Disability and teaching

the long version

This work highlights issues of disability in K-12 schooling faced by teachers, who are increasingly accountable for the achievement of all students regardless of the labels assigned to them. It is designed to engage prospective and practicing teachers in examining their personal theories and beliefs about disability and education. Part one offers four case studies dealing with issues such as inclusion, over-representation in special education, teacher assumptions and biases, and the struggles of novice teachers. These cases illustrate the need to understand disability and teaching within the contexts of school, community, and the broader society and in relation to other contemporary issues facing teachers. Each is followed by space for readers' reactions to the educators' dialogue, a summary, and additional questions. Part two presents public arguments representing different views about the topic: conservative, liberal-progressive, and disability centered. Part three situates the authors' personal views within the growing field of disability studies in eduation and provides exercises for further reflection. -- From back cover.