Defining and Exploring Relational Inclusion

• In Event: Inclusive Schools and Pathways for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Relationships are a fundamental component of schooling and are particularly important to student groups who have been traditionally marginalized, such as students who receive special education services. Nurturing positive peer relationships are essential to enhancing a sense of belonging and academic and social wellbeing of all students, particularly those with disabilities. This paper introduces and defines the concept of ‘relational inclusion’ in the context of special and inclusive education. In doing so, we provide an example of how relational inclusion may be explored in a general education setting with using a Social Network Analysis (SNA) Toolkit. Our position is that schools and educators should be more systematic in understanding and promoting relationships, thus developing more inclusive, caring, and just communities.

Authors

• Christoforos Mamas, University of California - San Diego
  Presenting Author

• David Trautman, University of California - San Diego
  Presenting Author