The Teacher's Role in Implementing Cooperative Learning in the Classroom

The Teacher's Role in Implementing Cooperative Learning in the Classroom

Author: Robyn M. Gillies

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007-09-26

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 0387708928

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Cooperative learning is widely endorsed as a pedagogical practice that promotes student learning. Recently, the research focus has moved to the role of teachers’ discourse during cooperative learning and its effects on the quality of group discussions and the learning achieved. However, although the benefits of cooperative learning are well documented, implementing this pedagogical practice in classrooms is a challenge that many teachers have difficulties accomplishing. Difficulties may occur because teachers often do not have a clear understanding of the basic tenets of cooperative learning and the research and theoretical perspectives that have informed this practice and how they translate into practical applications that can be used in their classrooms. In effect, what do teachers need to do to affect the benefits widely documented in research? A reluctance to embrace cooperative learning may also be due to the challenge it poses to teachers’ control of the learning process, the demands it places on classroom organisational changes, and the personal commitments teachers need to make to sustain their efforts. Moreover, a lack of understanding of the key role teachers need to play in embedding cooperative learning into the curricula to foster open communication and engagement among teachers and students, promote cooperative investigation and problem-solving, and provide students with emotionally and intellectually stimulating learning environments may be another contributing factor. The Teacher's Role in Implementing Cooperative Learning in the Classroom provides readers with a comprehensive overview of these issues with clear guidelines on how teachers can embed cooperative learning into their classroom curricula to obtain the benefits widely attributed to this pedagogical practice. It does so by using language that is appropriate for both novice and experienced educators. The volume provides: an overview of the major research and theoretical perspectives that underpin the development of cooperative learning pedagogy; outlines how specific small group experiences can promote thinking and learning; discusses the key role teachers play in promoting student discourse; and, demonstrates how interaction style among students and teachers is crucial in facilitating discussion and learning. The collection of chapters includes many practical illustrations, drawn from the contributors’ own research of how teachers can use cooperative learning pedagogy to facilitate thinking and learning among students across different educational settings.


Book Synopsis The Teacher's Role in Implementing Cooperative Learning in the Classroom by : Robyn M. Gillies

Download or read book The Teacher's Role in Implementing Cooperative Learning in the Classroom written by Robyn M. Gillies and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-09-26 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cooperative learning is widely endorsed as a pedagogical practice that promotes student learning. Recently, the research focus has moved to the role of teachers’ discourse during cooperative learning and its effects on the quality of group discussions and the learning achieved. However, although the benefits of cooperative learning are well documented, implementing this pedagogical practice in classrooms is a challenge that many teachers have difficulties accomplishing. Difficulties may occur because teachers often do not have a clear understanding of the basic tenets of cooperative learning and the research and theoretical perspectives that have informed this practice and how they translate into practical applications that can be used in their classrooms. In effect, what do teachers need to do to affect the benefits widely documented in research? A reluctance to embrace cooperative learning may also be due to the challenge it poses to teachers’ control of the learning process, the demands it places on classroom organisational changes, and the personal commitments teachers need to make to sustain their efforts. Moreover, a lack of understanding of the key role teachers need to play in embedding cooperative learning into the curricula to foster open communication and engagement among teachers and students, promote cooperative investigation and problem-solving, and provide students with emotionally and intellectually stimulating learning environments may be another contributing factor. The Teacher's Role in Implementing Cooperative Learning in the Classroom provides readers with a comprehensive overview of these issues with clear guidelines on how teachers can embed cooperative learning into their classroom curricula to obtain the benefits widely attributed to this pedagogical practice. It does so by using language that is appropriate for both novice and experienced educators. The volume provides: an overview of the major research and theoretical perspectives that underpin the development of cooperative learning pedagogy; outlines how specific small group experiences can promote thinking and learning; discusses the key role teachers play in promoting student discourse; and, demonstrates how interaction style among students and teachers is crucial in facilitating discussion and learning. The collection of chapters includes many practical illustrations, drawn from the contributors’ own research of how teachers can use cooperative learning pedagogy to facilitate thinking and learning among students across different educational settings.


