Biographical note

Samuel Kirk, who wrote the first several editions of EDUCATING EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN, was a pioneer and “forefather” within the fields of special education and learning disabilities. James J. Gallagher is internationally respected for his research in the areas of giftedness, mental retardation and policy development, among other topics in special education. He was the first director of what was initially called the Office for the Handicapped" within the Department of Education in Washington DC. Dr. Gallagher is the author of numerous scholarly articles and his work has provided a strong foundation for future advancements in special education. He earned his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University." Mary Ruth Coleman joined the author team of EDUCATING EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN on the 11th Edition. She is the author of numerous scholarly and practitioner-focused articles as well as curriculum and assessment materials. Dr. Coleman served as president of the Council for Exceptional Children in 2007. She earned her Ph.D. in special education and literacy studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.