Details

Abstract / Summary

A passionate call for teachers and citizens to change the way we think about disabilities in our schoolsWidening the Circle is a passionate, even radical argument for creating school and classroom environments where all kids, including children labeled as “disabled” and “special needs,” are welcome on equal terms.In opposition to traditional models of special education, where teachers decide when a child is deemed “ready to compete” in “mainstream” classes, Mara Sapon-Shevin articulates a vision of full inclusion as a practical and moral goal. Inclusion, she argues, begins not with the assumption that students have to earn their way into the classroom with their behavior or skills, it begins with the right of every child to be in the mainstream of education, perhaps with modifications, adaptations, and support. Full inclusion requires teachers to think about all aspects of their classrooms pedagogy, curriculum, and classroom climate.Crucially, Sapon-Shevin takes on arguments against full inclusion in a section of straight-talking answers to common questions. She agrees with critics that the rhetoric of inclusion has been used to justify eliminating services and “dumping” students with significant educational needs unceremoniously back into the mainstream with little or no support. If full inclusion is properly implemented, however, she argues, it not only clearly benefits those traditionally excluded but enhances the educations and lives of those considered mainstream in myriad ways.Through powerful storytelling and argument, Sapon-Shevin lays out the moral and educational case for not separating kids on the basis of difference.

Field of Interest

Education

Author

Mara Sapon-Shevin, fl. 2010

Copyright Message

Copyright © 2007 Mara Sapon-Shevin. Reprinted with permission from Beacon Press, Boston, Massachusetts

Content Type

Book

Duration

0 sec

Format

Text

Page Count

270

Publication Year

2007

Publisher

Beacon Press

Place Published / Released

Boston, MA

Subject

Education, Disability Studies, Social Sciences, Diversity, Special Education, Curriculum, Advocacy and Rights, Independence, Education, & Accessibility, School curriculums, Educación Especial, Educação Especial, Currículo, Rights and advocacy, Social movements, Abogacía y Derechos, Advocacia e Direitos, Accessibility and Independence, History of Care, Independência, Educação e Acessibilidade, Independencia, Educación y Accesibilidad, Education

Keywords and Translated Subjects

Educación Especial, Educação Especial, Currículo, Rights and advocacy, Social movements, Abogacía y Derechos, Advocacia e Direitos, Accessibility and Independence, History of Care, Independência, Educação e Acessibilidade, Independencia, Educación y Accesibilidad, Education