Inclusive High Schools: Learning from Contemporary Classrooms

Addressing both process and outcome, this book provides a framework for developing inclusive high schools by taking detailed account of high schools that have struggled, strategized, and ultimately achieved success. Themes discussed include:

• building crucial school-based relationships



• developing support strategies



• communicating responsibilities



• preparing for the classroom



• establishing continuity



• planning lessons and adapting curricula



• redistributing school resources

High school teachers, administrators, university faculty, and parents will recognize the common challenges in adopting inclusive practices and find proven strategies that can be used as starting points for solutions.

Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., is Associate Professor in the College of Education, Department of Teacher Education, at San Diego State University, where he teaches classes in English language development and literacy. His background includes adolescent literacy and instructional strategies for diverse student needs. He often presents at local, state, and national conferences and has published numerous articles on reading/literacy, differentiated instruction, accommodations, and curriculum development. He serves as Director of Professional Development for the City Heights Educational Collaborative in San Diego, California.

Caren L. Sax, Ed.D. is Assistant Professor in San Diego State University's rehabilitation counseling graduate program. She also coordinates the Certificate of Rehabilitation Technology with the College of Engineering and the Pupil Personnel Services credential with the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. She has taught courses in assistive technology, transition, special education, and rehabilitation, both on campus and via distance education. Through funding from federal and state grant projects, she has directed research, demonstration, and training projects related to the applications of assistive technology, systems change efforts for school-to-adult life transition services for students with disabilities, and continuing education opportunities for community rehabilitation personnel. Dr. Sax has written extensively and presents at conferences, seminars, and symposia held locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally.

Ian Pumpian, Ph.D., Professor in Educational Leadership, has been a special education teacher, teacher educator, keynote speaker, and educational visionary. His expertise includes system change efforts, school reform, and inclusive education.