A Practical Guide to Educating Learners with Down Syndrome: Supporting Lifelong Learning

Educating learners with Down syndrome can seem daunting at first, but this practical guide for teachers and carers to using evidence-based practices shows you how. Taking a unique lifespan, curriculum-based approach, Rhonda M. Faragher promotes the understanding that people with Down syndrome are a diverse group with vast potential and varied learning needs. The book covers core learning areas such as literacy, numeracy, mathematics, science, and the Humanities, and features key points from the research literature, teaching strategies, practitioner vignettes, and personal stories from people with Down syndrome. It considers learning from birth and early intervention, through primary and secondary school, to post-secondary education and into various contexts of adulthood. Drawing on the latest research, this guide for educators is rich with strategies, as well as tips from other parents and teachers, providing an accessible and empowering resource for the delivery of quality education to benefit learners with Down syndrome.

Table of Contents:
Part I: An introduction to Down syndrome 1. Welcome 2. Understanding Down syndrome Part II: Issues in learning and teaching 3. The education adventure begins 4. Building on strengths 5. Learning in inclusive classrooms 6. Including a student with Down syndrome in your class 7. Learning outside the classroom in inclusive settings Part III: The curriculum across the lifespan 8. Language and communication 9. Reading as one aspect of literacy learning 10. Learning mathematics: making a start 11. Mathematics in secondary school 12. Learning across the curriculum Part IV: Learning in life contexts 13. Learning at home 14. Learning in the workplace 15. Studying post-secondary education 16. Literacy 17. Numeracy Part V: Epilogue 18. Epilogue: final words from our contributors with Down syndrome

About the Author :
Rhonda M. Faragher, PhD is Director of the Down Syndrome Research Program at The University of Queensland, Australia, and has a background in mathematics teaching. She is Vice-President of Down Syndrome International, a Director of Down Syndrome Australia, and Chairs the Down Syndrome Special Interest Research Group of IASSIDD, the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disability.

Review :
‘Let there be no doubt: people with Down syndrome can and do continue to learn throughout their lifetimes. This practical book equips teachers and parents with the necessary tools to maximize the potential.’ Dr. Brian Skotko, Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome, Massachusetts General Hospital & Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School, USA. ‘Not only will you be able to read a book that contains the latest information available on inclusive practices in education, but you will also get the perspective of people with Down syndrome, contributors to this book. This is a handbook on inclusion and inclusive education for educators and parents everywhere.’ Dr Claudia Moreira, Scientific Advisor on Down Syndrome Research, Brazil. ‘This is a brilliant, much needed resource for both education professionals and parents. It’s also great to hear from the learners themselves about what they think worked best for them.’ Carol Boys, Chief Executive, Down’s Syndrome Association, UK