The teacher’s role in cooperative learning in inclusive classrooms

The teacher’s role in cooperative learning in inclusive classrooms

Author: Sarah Eisenfeld

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2019-03-20

Total Pages: 23

ISBN-13: 3668902984

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Pedagogy, Literature Studies, grade: 1,7, Free University of Berlin (Institute for English Language and Literature), course: Ausgewählte Themen der Englischdidaktik, language: English, abstract: This paper analyses the role of the teacher required for cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom. Cooperative learning is an efficient and evidence-based teaching method for inclusive classrooms, which puts the emphasizes on learning that is facilitated by students rather than the teacher and thus represents a shift from traditional lecture-style classrooms to more brain-friendly environments. However, although cooperative learning is consistently acknowledged for its efficacy, its implementation remains a challenge. The question whether teachers have the professional competences needed to implement inclusive education is often ignored. The implementation of the convention brings new challenges to the classroom. Inclusive classrooms require inclusive teaching, which means a change of paradigm from a teacher-centred education to a student-centred education has to be enforced. The traditional role distribution between teachers and students does not do justice to an inclusive classroom. The conventional imparting of knowledge and competences should be replaced by a more auto-didactical approach. Consequently, the education requirements for students and teachers change. There is innumerable research on cooperative learning but only limited research sheds light on the new role a teacher has to take on when it comes to implementing cooperative learning in inclusive classrooms. The main questions to be answered are the following: What does a teacher need to consider when they implement cooperative learning in classrooms? How can the teacher support cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom? Is it even possible for a teacher to fulfil all requirements that come with cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom?


Book Synopsis The teacher’s role in cooperative learning in inclusive classrooms by : Sarah Eisenfeld

Download or read book The teacher’s role in cooperative learning in inclusive classrooms written by Sarah Eisenfeld and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2019-03-20 with total page 23 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Pedagogy, Literature Studies, grade: 1,7, Free University of Berlin (Institute for English Language and Literature), course: Ausgewählte Themen der Englischdidaktik, language: English, abstract: This paper analyses the role of the teacher required for cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom. Cooperative learning is an efficient and evidence-based teaching method for inclusive classrooms, which puts the emphasizes on learning that is facilitated by students rather than the teacher and thus represents a shift from traditional lecture-style classrooms to more brain-friendly environments. However, although cooperative learning is consistently acknowledged for its efficacy, its implementation remains a challenge. The question whether teachers have the professional competences needed to implement inclusive education is often ignored. The implementation of the convention brings new challenges to the classroom. Inclusive classrooms require inclusive teaching, which means a change of paradigm from a teacher-centred education to a student-centred education has to be enforced. The traditional role distribution between teachers and students does not do justice to an inclusive classroom. The conventional imparting of knowledge and competences should be replaced by a more auto-didactical approach. Consequently, the education requirements for students and teachers change. There is innumerable research on cooperative learning but only limited research sheds light on the new role a teacher has to take on when it comes to implementing cooperative learning in inclusive classrooms. The main questions to be answered are the following: What does a teacher need to consider when they implement cooperative learning in classrooms? How can the teacher support cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom? Is it even possible for a teacher to fulfil all requirements that come with cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom?


The Teacher's Role in Cooperative Learning in Inclusive Classrooms

The Teacher's Role in Cooperative Learning in Inclusive Classrooms

Author: Sarah Eisenfeld

Publisher:

