Inclusive Settings in Belizean Primary Schools: A Focus on Teacher Practices

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Facilitating Inclusive Education: Challenges in Policies and Practices

Abstract

The Belizean Ministry of Education (MOE) adopted national goals to ensure that all Belizeans acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes for personal development and full, active participation in the development of Belize. Many teachers, however, lack professional training regarding differentiated instruction. This qualitative case study, conducted as Community Engaged Research, explores teaching strategies employed in inclusive primary classrooms in Belize. Situational Leadership Theory helps explain: (1) how teachers understood/identified individual and collective needs of students, (2) how teachers continuously gauged students’ abilities/developmental readiness, and (3) how teacher-leaders adapted their behaviors accordingly. This study adds to the existing body of literature on Belizean education and provides a platform for research-based practice as MOE officials become informed of challenges/opportunities experienced by classroom teachers.

Authors

• Katherine A. Curry, Oklahoma State University

• Ed Harris, Oklahoma State University

• Dian Danderson, Belize Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports

• Candy Carla Garnett, Belize Ministry of Education

• Jentre J. Olsen, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater