Widening the Circle: The Power of Inclusive ClassroomsBeacon Press, 15. märts 2007 - 280 pages Widening 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. |
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ability able acceptance achievement activities adults African American Alfie Kohn allows asked autism behavior cerebral palsy challenges chil child classmates clusion color commitment competition cooperative learning courage create curriculum Dalia dents discuss diversity dren example exclusion experience feel friends full inclusion gifted girl GLSEN goals grade happened hear hearing aids implementation important inclusive classrooms inclusive education inclusive schools individual interact kids labeled language learners Leora lessons levels lives Mara Sapon-Shevin math Micah Mike Stern multiple multiple intelligences norms parents participate peers person placement play practices regular classroom relationships response segregated sion skills smart social someone song special education special education teachers story strategies students with disabilities students with significant successful talk teaching teasing tell Theoharis things tikkun olam tion typical understand wheelchair young
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Page vii - HE drew a circle that shut me out — Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But Love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in ! EDWIN MARKHAM The Man with the Hoe Written after seeing Milled ivorld-famous painting of a brutalized toiler.