Interrogation of Racial Representations in Introduction to Inclusive Education Course Syllabi

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Transforming Teacher Education for Radical Inclusive Education

Abstract

Introductory inclusive education courses shape pre-service teachers' understanding of the field of inclusive education by providing access to information and ideas at a time when prospective teachers are beginning to formulate their pedagogical and philosophical beliefs. Several scholars note that textual silence and presence represent ideological interests at work, coaching the reader to particular ideas and viewpoints, conferring legitimacy on particular groups while silencing the perspectives and experiences of others. Therefore, we examine twelve introductory course syllabi to determine the instructor's approach to the intersection of race/ethnicity and disability.

Authors

• Joy Banks, George Mason University

• Phillandra Samantha Smith, Syracuse University