A World Away From IEPs: How Disabled Students Learn in Out-of-School Spaces

This book offers alternative ways to think about learning and behavior in special education by showcasing the success of disabled students in community-centered spaces. It combines theory and practice with illustrative case studies and a disability studies lens, providing valuable insights for educators and students alike.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2022
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

Step outside the realm of IEPs and behavioral paperwork prevalent in schools and venture into the vibrant world where disabled individuals are flourishing today. Witness the remarkable outcomes in learning, growth, and expression firsthand. This authoritative book presents readers with alternative perspectives on learning and behavior in special education. Through captivating illustrative case studies and a disability studies lens, author Erin McCloskey showcases how these students excel creatively beyond the classroom and school walls. Through the voices of people with disabilities, she reveals how these students thrive in community-centered spaces such as dojos, riding arenas, theater stages, music studios, and more, where they have the autonomy to choose their learning paths, bodies, and goals.

Balancing theory and practice, the book delves into alternative learning spaces, illustrating how disabled students engage and thrive within them. It shares valuable lessons learned from each space, making it an invaluable resource for educators and practitioners alike. These ideas are applicable to students of all ages and with diverse disabilities.

Key Features of the Book:

Uses the powerful voices of people with disabilities to advocate for alternative approaches to learning and behavior in special education.

Provides rich case studies and concise interludes to showcase how disabled students are excelling in unexpected ways outside of school, where they have the freedom to explore and thrive.

Concisely summarizes important insights from each case study in chapter sections titled "Lessons Learned."

Encourages thoughtful discussion of the book's concepts with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter.

Combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to guide readers in implementing the concepts in diverse settings with a wide range of disabled students.

By venturing beyond the traditional boundaries of special education, this book offers a fresh perspective on unlocking the potential of disabled individuals. It empowers educators and practitioners to create inclusive learning environments that foster creativity, self-determination, and lifelong success for all students.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807766729