Reimagining Special Education: Using Inclusion as a Framework to Build Equity and Support All Students

by Jenna Mancini Rufo, Julie Causton

As schools reopen their doors and students return to the classroom, what will the “new normal” of special education look like? The pandemic exposed educational inequities and areas of urgent need—and now, schools have a unique opportunity to press pause and reimagine their practices. This book helps K–12 school leaders and educators take the lessons of the COVID-19 era and turn them into by closely examining what worked during distance learning, letting go of practices that keep some students struggling, and planning new routines and environments that meet the needs of every learner.
A visionary call to action from inclusion experts Jenna Mancini Rufo and Julie Causton, Reimagining Special Education guides readers in creating more equitable schools and services, through practical strategies teachers can use right away and thought-provoking, big-picture questions for administrators to tackle. Readers will explore how inclusive educational practices can address each student’s unique needs as schools reopen and bridge learning gaps for students who struggle. Throughout the book, vignettes and anecdotes spark lightbulb moments for educators and show what recommended practices look like in real classrooms.
Essential reading for administrators, classroom teachers, and other education professionals, this is the forward-thinking guide every school needs to reimagine the possibilities for special education, support authentic inclusion, and help learners with and without disabilities thrive in a changing world.
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Genres: Education

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2021

Reviews

[Mary Pryor]

Quick read. Insight into utilizing the framework of special education creates an inclusive environment to assist all students. As Special Educators the ultimate goal is to reach and teach all students regardless of whether there is a disability or not.

This is a great book coming out of Covid to remind us as teachers to be aware of the issues of life as it relates to our students. Every one of us has challenges that we find difficult to overcome. I recommend this to anyone who wants a new perspective on how to better provide equity in our schools to represent the diversity of the student body.

Great read.

[Margit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a practical, solution-based resource for schools transitioning to equitable and inclusive systems, especially with a view to reimagining service provision for specific needs and limited resources. This book guides teams to think beyond traditional models of special education to meet all stidents' needs.

[Kristen Luppino · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with a synthesis of many newer and growing ideals, with some practical application in special education but also more broadly.

[Tanya Bjerke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave some good food for thought and also helped me to see how I could be better at serving my students and other teachers I work with as a special education teacher.

[Jeni Samuelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read.