Date of Award
2020
Access Restriction
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate in Education
Department
Education
School or College
School of Education
First Advisor
Antonia Darder
Second Advisor
Dana Coleman
Third Advisor
Karen Huchting
Abstract
General education teachers are critical contributors to the successful inclusion of students labeled with learning disabilities in general education classrooms. Similarly, teacher beliefs about disability labels significantly influence how teachers include or exclude students labeled with a learning disability in their classrooms. This qualitative study investigated eight secondary general education teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion and their experiences teaching students labeled with a learning disability from a Critical Disabilities Studies perspective. Data were collected using an innovative qualitative method, Q methodology, in order to surface distinct perspectives within the group about inclusion and the experience of teaching students labeled with a learning disability in their classes. The data bore that while teachers agree with the aspirations of inclusive education, they insist they are not capable of teaching students labeled with a learning disability. These findings support the need for systemic change within teacher preparation programs and schools that can disrupt deficit notions of disability.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Allegra, "The Limits of Inclusion: Teacher beliefs and Experience with Inclusion of Students with Learning Disabilities" (2020). LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations. 932.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/932
