This text provides a comprehensive, practical foundation and guide for preparing school personnel and families to work together in the education of students with special needs. The book addresses the roles and responsibilities of all educators at school, while working with families and in their communities, to allow them to provide services that will help students with special needs achieve and develop their potential. The book's organization works well with the conventional formats of a special education course in collaborative school consultation at the pre-service or graduate-level , with classes for general teacher education, and with school districts' professional development plans. HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT'S NEW IN THE SIXTH EDITION: *NEW chapter on the constructive use of individual differences among adults who will collaborate, consult, and co-teach, underlining for readers the importance of teamwork in the collaborative process. *NEW attention throughout the book is paid to the preservice teacher as a novice collaborating and co-teaching with veteran teachers, and ways of preparing novices in preservice programs, then beyond in professional development activities and mentorships, to address the special needs of preservice teachers with an eye towards avoiding early burnout.*NEW descriptions of several recently developed and researched models for collaborative consultation presents readers with the most cutting edge information available in the field.*NEW discussion of the reauthorizations of IDEA and NCLB make readers aware of how the most recent laws and legislation impact their roles.*NEW discussion of the roles of school psychology and school counseling personnel as critical components of collaborative teamsfor special needs, underscoring the availability of additional professionals, beyond the classroom, to aid in the collaborative process.*Expanded coverage of the evaluation processes for noting successes and ensuring accountability of collaborative and teaming efforts underscores for the reader the importance of accountability.* Updated and enhanced presentation of co-teaching methods presents readers with the most recent research and practice.