Inclusive and Equitable Education: Canadian Perspectives on Inclusive Education in an Era of Internationalization

• In Event: 51.021 - Internationalization, Immigration, and Refugee Student Integration: Canadian Experiences and Perspectives

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 articulates a goal of inclusive and equitable education for all children globally. Inclusive education, where students with special education needs are supported in a regular class in a neighbourhood school, has been a goal for many regions across Canada. Although training has been provided to teachers to support inclusive teaching practices, limited attention has been given to supporting the abilities of school principals to foster inclusive school environments. This paper reports on findings from a Canadian national study involving school administrators and examines the experiences of these leaders in supporting students with special education needs. The paper provides insight into the challenges and opportunities for supporting inclusive schools globally. As international agreements such as the SDGs take increasing prominence, critical questions need to be considered for what inclusive and equitable education means and how it is enacted from a comparative and international perspective.

Author

• Steve Sider, Wilfrid Laurier University