Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Department

Education

First Reader/Committee Chair

Carmen Beck

Abstract

Purpose. This study aimed to explore the best practices for inclusive education perceived by teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents. It was designed to identify: (a) training, (b) resources, (c) frameworks, (d) instructional practices, (e) classroom strategies, and (f) administrator attributes that support inclusive education.

Methodology. This qualitative case study research design study used a semi-structured

interview protocol to explore the best practices of twenty participants. Five participants from each group were selected. Through a qualitative case study, the researcher wanted to explore the participants' experiences through rich dialogue.

Findings. Through this study, nine best practices were deemed best among the four groups: (a) training on instructional practices, (b) training on special education, (c) training on inclusion, (d) training on models of inclusion, (e) planning time, (f) peer modeling as an instructional practice, (g) expectations, (h) administrators advocate for inclusion, and (i) supportive administrators.

Conclusion. Inclusive education is the practice of welcoming, valuing, empowering, and supporting all students as a whole child in shared environments and experiences. The best practices discovered in this study provide insight into training, resources, instructional practices, classroom community, and leadership attributes to support inclusive education. However, these practices should not be limited to just educators. When it comes to inclusive education, it's about the team behind the child. It's teamwork and collaboration between teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents to ensure all students are adequately prepared to be functional members of society.

Recommendations. School districts should assess and monitor the implementation process of inclusive education to incorporate necessary components to ensure success for students, staff, families, and administrators. Further research could examine the correlation between frameworks and which is most successful with inclusive education. Adding to the body of research on this significant group will provide a greater understanding of their unique experiences. The data this study adds to the understanding of inclusive education best practices, and the support required to promote student success will further the progression of inclusivity.

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