Impacts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on General and Special Education, aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the critical role that DEI plays in both general and special education settings. The book manuscript offers insights and practical strategies for educators, administrators, and allied professionals to effectively incorporate DEI principles into their practices, thereby fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.Each chapter delves into specific aspects of DEI, exploring the historical context, current challenges, and future directions. Topics include the implementation of culturally responsive teaching methods, the impact of systemic biases on student outcomes, strategies for engaging marginalized communities, and case studies highlighting successful DEI initiatives.Moreover, the book features contributions from leading experts in the field, providing a rich and diverse array of perspectives. The inclusion of empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications ensures that readers gain a well-rounded understanding of how to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within educational institutions.Ultimately, this book empowers educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create equitable learning environments where all students can thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.
Festus E. Obiakor, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Manager, Sunny Educational Consulting, Shorewood, Wisconsin.Lenwood Gibson, Jr. is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Queens College (CUNY), USA.Anthony F. Rotatori, PhD, is an emeritus full professor of psychology at Saint Xavier University, USA.
Foreword; Sherrise Truesdale-MooreChapter 1. Implementing, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Educational Environments; Lenwood Gibson, Jr., Festus E. Obiakor, and Anthony F. RotatoriChapter 2. A Reflective Instructional Framework to Advance Equity and Inclusion for All Learners; Denise L. Ferrara, Jennifer Geskie, and Sun A. KimChapter 3. Impacts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on the Assessment of Students with Special Needs; Jeffrey P. BakkenChapter 4. Special Education Practitioners: Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Frameworks; Shobana Musti, Tanya Wiggins, and Amanda L. YurickChapter 5. Intergrating DEI Frameworks in Classrooms for Students with Behavioral Challenges: Building Culturally Responsive Behavior Management; Lenwood Gibson, Jr.Chapter 6. Embracing DEI in Speech-Language Pathology: A Framework for General and Special Education; Jarius-Joaquin R. Matthews, Mariam M. Abdelaziz, and Morris R. Council IIIChapter 7. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students and Professionals: Infusing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framewors; C. Jonah ElewekeChapter 8. A Seat at Every Table, A Mic in Every Hand: Belonging Through Technology in Special Education; Soribel GenaoChapter 9. Educator Preparation Programs: Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Frameworks; Anne Desrosiers-CoxChapter 10. Working with Families of Students with Special Needs: Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Frameworks; Sunday Obi, Festus E. Obiakor, Stephanie L. Obi, and Nkechi AmadifeChapter 11. School Leaders in General and Special Education: Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Frameworks; Jennifer M. Dohy-Kane and Autumn SuelAfterword: The Imperative Nature of Diversty, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives; Sean S. Warner