ABSTRACT

Confronting Obstacles to Inclusion uniquely and comprehensively addresses interpretations of inclusive education by drawing upon the experiences and expertise of leading writers and academics who have direct experience of teaching and researching this area around the world.

This landmark publication combines theoretical chapters with practical material demonstrating how the theories can be put in to action in the classroom. The contributors, who all have regular contact with pupils and teachers in inclusive settings, provide a broad spectrum of ideas, examine a number of key themes and interpret these in an international context, such as:

  • the causes of exclusion, the obstacles to inclusion and how these can be overcome
  • supporting families
  • how we can learn from students
  • professional development
  • enhancing teaching and learning
  • support in the classroom.

This authoritative text will be of immense interest and use to practitioners, policy-makers, researchers and campaigners who are working towards a more equitable and inclusive society. Through a synthesis of theory and practice the book offers readers an opportunity to explore local, national and international perspectives and raises questions with regards to our current understanding of inclusion. Whilst the interrogation of the concept of inclusion is, in itself important, the book provides examples of professional approaches to the key questions which are currently challenging the education of a diverse range of learners.

part |2 pages

Section 1: Causes of exclusion and obstacles to inclusion

part |2 pages

Section 2: Supporting families

chapter 5|14 pages

Family perspectives: Parents in partnership

ByMITHU ALUR

chapter 7|12 pages

The role of schools in establishing home–school partnerships

ByROB ASHDOWN

part |2 pages

Section 3 Pupils as partners in inclusive education

chapter 8|20 pages

Valuing and learning from young people

ByMICHAEL SHEVLIN

chapter 9|14 pages

Engaging young children in research about an inclusion project

ByPHYLLIS JONES, ANN GILLIES

part |2 pages

Section 4 Professional development for inclusion

chapter 11|16 pages

Teacher education for inclusion

ByCHRIS FORLIN

chapter 12|14 pages

Promoting teacher development for diversity

ByLEENA KAIKKONEN

chapter 13|16 pages

Teachers’ professional learning and inclusive practice

ByLANI FLORIAN, MARTYN ROUSE

part |2 pages

Section 5 teaching and learning

chapter 14|10 pages

Developing inclusive approaches to teaching and learning

ByMENG DENG

chapter 15|14 pages

Overcoming barriers to the acquisition of literacy in twenty-first-century inclusive classrooms

ByTHÉRÈSE MCPHILLIPS, SHEENA BELL, MARY DOVESTON

chapter 16|18 pages

The development of inclusive teaching and learning: A European perspective?

ByAMANDA WATKINS, COR MEIJER

part |2 pages

Section 6 Support in the classroom

chapter 17|18 pages

Supporting students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms: Personnel and peers

ByMICHAEL F. GIANGRECO, ERIK W. CARTER, MARY BETH DOYLE

chapter 20|4 pages

Building on ideas and maintaining a dialogue for change

ByRICHARD ROSE