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Reframing Inclusive Education: Supporting SIWDs through classroom community and asset-based pedagogy
EDU T490

Course Information

Description

Historically, general education classrooms have been sites of exclusion for students identified with (dis)abilities (SIWDs) and based on the assumption of a unidirectional benefit from general education students to SIWDs. Studies have shown that general education students and SIWDs benefit socially and academically from inclusive environments. Uplifting the brilliance and contributions of SIWDs hinges on the daily pedagogical decisions we make as teachers to disrupt these assumptions. In this course, we will work to unearth the complexity involved in supporting SIWDs' social and learning needs and highlighting the strengths and knowledge they bring to our classrooms. We will explore the following themes: Developing Inclusive Educational Spaces; Exploring the Relationship Between Inclusive & Special Education Across Contexts; and Backwards Design and Universal Design for Learning. Developing Inclusive Educational Spaces: We will discuss how we, as practitioners, can disrupt the unspoken belief that SIWDs are the only students with “needs” in the classroom. And instead, normalize the co-creation of spaces where everyone’s strengths are acknowledged, and areas of need are met. Exploring the Relationship Between Inclusive & Special Education: We will explore the relationship between inclusive and special education, two separate areas of research with overlapping goals. We will also explore international approaches to inclusive and special education and discuss how they can inform our practice across contexts. Backwards Design and Universal Design for Learning: We will explore how to leverage backwards design and Universal Design for Learning in designing more inclusive educational spaces. 

School Graduate School of Education
Credits 4
Cross Reg

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Department Education
Course Component Lecture
Instruction Mode In Person
Subject Education
Grading Basis HGSE Student Option (Letter Graded, Sat/Unsat)
Learning Goals 1. Critically analyze and reflect on classroom practices that promote inclusion or exclusion. 2. Develop a plan to co-construct inclusive learning spaces with students that respond to various dimensions of inclusion (e.g. academic, social). 3. Explore inclusion and UDL within international and domestic contexts and its applicability to the school and community context we serve. 4. Leverage Universal Design for Learning across content areas in ways that are engaging, supported by research, and are culturally and ability responsive.
Career Focus N/A