Published: 2019-02-15

Total Pages: 24

ISBN-13: 9783668902992

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject English - Pedagogy, Didactics, Literature Studies, grade: 1,7, Free University of Berlin (Institute for English Language and Literature), course: Ausgewählte Themen der Englischdidaktik, language: English, abstract: This paper analyses the role of the teacher required for cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom. Cooperative learning is an efficient and evidence-based teaching method for inclusive classrooms, which puts the emphasizes on learning that is facilitated by students rather than the teacher and thus represents a shift from traditional lecture-style classrooms to more brain-friendly environments. However, although cooperative learning is consistently acknowledged for its efficacy, its implementation remains a challenge. The question whether teachers have the professional competences needed to implement inclusive education is often ignored. The implementation of the convention brings new challenges to the classroom. Inclusive classrooms require inclusive teaching, which means a change of paradigm from a teacher-centred education to a student-centred education has to be enforced. The traditional role distribution between teachers and students does not do justice to an inclusive classroom. The conventional imparting of knowledge and competences should be replaced by a more auto-didactical approach. Consequently, the education requirements for students and teachers change. There is innumerable research on cooperative learning but only limited research sheds light on the new role a teacher has to take on when it comes to implementing cooperative learning in inclusive classrooms. The main questions to be answered are the following: What does a teacher need to consider when they implement cooperative learning in classrooms? How can the teacher support cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom? Is it even possible for a teacher to fulfil all requirements that come with cooperative learning in an inclusiv


Book Synopsis The Teacher's Role in Cooperative Learning in Inclusive Classrooms by : Sarah Eisenfeld

Download or read book The Teacher's Role in Cooperative Learning in Inclusive Classrooms written by Sarah Eisenfeld and published by . This book was released on 2019-02-15 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject English - Pedagogy, Didactics, Literature Studies, grade: 1,7, Free University of Berlin (Institute for English Language and Literature), course: Ausgewählte Themen der Englischdidaktik, language: English, abstract: This paper analyses the role of the teacher required for cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom. Cooperative learning is an efficient and evidence-based teaching method for inclusive classrooms, which puts the emphasizes on learning that is facilitated by students rather than the teacher and thus represents a shift from traditional lecture-style classrooms to more brain-friendly environments. However, although cooperative learning is consistently acknowledged for its efficacy, its implementation remains a challenge. The question whether teachers have the professional competences needed to implement inclusive education is often ignored. The implementation of the convention brings new challenges to the classroom. Inclusive classrooms require inclusive teaching, which means a change of paradigm from a teacher-centred education to a student-centred education has to be enforced. The traditional role distribution between teachers and students does not do justice to an inclusive classroom. The conventional imparting of knowledge and competences should be replaced by a more auto-didactical approach. Consequently, the education requirements for students and teachers change. There is innumerable research on cooperative learning but only limited research sheds light on the new role a teacher has to take on when it comes to implementing cooperative learning in inclusive classrooms. The main questions to be answered are the following: What does a teacher need to consider when they implement cooperative learning in classrooms? How can the teacher support cooperative learning in an inclusive classroom? Is it even possible for a teacher to fulfil all requirements that come with cooperative learning in an inclusiv


Cooperative Learning and Strategies for Inclusion

Cooperative Learning and Strategies for Inclusion

Author: JoAnne Wachholz Putnam

Publisher: Brookes Publishing Company

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book reviews the basics of cooperative learning and provides guidance to educators and administrators on adapting curricula and implementing methods such as multilevel instruction.


Book Synopsis Cooperative Learning and Strategies for Inclusion by : JoAnne Wachholz Putnam

Download or read book Cooperative Learning and Strategies for Inclusion written by JoAnne Wachholz Putnam and published by Brookes Publishing Company. This book was released on 1998 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reviews the basics of cooperative learning and provides guidance to educators and administrators on adapting curricula and implementing methods such as multilevel instruction.


Cooperative Learning for Intercultural Classrooms

Cooperative Learning for Intercultural Classrooms

Author: Kate Ferguson-Patrick

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-02-21

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13: 1351164627

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Cooperative Learning for Intercultural Classrooms helps both pre-service and in-service teachers to develop a well-researched pedagogy that supports inclusive practice for a globalised world. It provides: an overview of theoretical perspectives that illustrate why cooperative learning is an effective learning strategy; reviews research findings about how cooperative learning supports inclusion; and outlines the strategies and methods that support teachers in putting cooperative learning into practice. Providing a step-by-step guide to implementing cooperative learning for schools, teachers and teacher educators, this invaluable resource includes: guidelines for a staged approach to implementation; case studies of cooperative learning in classrooms from a range of different contexts, including Australia, England, Sweden, Italy, India, Singapore and Hong Kong; guidance on developing an effective professional development programme for a school; appendices with valuable information on a range of cooperative learning structures and explanations of the main types of cooperative learning used in classrooms.


