This text, designed to be a comprehensive introduction to special education, emphasizes linking research and practice and implementing best practices in the education of students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral/emotional problems, giftedness, speech and/or language impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and physical or other health impairments. For each exceptionality category, two chapters are provided: one including information about characteristics, causes, and identification, and a second chapter focusing on specific teaching considerations. In addition to the chapters on specific exceptionalities, other chapters cover the following topics: (1) historical and legal foundations of special education; (2) the special education process from identification to service delivery; and (3) a generic view of the special education process. (Contains approximately 800 references.) (DB)