This book investigates how secondary schools can systematically organize their internal resources and policies to effectively support the twenty percent of students identified with special educational needs. The authors, Ann Hackney and Keith Postlethwaite, draw upon pedagogical research to argue that meeting these needs is a collective institutional responsibility rather than the burden of a single specialist. They present a framework where school-wide coordination and teacher collaboration serve as the primary mechanisms for improving student outcomes.

Educators and administrators frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for understanding the collaborative nature of inclusive schooling. Experts highlight the authors' focus on systemic change as a practical guide for those seeking to move beyond individual classroom interventions.