Book Synopsis Cooperative Learning for Intercultural Classrooms by : Kate Ferguson-Patrick

Download or read book Cooperative Learning for Intercultural Classrooms written by Kate Ferguson-Patrick and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-02-21 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cooperative Learning for Intercultural Classrooms helps both pre-service and in-service teachers to develop a well-researched pedagogy that supports inclusive practice for a globalised world. It provides: an overview of theoretical perspectives that illustrate why cooperative learning is an effective learning strategy; reviews research findings about how cooperative learning supports inclusion; and outlines the strategies and methods that support teachers in putting cooperative learning into practice. Providing a step-by-step guide to implementing cooperative learning for schools, teachers and teacher educators, this invaluable resource includes: guidelines for a staged approach to implementation; case studies of cooperative learning in classrooms from a range of different contexts, including Australia, England, Sweden, Italy, India, Singapore and Hong Kong; guidance on developing an effective professional development programme for a school; appendices with valuable information on a range of cooperative learning structures and explanations of the main types of cooperative learning used in classrooms.


The Inclusive Classroom

The Inclusive Classroom

Author: Daniel Sobel

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2021-01-07

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 1472977890

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Effective inclusion in the classroom shouldn't be a burden; it should be the most rewarding aspect of a teacher's role. 'An excellent guide to changing approaches to inclusion and creating a culture where all children can flourish.' SEN Magazine In this innovative guide to supporting the most vulnerable students, experts Daniel Sobel and Sara Alston help primary and secondary teachers understand the barriers to children's learning. Emphasising the importance of meeting needs rather than focusing on diagnosis, they provide proven differentiation methods that maximise learning for the whole class, while reducing stress and saving time for the teacher. Guiding teachers through all the different phases of a single lesson, from starters to plenaries, the unique format of The Inclusive Classroom will help bring inclusion to the forefront of any lesson plan. Each chapter contains simple, effective actions to differentiate and improve learning outcomes for students vulnerable to underachievement, including those traditionally labelled SEN, EAL, pupil premium, looked after and young carers. Also provided are back-up ideas for when things don't go to plan, real-life anecdotes from teachers, and instructions on how to rethink traditional diagnoses and instead prioritise strengths and participation needs.


Book Synopsis The Inclusive Classroom by : Daniel Sobel

Download or read book The Inclusive Classroom written by Daniel Sobel and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2021-01-07 with total page 177 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Effective inclusion in the classroom shouldn't be a burden; it should be the most rewarding aspect of a teacher's role. 'An excellent guide to changing approaches to inclusion and creating a culture where all children can flourish.' SEN Magazine In this innovative guide to supporting the most vulnerable students, experts Daniel Sobel and Sara Alston help primary and secondary teachers understand the barriers to children's learning. Emphasising the importance of meeting needs rather than focusing on diagnosis, they provide proven differentiation methods that maximise learning for the whole class, while reducing stress and saving time for the teacher. Guiding teachers through all the different phases of a single lesson, from starters to plenaries, the unique format of The Inclusive Classroom will help bring inclusion to the forefront of any lesson plan. Each chapter contains simple, effective actions to differentiate and improve learning outcomes for students vulnerable to underachievement, including those traditionally labelled SEN, EAL, pupil premium, looked after and young carers. Also provided are back-up ideas for when things don't go to plan, real-life anecdotes from teachers, and instructions on how to rethink traditional diagnoses and instead prioritise strengths and participation needs.


