Including Religion and Spirituality in Working With Children With Exceptionalities and Their Families

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Pedagogical Implications for Considering the Intersection of Religion and Education (Table 4)

Abstract

Diversity related educational practices generally focus on race, ethnicity, gender, family composition, and ability, but educators are less likely to include religion and spirituality given trepidation regarding a topic commonly perceived as potentially volatile. How to navigate issues related to religion and spirituality within learning and developmental contexts is not typically centered within teacher preparation. Nevertheless, religion and spirituality are central human experiences that affect all students and their funds of knowledge. To support incorporating religion / spirituality in work with exceptional children, this manuscript discusses religion / spirituality as a dimension of diversity in work with families, highlights the salience and implications for young children with disabilities, and grounds applied practice in one’s positionality that includes religion and spirituality.

Author

• Mona M. Abo-Zena, University of Massachusetts - Boston