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1. Barriers to School Inclusion: An Investigation into the Exclusion of Disabled Students From and Within New Zealand Schools

   Alison Kearney's recent doctoral thesis Barriers to School Inclusion: An Investigation into the Exclusion of Disabled Students From and Within New Zealand Schools is based on evidence that disabled students are being excluded from and within New Zealand schools.Kearney wanted...

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   Barriers to School Inclusion: An Investigation into the Exclusion of Disabled Students From and Within New Zealand Schools

   Alison Kearney's recent doctoral thesis Barriers to School Inclusion: An Investigation into the Exclusion of Disabled Students From and Within New Zealand Schools is based on evidence that disabled students are being excluded from and within New Zealand schools.

   Kearney wanted to know how this was happening, and why. To answer these questions she conducted qualitative research with parents and school principals, teachers, teacher aides, and a group of year 6 students. A significant number of the parents and caregivers volunteered that their child had ASD.

   Kearney’s thesis is an important contribution to our understandings about inclusion in New Zealand schools, but its length makes it more suitable for selective reading.

   One approach may be to begin with her conclusion, in which she organises her major findings in relation to five key areas: access, accountability, attitudes, knowledge, and responsibility. She then provides tables of prompts for teachers, school principals, and senior managers for each area: “These prompts are designed to help guide attention and discussion to issues that are important if exclusion is to be reduced and eliminated” (page 217). You could use these prompts to help assess your current position and then review the effectiveness of your inclusion plan, setting up a system to collate and summarise your responses so that you can track progress over time.

   Kearney, A. (2008). “Exclusion at School: What Is Happening for Students Who Are Disabled?” The International Journal of Diversity in Organisations, Communities and Nations, 7(6), pp. 219–227.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action

   Relevant to:

   Inquiry and knowledge-building, Understanding inclusion, Special education and ASD in NZ school settings, Audit

   Contributed by:

   Kearney, A. 2009 Unpublished doctoral thesis. Massey University: Palmerston North.

2. You're Going to Love This Kid

   Kluth, P. (2010). You're Going To Love This Kid! Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom. Baltimore, MA: Brookes.Kluth, P. (2011). You're Going To Love This Kid! A Professional Development Package for Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive...

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   You're Going to Love This Kid

   Kluth, P. (2010). You're Going To Love This Kid! Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom. Baltimore, MA: Brookes.

   Kluth, P. (2011). You're Going To Love This Kid! A Professional Development Package for Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom. Baltimore, MA: Brookes/Landlocked Films. (DVD and facilitator guide)

   See also Paula Kluth's introductory video clip You're Going To Love This Kid!

   You can also find an article by Paula Kluth on “Supporting Students with Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms” on the Autism Speaks website.

   The title of these resources by renowned educationalist Paula Kluth is indicative of the tone throughout all her work – Kluth loves students with ASD for who they are as unique individuals and for the way they enrich the lives of those around them.

    Reviews of Kluth’s work emphasise the practical nature of the strategies and resources she provides, her commitment to inclusion, and the strong foundation on research. The 2010 book and professional development package include observation forms and checklists that could be used to review your practice and make decisions about what to do. Examples, case studies, and the DVD show that the approaches she suggests do work. They include checklists for auditing aspects of school and classroom practice, including whether the school is inclusive and whether classrooms are comfortable for students with ASD. Advice is provided on how the materials can be used for professional learning, both in the book and in the manual accompanying the DVD.

   Before purchasing a copy of her resources, you may like to access a copy on loan from Autism New Zealand and/or view the video clips available on the Internet. The introductory video is available here, but you can also find other extracts by typing in the words “You're going to love this kid!” and “DVD”.

   One of the features of Paula’s website is a set of readings on ASD, inclusive schooling, differentiated instruction, and literacy.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action , Others' stories

   Relevant to:

   Leading change, Understanding autism spectrum disorder, Understanding inclusion, Audit, Building inclusive school cultures, Producing inclusive school policies, Evolving inclusive practices, Managing transitions, Specific issues for secondary schools

   Contributed by:

   Kluth, P. 2010 .

3. System-wide Improvement In Education

   Levin, B. (2012). System-wide Improvement in Education. Geneva, Switzerland: International Academy of Education/International Bureau of Education. Available from www.ibe.unesco.org Levin’s website presents more of his research. Some of his papers and PowerPoint presentations are available for download, including presentations given...

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   System-wide Improvement In Education

   Levin, B. (2012). System-wide Improvement in Education. Geneva, Switzerland: International Academy of Education/International Bureau of Education. Available from www.ibe.unesco.org

   Levin’s website presents more of his research. Some of his papers and PowerPoint presentations are available for download, including presentations given in New Zealand.

   Ben Levin is an internationally recognised expert on educational change for improvement who successfully led system-wide change in Ontario, Canada. He has visited New Zealand several times, engaging with teachers, principals, policy makers, and academics. Although the research summary recommended here is directed at policy makers, it provides a brief and valuable insight into the elements of effective change management – relevant to all educators.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action , Others' stories

   Relevant to:

   Leading change

   Contributed by:

   Levin, B. 2012 Geneva, Switzerland: International Academy of Education/International Bureau of Education.