Cooperative Learning in the Classroom

Cooperative Learning in the Classroom

Author: Wendy Jolliffe

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2007-01-17

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13: 1446225119

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

′What is cooperative learning? Why should teachers use it in the classroom? What are the benefits? In eight accessible chapters, Wendy Jolliffe, lecturer in primary education at Hull University, outlines the theory and practice of cooperative learning and shows how the "outcomes and aims of Every Child Matters (2004) can be clearly mapped to the advantages of cooperative learning."... A useful resource for teachers, headteachers, trainee teachers and support staff′ - Learning and Teaching Update Cooperative Learning is about structuring lesson activities to encourage pupils to work collaboratively in pairs or small groups to support each other to improve their learning. This inclusive approach to teaching is very much in tune with current initiatives such as Every Child Matters and Excellence and Enjoyment and the focus on learning styles. This book is an accessible guide to implementing cooperative learning in the classroom. It includes: " an explanation of the key factors that make cooperative learning work " a step-by-step approach to implementing cooperative learning in the classroom " advice on how to measure the effectiveness of cooperative learning " guidance for using cooperative learning to encourage effective talk " links to supporting children′s emotional intelligence " ideas for practical activities " an action plan and programme for whole school professional development The book is an invaluable resource for individual teachers using cooperative learning techniques in classrooms, this book will also be of interest to headteachers, trainee teachers and learning support staff.


Book Synopsis Cooperative Learning in the Classroom by : Wendy Jolliffe

Download or read book Cooperative Learning in the Classroom written by Wendy Jolliffe and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2007-01-17 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ′What is cooperative learning? Why should teachers use it in the classroom? What are the benefits? In eight accessible chapters, Wendy Jolliffe, lecturer in primary education at Hull University, outlines the theory and practice of cooperative learning and shows how the "outcomes and aims of Every Child Matters (2004) can be clearly mapped to the advantages of cooperative learning."... A useful resource for teachers, headteachers, trainee teachers and support staff′ - Learning and Teaching Update Cooperative Learning is about structuring lesson activities to encourage pupils to work collaboratively in pairs or small groups to support each other to improve their learning. This inclusive approach to teaching is very much in tune with current initiatives such as Every Child Matters and Excellence and Enjoyment and the focus on learning styles. This book is an accessible guide to implementing cooperative learning in the classroom. It includes: " an explanation of the key factors that make cooperative learning work " a step-by-step approach to implementing cooperative learning in the classroom " advice on how to measure the effectiveness of cooperative learning " guidance for using cooperative learning to encourage effective talk " links to supporting children′s emotional intelligence " ideas for practical activities " an action plan and programme for whole school professional development The book is an invaluable resource for individual teachers using cooperative learning techniques in classrooms, this book will also be of interest to headteachers, trainee teachers and learning support staff.


Cooperative Learning in Diverse Classrooms

Cooperative Learning in Diverse Classrooms

Author: JoAnne Wachholz Putnam

Publisher: Macmillan College

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is an exploration of the fundamentals of co-operative learning which explains its theoretical and research foundations. This book also provides real-life examples and lesson plans for creative co-operative group instruction, co-operative classroom management, and assessment and problem solving. It is designed to help students develop a repertoire of instructional strategies, exploring multiple approaches and methods. It also presents explicit suggestions for modifying standard lessons (objectives, materials and the environment) in order to meet the needs of diverse and exceptional learners.


Book Synopsis Cooperative Learning in Diverse Classrooms by : JoAnne Wachholz Putnam

Download or read book Cooperative Learning in Diverse Classrooms written by JoAnne Wachholz Putnam and published by Macmillan College. This book was released on 1997 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is an exploration of the fundamentals of co-operative learning which explains its theoretical and research foundations. This book also provides real-life examples and lesson plans for creative co-operative group instruction, co-operative classroom management, and assessment and problem solving. It is designed to help students develop a repertoire of instructional strategies, exploring multiple approaches and methods. It also presents explicit suggestions for modifying standard lessons (objectives, materials and the environment) in order to meet the needs of diverse and exceptional learners.


