Using Instructional Rounds to Build a Community of Inclusive Practitioners

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Collaboration for Equity and Community (Table 5)

Abstract

This mixed methods study focuses on the development of teachers’ inclusive teaching practices, specifically planning and instruction utilizing the principles of Universal Design for Learning. The purpose of this research is to support all teachers in general education classrooms, special education classrooms, and intervention settings by implementing an instructional rounds model of professional development to improve instructional practices. Instructional rounds engage participants in a professional learning community that results in discussion and examination of instruction. Instructional Rounds have been found to help build a common language and understanding of effective teaching and learning, support critical reflection, increase teachers’ confidence and self-efficacy, and have a positive impact on student learning.

Authors

• Francesca Ciotoli, St. Thomas Aquinas College

• Celeste Bonura, West Morris School District