From Disability to Possibility: The Power of Inclusive Classrooms

by Patrick Schwarz

From Disability to Possibility will change the way you look at your students with disabilities. And when you make that shift, the way those students look to you will change. You will see the possibilities, and in that vision, you will see the power of the inclusive classroom. -Kylene Beers Three decades after landmark special education legislation promised a better learning experience for students, special education is still just that-a promise. In America we have earned a failing grade in educating diverse learners, as evidenced by their overwhelming underemployment or joblessness after graduation. We can do better by adopting a new modelone that honors varied teaching and learning styles, transforming disability into possibility. Only then can we finally fulfill the promise of special education. From Disability to Possibility leads the way presenting the specific kinds of teaching, classroom practices, and support approaches that will make this new model of possibility a reality. Drawing on the stories of learners, both with and without disabilities, as well as families and teachers, Patrick Schwarz shows you not only why many current special education frameworks dont work, but also how they damage children, often for life. Then he demonstrates how possibility studies offers a meaningful, practical, and doable alternative to traditional special education practices both during the school years and after. Ideal for general educators, special educators, administrators, educational leaders, related service professionals, paraeducators and self-advocates, From Disability to Possibility illustrates, through stories of struggle and success, how creative, conscientious teachers can work with everyone involved in a students learning to make special education work. In addition Patrick Schwarz will show you that special education is a service, not a sentence, and that labels hurt. His ideas and passion will inspire you to look at diverse learners, their instruction, and their support in the classroom, the curriculum, and the social world of school from a new the possibility of disability .

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2006

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read and introduction to the basic principles of inclusion in the educational system. It got me thinking about a lot of interesting ideas, which is all I really ask of a good book. If I have one complaint (It's a trifling one), it might be that whenever there were stories of any parents involved in the special education process, it was always the moms. I didn't see any real mention of dads, although that might just be a product of the author's experience.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concepts but I disliked the writing style.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book talked about how self contain classrooms are “bad.” This text had a very narrow minded approach.

[Sean Kottke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slim volume is a must-read for all educators, special and general education alike. It was recommended to me by one of our instructors as a supplementary resource for LD majors. I'm recommending it as a core reading for all education students.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about how to actually think about disabilities as possibilities instead. It offers great insight into special education.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing necessarily revolutionary in 2014, but good reminders of best practices and best attitudes in resource teaching.