4. Learning Better Together: Working towards Inclusive Education in New Zealand Schools (DVD and booklet)

   A prominent New Zealand researcher and disability advocate, Jude MacArthur creates a coherent picture of what we can aspire to in our schools.The Learning Better Together booklet is closely aligned to the principles outlined in the Index for Inclusion. The...

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   Learning Better Together: Working towards Inclusive Education in New Zealand Schools (DVD and booklet)

   A prominent New Zealand researcher and disability advocate, Jude MacArthur creates a coherent picture of what we can aspire to in our schools.

   The Learning Better Together booklet is closely aligned to the principles outlined in the Index for Inclusion. The topics addressed include:

   • medical (deficit thinking) versus social models of disability
   • what inclusion means … and what it is not
   • Māori and inclusion
   • developing an inclusive school culture and inclusive classroom practices
   • inclusive education as matter of human rights and social justice
   • students’ social experiences and learning in regular compared to special education settings
   • the need for teacher professional development
   • the role of leaders.

   A   DVD is also available.It covers similar topics as well as a range of perspectives from children, parents, teachers, and principals. It is particularly valuable for exploring the principle of inclusion and the related concepts of segregation and exclusion. It shows disabled children being included in the classroom and playground context, clearly demonstrating the benefits to them and their peers. Important principles are addressed – for example, the need for active involvement by all concerned, the need for good communication between home and school, and the role of the teacher in addressing individual needs and setting up the classroom culture.

   The DVD shows that strategies for supporting students with special education needs (for example, visual schedules and social stories) are really just about knowing learners well and explicit teaching, and can be used to benefit others. The key message of both the DVD and the booklet is that inclusion is about responding to diversity and that it is a fundamental human right, not an act of beneficence.

    MacArthur, J. (2009). Learning Better Together: Working towards Inclusive Education in New Zealand Schools. Wellington: IHC New Zealand.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action

   Relevant to:

   Leading change, Understanding inclusion, Effective schools, Special education and ASD in NZ school settings, Building inclusive school cultures, Producing inclusive school policies, Evolving inclusive practices

   Contributed by:

   MacArthur, J. 2009 IHC New Zealand.

5. Ki te Aoturoa: Improving Inservice Teacher Educator Learning and Practice

   Ministry of Education (2008). Ki te Aoturoa: Improving Inservice Teacher Educator Learning and Practice. Wellington: Learning Media. Ki te Aoturoa is a set of learning materials that is designed to support leaders of educational learning to learn and improve so...

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   Ki te Aoturoa: Improving Inservice Teacher Educator Learning and Practice

   Ministry of Education (2008). Ki te Aoturoa: Improving Inservice Teacher Educator Learning and Practice. Wellington: Learning Media.

   Ki te Aoturoa is a set of learning materials that is designed to support leaders of educational learning to learn and improve so that they can support the learning of others, with the ultimate goal of improved outcomes for students. The materials emphasise a collaborative process in which each person is treated with respect while their knowledge, values, beliefs, and practices are considered and critiqued.

   You may find the following sections of particular value.

   • The chapter on 'Conducting Inquiry' includes a section on selecting a collaborative process and activities to scaffold learning. The section describes five approaches, illustrated by video clips from practice:
     • aligning beliefs with practice through problem-based methodology
     • learning from modelling by others
     • participating in role play
     • using a coach or mentor
     • working with a critical friend.

   • The Learning cases show inservice teacher educators using a version of the inquiry and knowledge-building cycle as they work to improve their own practice while simultaneously supporting others to inquire into and improve theirs.
   • School leaders may find the chapter ' Change for Improvement' useful for thinking about how to manage their communities through the discomfort and uncertainty of change. See, in particular, the suggested activity on page 176, which is based on a set of assumptions on educational change developed by Michael Fullan (2007).
   •  The chapter on ' Communication and Relationships' may help prompt thinking about the kinds of relationships necessary to bring about worthwhile change and how they can be created.

   Fullan, M. (2007). The New Meaning of Educational Change, 4th ed. New York: Teachers College Press.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action , Others' stories

   Relevant to:

   Inquiry and knowledge-building, Leading change, Building inclusive school cultures, Evolving inclusive practices

   Contributed by:

   Ministry of Education 2008 Wellington: Learning Media.

6. Collaboration for Success: Individual Education Plans

   Ministry of Education (2011b). Collaboration for Success: Individual Education Plans. Wellington: Learning Media.This is the Ministry of Education’s core resource for anyone involved in developing or implementing individual education plans (IEPs) to support students with special education needs. While it...

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   Collaboration for Success: Individual Education Plans

   Ministry of Education (2011b). Collaboration for Success: Individual Education Plans. Wellington: Learning Media.

