Inclusion is increasingly becoming one of the policy drivers shaping educational discourse and practice. What constitutes the term “inclusion” itself and how ideas derived from the different perspectives on inclusion impact school leadership practice point to a highly contested field of enquiry. Originally embedded in discourse relating to special education, ideas relating to inclusion are attracting much broader appeal within system reforms in many jurisdictions. This book seeks to keep the consideration of inclusion firmly in its broader context and to decouple it from the discourse relating to students with special educational/additional needs. This allows the authors to position their contributions more explicitly within discourses that draw on difference and diversity as unavoidable features of schools. Within this collection we address the current political dogmas in many countries that take a purely rational, managerial approach to leadership, arguing that this is not contributing to inclusion in schools. In doing this, the book seeks to shape current discourses on leadership by exploring perspectives which are likely to enhance our understanding of inclusion. Tolerance, respect, listening, clarifying language, being comfortable with differences and ambiguity and articulating and challenging the rationale behind “the way we do things around here” are key aspects of inclusive leadership, and also fundamental imperatives for writing this book. It will be useful to those in education who are engaged in further academic study in education or in reflective practice and to anyone taking advanced programmes in educational leadership and management. The international perspectives on the issue of inclusion informing this book ensure that this book will be essential for those engaged in a comparative analysis of leadership practice in different contexts or those concerned with the complexity of ensuring inclusive models of education.

This book supports the professional learning of school principals, and those who aspire to be such, in development of their skills and knowledge around fostering inclusive schools for students with special education needs. The book includes 27 case stories that are based on research with school principals. Each case includes expert commentaries and resources to support principals and emerging leaders as they consider how to effectively support students with special education needs in inclusive schools. Its premise is based on the recognition that there are increasing numbers of students with disabilities and special education needs in neighbourhood schools. Principals need to develop new competencies to navigate the challenges, and benefits, of including students with special education needs into inclusive classroom settings. The book provides opportunities to build leadership competencies by considering a diversity of cases related to inclusive leadership. The cases in the book are divided among nine sections addressing the following areas: transitions, early years, elementary school cases, secondary school cases, community supports, school board/district supports, school teams, complex cases, and cases specific to new teachers. Seven cross-cutting themes are addressed in these cases including: communication, parents/caregivers, agency/efficacy, collaboration, relationships/trust, legal, and advocacy.

Inclusive Leadership in Higher Education examines leadership efforts that move beyond simple diversity programs in the journey towards the institutional transformation necessary to create inclusive educational environments. Chapter contributors from higher education institutions across the globe share how leadership is developed and implemented at all levels to create more inclusive organizational cultures. Diverse chapters address the forces and factors associated with organizational change while examining leadership theory, policy, and practices. This important volume provides a comparative perspective, highlighting common themes across a range of institutional and cultural contexts to help leaders promote an organizational mind-set and culture of inclusion and inclusiveness.

Every principal and administrator will want this how-to book: the essential guide to bringing schoolwide inclusion from theory to practice.

How to raise the achievement of all kids, from gifted to those with severe disabilities This book presents lessons learned from in-depth case studies of some of our most effective inclusive public schools. The authors conclusively demonstrate that schools can educate students with mild and severe disabilities in general education classrooms by providing special education services that link to and bolster general education instruction. This goes beyond complying with Special Education law; having a truly inclusive environment raises the achievement level for all students and results in more committed and satisfied teachers. Insights shared from teachers, school leaders, parents, and the students themselves provide a path forward for anyone striving to Improve special education services. The authors reveal what these exemplary schools do that makes them so successful, and provide advice for readers who want to incorporate these practices themselves. Hehir, former U.S. Office of Special Education (OSEP) Director, is a leading name in Special Education Highlights the important relationships between administrators, teachers, and parents to foster maximum collaboration between general and special education Includes information on committing to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Positive Behavior Supports This vital resource zeroes in on what excellent public schools do differently to ensure all students succeed.

This valuable and accessible guide navigates school leaders and those in training through a number of key areas of inclusion, providing context and understanding, helpful definitions, examples of leadership in action, and ten essential principles of inclusive leadership. Inclusion: A Principled Guide for School Leaders discusses what a culture of inclusion should look like: in classes, in schools, and in the education sector more widely. Each chapter acts as a think piece to stimulate debate, to reflect upon the purpose of education, and to ask how far we have come in embracing inclusion. The book also offers suggested actions for principled leaders and illustrative case studies to bring the theory to life, taken from a range of schools and spanning a wide number of topics, including: Inclusive Learning Partnerships with Learners and Families Special Educational Needs Disadvantage and Socio-Economic Poverty Culture, Language and Ethnicity This book explores a variety of issues in inclusion, highlighting the implications for school leaders and offering an approach to develop learning for marginal groups through effective strategic leadership. It will be essential reading for SENCOs, middle and senior leaders, but equally of interest to those who aspire to be inclusive leaders of the future.

The second edition of Leadership for Increasingly Diverse Schools helps both practicing and aspiring school leaders deepen their knowledge, skills, and dispositions to create schools that best serve all students. This book helps readers sharpen their awareness of how students’ multiple dimensions of diversity intersect, as well as develop strategies for working with students of all socioeconomic statuses, races, religions, sexual orientations, languages, and special needs. Leadership for Increasingly Diverse Schools provides school leaders with the theory, research, and practical guidance to foster teaching and learning environments that promote educational equity and excellence for all students. Special features: Each chapter focuses on a specific dimension of diversity and discusses intersectionality across other areas of difference, including ability/disability, linguistic diversity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender, religion, and social frontiers. Chapters synthesize literature, share practical strategies and tools, include school-level and district-level cases illustrating inclusive leadership, and provide extended learning opportunities. Online eResources features additional resources, documents, and links to specific tools described in the chapters, accessible at www.routledge.com/9780367404604.