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.

School inclusion is a perennially popular yet polemic topic in most countries. This timely book explores what is known about inclusion, highlighting outstanding examples of inclusion to provide a complete overview of successful inclusion. The book concentrates on how to make inclusion work - from the view of internationally established practitioners in the field of teacher education - with a focus on what variables are likely to make a difference in practice. What Works in Inclusion? covers three key aspects: Theories of inclusive education Examples of how inclusion can be encouraged and facilitated What prevents inclusion from being successful Drawing on case studies from a wide range of countries, including USA, Australia, UK, Canada and Italy, there is focus on the positive aspects of inclusion: 'how' it can work and 'what actually works', helping you understand successful aspects of inclusion as well as developing an understanding of how inclusive education can best be implemented. In addition to the research-based accounts of how to make inclusion work, the book considers the difficulties that can arise in attempting to achieve successful inclusion and how such barriers can be overcome, to ensure a successful inclusive experience for both teachers and students. This is a key text for all serving and aspiring teachers and SENCOs, as well as those interested in inclusion and SEN in schools, and will inform and challenge in equal measure. Contributors: Adrian F Ashman, Robert Conway, Joanne Deppeler, Roberta Fadda, Laurel M. Garrick Duhaney, Fraser Lauchlan, Margo Mastropieri, Kim M. Michaud, Brahm Norwich, Petra Ponte, Diane Richler, Richard Rose, Spencer J. Salend, Tom Scruggs, Roger Slee, Jacqueline Thousand, Richard Villa, Catharine Whittaker "Focusing on both theory and practice, this timely volume provides a refreshing set of challenges to all of us who are committed to the development of more inclusive education systems. The presentation of ideas and experiences from different countries is particularly powerful in this respect." Professor Mel Ainscow, University of Manchester, UK "Boyle and Topping provide a collection of salient chapters on critical issues pertaining to inclusive education from a collection of world leaders in the field. This book is scholarly, current, and research-based, yet at the same time readable and informative for a wide audience of university teachers and their students, along with practicing educators in the field. Recognizing that inclusive education is an ongoing project this book nevertheless provides a rigorous gestalt of inclusive education theory, practical advice for implementation, and potential barriers to success. This is one of the finest books on this topic currently available." Professor Tim Loreman, Faculty of Education, Concordia University College of Alberta, Canada

The Language of Inclusive Education is an insightful text which considers the writing, speaking, reading and hearing of inclusive education. Based on the premise that humans use language to construct their worlds and their realities, this book is concerned with how language works to determine what we know and understand about issues related to in/exclusion in education. Using a variety of analytical tools, the author exposes language-at-work in academic and popular literature and in policy documents. Areas of focus include: What inclusive education means and how it is defined How metaphor works to position inclusive education How textbooks construct inclusive education How we use language to build what we understand to be difference and disability, with particular reference to AD(H)D and Asperger’s Syndrome Listening to children and young people as a means to promote inclusion in schools Woven through this volume is the argument for a more critical awareness of how we use language in the field that we call ‘inclusive education’. This book is a must-read for any individual studying, practicing or an interest in inclusion and exploring the associations with language.

This second handbook offers all new content in which readers will find a thoughtful and measured interrogation of significant contemporary thinking and practice in urban education. Each chapter reflects contemporary cutting-edge issues in urban education as defined by their local context. One important theme that runs throughout this handbook is how urban is defined, and under what conditions the marginalized are served by the schools they attend. Schooling continues to hold a special place both as a means to achieve social mobility and as a mechanism for supporting the economy of nations. This second handbook focuses on factors such as social stratification, segmentation, segregation, racialization, urbanization, class formation and maintenance, and patriarchy. The central concern is to explore how equity plays out for those traditionally marginalized in urban schools in different locations around the globe. Researchers will find an analysis framework that will make the current practice and outcomes of urban education, and their alternatives, more transparent, and in turn this will lead to solutions that can help improve the life-options for students historically underserved by urban schools.

This year’s edition brings together research and essays on comparative education trends and directions written by professional and scholarly leaders in the field. Topics covered include theoretical and methodological developments, reports on research-to-practice, area studies and the diversification of comparative and international education.

Students with disabilities who are not able to perform to the best of their abilities often find themselves learning in inaccessible environments and subjected to increased stress levels due to the haphazard provisioning of education characterized by physical, communicative, and unsuitable teaching and learning approaches. Very often this is a result of various shortcomings including unfair assessment practices. Misconceptions and a lack of knowledge with regard to the implementation of inclusive education detract from the successful admission of students with disabilities and their retention and active participation. The Handbook of Research on Creating Spaces for African Epistemologies in the Inclusive Education Discourse explores the concept of inclusive education in an African context. It advocates for the monitoring and evaluation of inclusive education and proposes interventions where reasonable accommodation or lack of accessibility is a reason for students with disabilities to not benefit from this system. Covering topics such as barriers to learning, rural schools, and student support, this major reference work is an essential resource for administrators, advocates for students with disabilities, policymakers, researchers, pre-service teachers, educators, academicians, and students.

Volume 4 in this series investigates ways that staff can work effectively with Teaching Assistants and other support staff when implementing inclusive educational practices in schools. Consideration is given to the perspectives of a variety of stakeholders.