How the Special Needs Brain Learns

by David A. Sousa

Overview

Teaching students with learning challenges just got easier with this groundbreaking guide!

If you’ve been searching for effective strategies to meet the needs of learning challenged students, look no further. In this newly revised and updated third edition, expert David A. Sousa addresses the causes of common learning disabilities and provides alternative instructional strategies to ensure learning occurs. Discover cutting-edge brain research to help you:

• Effectively instruct students with ADHD, LD, dyslexia, autism, and more
• Utilize assistive technologies to remove barriers to learning
• Differentiate instruction in speech, reading, writing, and mathematics

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506327020
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	03/24/2016
Edition description:	Third Edition
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

DR. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of more than twenty books that suggest ways educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. A member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, he has conducted workshops in hundreds of school districts on brain research, instructional skills, and science education at the pre K–12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than two hundred thousand educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Dr. Sousa has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, a master of arts in teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught senior high school science and served as a K–12 director of science, supervisor of instruction, and district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He was an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University for ten years and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University.

Prior to his career in New Jersey, Dr. Sousa taught at the American School of Paris (France) and served for five years as a foreign service officer and science advisor at the US diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria).

Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on professional development, science education, and educational research. His most popular books for educators include How the Brain Learns, now in its sixth edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read, second edition; How the Brain Influences Behavior; How the ELL Brain Learns; Differentiation and the Brain, second edition (with Carol Tomlinson); and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, second edition, which was selected by the Independent Book Publishers Association as one of the best professional development books. The Leadership Brain suggests ways for educators to lead today’s schools more effectively. Dr. Sousa’s books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Russian, and several other languages. His book Brainwork: The Neuroscience Behind How We Lead Others is written for business and organizational leaders.

Dr. Sousa is past president of the National Staff Development Council (now called Learning Forward). He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Bridgewater State University and an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Gratz College in Philadelphia.

Dr. Sousa has been interviewed on the NBC Today show, by other television programs, and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.

Table of Contents

List of Strategies to Consider
About the Author
Preface to the Third Edition
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1 - The Brain and Learning
Chapter 2 - When Learning Difficulties Arise
Chapter 3 - Attention Disorders
Chapter 4 - Speech Difficulties
Chapter 5 - Reading Disabilities
Chapter 6 - Writing Disabilities
Chapter 7 - Mathematical Disabilities
Chapter 8 - Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Chapter 9 - Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chapter 10 - Putting It All Together
Glossary
References
Resources
Index

Editorial Reviews

"Understanding how individuals learn…or why they may fail to learn…is an integral part of what makes teachers effective with students who have special learning needs as well as with those who don’t. Dr. Sousa’s text provides an easy-to-read explanation of both how the brain functions and how that functioning impacts the learning process. But it doesn’t stop there. Each chapter offers practical information, suggestions, or strategies that can be used to help struggling students learn. "

Dr. Nancy G. Burton

"How the Special Needs Brain Learns makes a distinct contribution to the field. It provides knowledge of the neurological basis of learning without inundating the reader with biological terminology. The various categories of disabilities are defined and described in terms that teachers can understand. But Dr. Sousa does not leave the reader there. He arms the reader with strategies to address various disabilities and a plethora of ways to support their learning and emotional needs. The teacher-friendliness of this book makes it stand out in its field. "

Francine Del Vecchio

"A major strength of the third edition of How the Special Needs Brain Learns is that it clearly addresses all major areas of learning in which students with disabilities experience problems. The author has done an excellent job in balancing what we know about the brain and how this can be applied in the classroom. It bridges the field of neuroscience and education well!"

Beverly Kling

"How the Special Needs Brain Learns, Third Edition provides key biological and neurological information for issues that I think many teachers attribute purely to attitude and will. By providing the specific neurological processes behind learning difficulties, Dr. Sousa gives teachers and teacher candidates a useful resource to understand and respond to challenges experienced by students with learning difficulties and special educational needs. "

Gina Garner

"Understanding brain development is of critical importance to the field of education. Of all the books I have used, those written by David Sousa have been the most readable and understandable. The strategies included in this new edition of How the Special Needs Brain Learns can be easily carried out in the classroom. I think I have all that he has written regarding the brain. "

Sharon Carter

"Given current inclusive practices and our emphasis on reaching all students, Sousa arms us with current brain research to support the kinds of instruction and accommodations that we need to provide students in schools today. "

Patrice W. Hallock

"The book’s greatest strength may be its logical explanation of why today’s students develop and learn differently, so that a functionally unchanging educational system is no longer appropriate in meeting learner needs. "

2002 CHOICE

"Presents a highly readable overview of a variety of special needs accompanied by practical information about how to address those needs. Makes the relationship between the special need and the brain clear and understandable for the lay reader."

Lois A. Fisch

"A well-written, practical guide for parents and practitioners working with children with additional needs, providing a comprehensive overview of the field and rooted in a desire to facilitate effective support and to enable children to fulfill their potential. "

SEN Magazine

"The book’s greatest strength may be its logical explanation of why today’s students develop and learn differently, so that a functionally unchanging educational system is no longer appropriate in meeting learner needs. "

2002 Choice Magazine