“Edited and written by leading scholars, this book not only makes a compelling case for why peers should be a central element in any teaching strategy, but also shows how to make it happen. This is an extraordinary resource for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. In a word, it’s a masterpiece!”

—Donald D. Deshler, PhD, Williamson Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education, University of Kansas


“The Power of Peers in the Classroom pulls together the very best of what works for engaging peers in the social lives and learning of students with disabilities. This compelling book outlines practical pathways educators can use to draw upon the most widely available—and often most effective—source of natural support in schools. These approaches are also promising in their impact on the peers who get involved—the opportunities they receive to get to know and learn alongside their classmates with disabilities can have a lasting influence on their attitudes, expectations, and future pathways.”

—Erik Carter, PhD, Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University


“An invaluable resource for classroom teachers in K-12 who are preparing their students to be college and career ready. The in-depth, research-based instructional strategies relate directly to teaching students to collaboratively problem-solve, support each other in the learning process, and accomplish goals together. Teachers will take away an understanding of why each strategy works and how to put it to use in their classrooms and daily lesson planning. Harnessing the power of peers will increase students' achievement in the classroom and in life—just what every teacher hopes for.”

—Barbara Friedlander, teacher and professional development leader, Montgomery County, Maryland