Inclusive Educational Administration

Book excerpt: The belief that regular and special education administrators should work together to create and maintain successful education programs for all students is not new, nor is the assumption that administrator preparation programs should foster the development of an inclusive approach—yet this critical educational partnership has not reached its full potential. Despite the lack of agreement within the federal legislative branch on exactly what should be changed within our education system, some promising points of consensus have emerged: competitive grants, college and career readiness, multi-tiered systems of support, common core standards, a rewards-based (rather than punitive) system for school improvement, the critical role of effective teachers and principals, increased school choice options, and evidence-based learning strategies, particularly in high-need schools. The third edition stresses the importance of these key points. Each chapter features case studies that simulate real-life situations readers are likely to encounter in their careers as administrators. Within the safety of the classroom, they will rehearse controversial scenarios involving inclusive school governance, school reform, identification and placement, conflict resolution, program evaluation, fiscal issues, transportation, and discipline. Enhanced practice situations and role-play exercises emphasize the special education administrator’s role in resolving difficult situations. The case-study approach is an effective learning tool for aspiring special and regular education administrators and instructors alike, fostering enthusiastic classroom discussion and critical thinking about potential solutions to today’s complex problems in inclusive educational administration.