How the Special Needs Brain Learns - Paperback

by David A. Sousa (Author)

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

More and more students are having difficulty acquiring basic reading, writing, and computation skills. If you seek effective strategies to meet their needs, look no further! Use this updated third edition from education expert David A. Sousa to explore the causes of many common learning disorders and discover how to identify, accommodate, and motivate your students. Dr. Sousa answers your questions about common disabilities and provides the latest alternative instructional approaches to ensure mastery occurs. Discover cutting-edge brain research and innovative instructional strategies to help you:

• Improve your understanding of the learning process
• Understand genetic and environmental triggers of learning problems
• Effectively instruct students with ADHD, LD, dyslexia, writing disabilities, autism, emotional and behavioral challenges, and more
• Utilize assistive technologies to remove barriers to learning
• Differentiate instruction in speech, reading, writing, and mathematics

Learn how the brain works and the practical know-how to transfer that knowledge to the classroom for the benefit of all students. This expert resource shows you how!

"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, Assistant Professor of Education, Learning Disabilities Program Director
Aquinas College

"This book provides knowledge of the neurological basis of learning without inundating the reader with complex terminology. The author 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."
Francine Del Vecchio, Associate Professor
Division of Education, Caldwell University

Author Biography

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 preK-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.