AERA 2008 Presentation: Is the Tail Wagging the Dog?

I’ll be presenting with Jessica Toste and I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of discussions we’ll have. Here is the abstract.

Jessica R. Toste & Dana Salter
Teacher Acceptance and Implementation of Inclusive School Practices: Is the Tail Wagging the Dog?
FISHBOWL DISCUSSION. 3/23, CONCURRENT SESSION I, 10:45-12:00
While inclusion is the stated goal in many schools, there are central elements within our education system that work in contradiction to inclusive practice and continue to support the segregation and exclusion of students with disabilities in our classrooms, schools, and society. Of particular concern is resistance from teachers to accepting and implementing inclusive practices. This discussion session addresses teacher education and preparation programs and how they can facilitate a philosophical and pedagogical discussion about inclusion. How do we present the critical importance of inclusion, while addressing the legitimate concerns of pre-service teachers and the realities that they face in today’s classroom? In teacher training courses, how do we balance the focus on the system-level changes needed to support inclusive schools and the necessity to learn skills that can be used in addressing the diverse learning needs in our classrooms? A framework will be shared that proposes critical elements related to supporting pre-service teachers in analyzing their roles in building inclusive classrooms and schools.