Identity-Affirming Arts Integration and Special Education: Inclusion Through Belonging

Identity-Affirming Arts Integration and Special Education introduces a transformative approach to special education by integrating identity-affirming arts into teaching practices. Using critical frameworks, the book demonstrates how arts integration can enhance adolescent students’ linguistic, cognitive, and emotional engagement in content area and literacy learning.

This three-part volume presents an inclusive, evidence-based model for fostering student engagement through a sense of belonging and value. It bridges interdisciplinary scholarship in human development, special education, disability justice, and critical disability studies. The book highlights arts integration practices implemented by educators in inclusive classrooms, with real-world examples from middle and high school settings that feature students with diverse strengths and needs. Additionally, it offers practical case studies and teacher demonstrations to support professional development and higher education training.

Essential reading for special and inclusive education practitioners, administrators, researchers, and policy advocates, this book provides valuable insights and tools to advance inclusive education practices.

Alida Anderson is a professor in the School of Education at American University. She was formerly an artist and a special education K-12 teacher.