to use in developing and reviewing programs, implementing special education law, and developing programs to support and supervise teachers (Bateman & Cline, 2019). This book review will expound on the author’s thesis and outline the main themes and arguments within the book.
Purpose and Thesis
The author, David F. Bateman, Ph.D. is currently a professor at Shippensburg University’s Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education department. He teaches special education law, assessment, and facilitating inclusion. He has a strong background in special education law, having sat as a due process officer hearing officer for Pennsylvania for more than five hundred and eighty hearings (“Bateman David”, 2019). This background puts him in a position to use his experience of litigation to aid and support special needs students to avoid and recover from hearings. He also assists educators in developing new programs for special needs students and tools to support educators. The book “Special Education Leadership” is a culmination of his vast experience in the field.
The book
The book is both interesting and delivers a powerful message in a straightforward manner. The first thing to note about the book is the thorough research that professor Bateman has put into it. Despite his vast experience, the book includes numerous accounts, inputs, and advice from other industry professionals.
It also includes input from the experiences of other educators talking about the challenges they face when dealing with the different stakeholders (the students, their parents and guardians, and special education officials of the districts). Bateman and Cline (2019) aim to help inadequately preparing special education leaders (administrators and supervisors) on how to navigate the industry and handle the pressures, prevent and pursue litigation while effectively supporting the appropriate services.
Themes
Leadership Theory and Style
The terms administrator and supervisor are interchangeable within the book, and Bateman does a good job of emphasizing the importance of understanding leadership theory and style. The main argument here is anyone with a leadership role must have an adequate grasp of the leadership theory and style (Bateman & Cline, 2019). After getting a proper understanding of the theory and style, the leader needs to understand change management. Through this understanding, one will have enough knowledge to understand why some organizations succeed or failure as well as the role of the leader in developing a robust organizational/institutional culture.
Significant Thing
Another significant thing for the administrators and supervisors to learn is the different laws; case law, statutory law, and administrative rule. The leaders must also be well versed in the different services that must be extended to the different students with different special educational needs. “Very few general education administrators complete their graduate programs with sufficient knowledge needed to supervise special education programs” (Bateman & Bateman, 2014).
Dynamic Nature
It is crucial that administrators recognize the dynamic nature of special education supervision and administration. Therefore, the administrators cannot be said to have sufficient knowledge of how to manage and create support programs without regularly refreshing their knowledge. There are numerous changes within society in recent times, and technology has had a tremendous impact on how services are delivered. For instance, there are researchers working tirelessly to develop technological solutions aimed at benefiting special needs students. These technologies, techniques, and initiatives are taught in seminars, conferences, and workshops. Each of the administrators must ensure that they attend as many conferences as they can to boost their professional development and learn new techniques that will improve their delivery of service.
Practical Aspects
Understanding the practical aspects of leadership will help to boost the field knowledge of educators. Learning theories and styles is only half of what is required. Knowing how to handle typical everyday situations helps administrators to understand the best way to accomplish good results. The other thing learned in this chapter is applying “philosophy-based decision-making.” This helps the administrators to learn how to respond to different stakeholders using philosophical models.
It helps them to cultivate an air of mystery and unpredictability, which goes a long way to ensure that they can make objective decisions and implement change without tipping their hand. When acting as a supervisor, it is important to be unpredictable as it denies the employees an opportunity to prepare for evaluation. Therefore, when the administrators are unpredictable, the employees tend to always be on their best behavior.
Furthermore, through the use of philosophy and the understanding of leadership theories and styles, administrators can develop their own unique style of leadership best suited to their strengths (Bateman & Cline, 2019).