Connecting Teachers, Students, and Standards

Connecting Teachers, Students, and Standards

Author: Deborah L. Voltz

Publisher: ASCD

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 185

ISBN-13: 1416611177

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Features a field-tested framework for teaching to ensure inclusion and differentiated instruction are in harmony with standards-based education.


Book Synopsis Connecting Teachers, Students, and Standards by : Deborah L. Voltz

Download or read book Connecting Teachers, Students, and Standards written by Deborah L. Voltz and published by ASCD. This book was released on 2010 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Features a field-tested framework for teaching to ensure inclusion and differentiated instruction are in harmony with standards-based education.


Exploring Inclusive Educational Practices Through Professional Inquiry

Exploring Inclusive Educational Practices Through Professional Inquiry

Author: Gordon L. Porter

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-01-01

Total Pages: 287

ISBN-13: 9460915582

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Practitioners, scholars, and teacher education students alike can celebrate reading Exploring Inclusive Educational Practices through Professional Inquiry. This rich array of case scenarios both illuminates and elaborates the meaning of inclusion in today’s schools and tomorrow’s visions. Twenty-five stories from parents, teachers, school principals, and specialists highlight the kind of experiential knowledge that won’t be found in typical research reports and district documents about inclusive education. What happens to real people—students and their families—doesn’t always resemble policies that can look so good on paper. This book makes a wonderful contribution to better understandings of the challenges of inclusion as well as the commitments positioned alongside values in order to meet those challenges. There are brave and spirited people in these pages—not the least of whom are the children themselves.Professor Luanna H. Meyer, PhD Director, Jessie Hetherington Centre for Educational Research Victoria University, New Zealand This is a book on inclusive education that leaves you with hope and ideas for action. It takes a very difficult and highly charged topic and demonstrates that it is possible to see both the trees and the forest. Michael Fullan Professor Emeritus OISE/University of Toronto We are reminded in the commentaries parents share in this book of how their passionate commitment to good education and their ideas make inclusion work. The case-study approach reveals the critical importance of their, and many other perspectives in finding solutions to what are so often dismissed as irresolveable dilemmas. They aren’t, and this book models exactly the kinds of conversations we need in schools across the country to challenge all of us to stay the course. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to make diversity and inclusion a reality in public education today. Michael Bach Executive Vice-President Canadian Association for Community Living


Book Synopsis Exploring Inclusive Educational Practices Through Professional Inquiry by : Gordon L. Porter

Download or read book Exploring Inclusive Educational Practices Through Professional Inquiry written by Gordon L. Porter and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-01-01 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Practitioners, scholars, and teacher education students alike can celebrate reading Exploring Inclusive Educational Practices through Professional Inquiry. This rich array of case scenarios both illuminates and elaborates the meaning of inclusion in today’s schools and tomorrow’s visions. Twenty-five stories from parents, teachers, school principals, and specialists highlight the kind of experiential knowledge that won’t be found in typical research reports and district documents about inclusive education. What happens to real people—students and their families—doesn’t always resemble policies that can look so good on paper. This book makes a wonderful contribution to better understandings of the challenges of inclusion as well as the commitments positioned alongside values in order to meet those challenges. There are brave and spirited people in these pages—not the least of whom are the children themselves.Professor Luanna H. Meyer, PhD Director, Jessie Hetherington Centre for Educational Research Victoria University, New Zealand This is a book on inclusive education that leaves you with hope and ideas for action. It takes a very difficult and highly charged topic and demonstrates that it is possible to see both the trees and the forest. Michael Fullan Professor Emeritus OISE/University of Toronto We are reminded in the commentaries parents share in this book of how their passionate commitment to good education and their ideas make inclusion work. The case-study approach reveals the critical importance of their, and many other perspectives in finding solutions to what are so often dismissed as irresolveable dilemmas. They aren’t, and this book models exactly the kinds of conversations we need in schools across the country to challenge all of us to stay the course. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to make diversity and inclusion a reality in public education today. Michael Bach Executive Vice-President Canadian Association for Community Living