   This is the Ministry of Education’s core resource for anyone involved in developing or implementing individual education plans (IEPs) to support students with special education needs. While it is focused on the small number of individual students for whom an IEP is necessary, its messages are closely aligned to those of this website. Themes include the importance of collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and an inquiry approach. This resource would be useful as a catalyst for culture change when you are looking to improve your IEP process.

   You can find Collaboration for Success on IEP Online, aling with a rollout kit and other resources to support its implementation.

   The development of Collaboration for Success was informed by Mitchell, Morton, and Hornby’s literature review, included here for those who are interested in further reading.

   Mitchell, D., Morton, M., and Hornby, G. (2010). Review of the Literature on Individual Education Plans: Report to the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Christchurch: College of Education, University of Canterbury.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action

   Relevant to:

   Inquiry and knowledge-building, Understanding inclusion, Building inclusive school cultures, Producing inclusive school policies, Evolving inclusive practices, Managing transitions

   Contributed by:

   Ministry of Education 2011 Wellington: Learning Media.

7. Special Education

   This section of the Ministry of Education website describes how the Ministry works with schools to support the vision of a more inclusive education system. It is a substantial site that is worth revisiting.Some of the information is for educators...

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   Special Education

   This section of the Ministry of Education website describes how the Ministry works with schools to support the vision of a more inclusive education system. It is a substantial site that is worth revisiting.

   Some of the information is for educators and boards of trustees, some for parents. It is organised under the following headings:

   • About Us: The Ministry’s purpose, the way it works, the legislative and policy context, contact information, and how to make a complaint
   • Careers and professional development: Information about study awards, study leave positions, fellowships, and scholarships
   • Services and support: Information on all services including assistive technology, ASD, Behaviour, Early Intervention, Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS), and Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB).
   • Our work programme: Projects, programmes, and initiatives including a link to the section on Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
   • Publications and resources: Corporate publications, a parent information kit, tools for boards and educators (such as teacher booklets), and forms and guidelines.

   The publications and resources are well worth exploring. Parents, for example, will be interested in the booklets on services, starting at primary and at secondary school, and on leaving school; the National Transition Guidelines; and the Family/Whānau File, which can be used for sharing information about their child as they grow up.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action

   Relevant to:

   Understanding autism spectrum disorder, Effective schools, Special education and ASD in NZ school settings, Building inclusive school cultures, Producing inclusive school policies, Evolving inclusive practices, Managing transitions, Specific issues for secondary schools

   Contributed by:

   Ministry of Education.

8. Tips for Autism

   Tips for Autism is a three-day course that supports the care community around an individual child with ASD to learn how they can work together to help that child achieve better outcomes. It is funded by the Ministries of Education...

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   Tips for Autism

   Tips for Autism is a three-day course that supports the care community around an individual child with ASD to learn how they can work together to help that child achieve better outcomes. It is funded by the Ministries of Education and Health and is available nationwide.

   The  evaluation report carried out by Bevan-Brown et al. indicates that this course meets the criteria for a high quality course that contributes to better outcomes for people with ASD.

   A summary of the original report is also available at the same link.

   Bevan-Brown, J., Bourke, R., Butler, P., Carroll-Lind, J., Kearney, A., and Mentis, M. (November 2011). Evaluation of the ‘Tips for Autism’ Professional Learning and Development Programme. Wellington: Ministry of Education.

   The Tips for Autism website provides details about the course and how to apply. People who have completed the course can access additional resources on the website.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action

   Relevant to:

   Leading change, Understanding autism spectrum disorder, Building inclusive school cultures, Producing inclusive school policies, Evolving inclusive practices, Managing transitions

   Contributed by:

   Ministries of Education and Health.

9. Quality Teaching Research and Development Project: Learning Materials

   The Quality Teaching Research and Development Project supported teachers in a variety of contexts to conduct inquiries into their own practice focused on becoming more culturally responsive and effective teachers of their Māori and Pasifika students.A  research report unpacks the findings...

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   Quality Teaching Research and Development Project: Learning Materials

   The Quality Teaching Research and Development Project supported teachers in a variety of contexts to conduct inquiries into their own practice focused on becoming more culturally responsive and effective teachers of their Māori and Pasifika students.

   A  research report unpacks the findings from the project’s evaluation. In addition, set of learning materials was designed to support teachers and school leaders to consider the application of the teachers’ learning to their own practice. By exploring those materials you can learn more about teacher inquiry and knowledge-building, effective pedagogy, and cultural responsiveness.

   Earl, L., Timperley, H., and Stewart, G. (October 2008). Learning from the Quality Teaching Research and Development Programme (QTR&D) – Findings of the External Evaluation. Toronto, Canada: Aporia Consulting.

   Resources for:

   Further learning , Taking action , Others' stories

   Relevant to:

   Inquiry and knowledge-building, Understanding inclusion, Evolving inclusive practices

   Contributed by:

   Ministry of Education 2007-2008 .