Reforming special education

Examining how special-education policy is created at the state level and then translated into real-world practice in schools and classrooms. Weatherley analyzes the complex chain of implementation-from legislators and administrators to teachers and service providers-showing how each layer shapes, alters, or constrains the intended reforms.  Drawing on case studies and field research, the book highlights the gap between policy design and "street-level" execution, revealing why well-intentioned reforms often fail to produce expected outcomes. Weatherley explores issues such as resource allocation, bureaucratic constraints, professional roles, and the everyday decisions made by educators working directly with students. The result is a foundational work in education policy and public-administration studies, offering a detailed look at how special-education systems actually function and what it takes to make reform effective.