Unforgetting Disability: How Three School Districts Enact Pennsylvania’s Disability-Inclusive Curriculum Policy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Problematizing the Evidence Base

Abstract

In July 2022, the Pennsylvania General Assembly established Pennsylvania’s Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot (DICP), a three-year (2023-2026) program aimed to support instruction of the “political, economic, and social contributions of individuals with disabilities.” The purpose of this multi-case study is to provide insight into three sites’ curricular practices during the first two years of DICP implementation. Analysis of interviews, focus groups, and environmental scans at each site revealed similarities and differences in how sites leveraged existing frameworks, integrated state-provided resources, and used curriculum mapping when implementing this curricular pilot. Since limited research has investigated the implementation of disability-related curricular legislation, it is necessary to understand the practices that schools leverage to create meaningful curricular change.

Authors

• Christa S. Bialka, Villanova University

• Nicole Hansen, Seton Hall University

• Irene P. Kan, Villanova University

• St. Rachel Elora Ustanny, Seton Hall University

• Taylor Marin, Villanova University

• Evelyn Sperry, Villanova University

• Timothy Krushinski, Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Nichole Kopco, Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network