Georgia Educational Research Association Conference

A Different Direction: Toward Equity and Inclusivity in K-12 Classrooms

Although many United States educators and civil rights advocates have fought for higher quality and more equitable education, disparities and inequities continue to plague the American education system (Boykin & Noguera, 2011; Darling-Hammond, 2010; Delpit, 2012; George, 2015; Howard, 2010). Biased school practices and unfair education policies, have repressed practices of equity and inclusion in K-12 classrooms. Specifically, race based disparities in schools have led to mass expulsion, incarceration, increase school dropout, and disproportionate placements in special education programs. Although discussions about disparities in education is complex, and educators and leading scholars in the field don’t always agree on the primary causes and solutions, appropriate changes to current education policies and school practices are needed (George, 2015). Furthermore, critical examinations and discussions about education policies and school practices that sustain these disparities should be encouraged. Accordingly, the purpose of this presentation is to interactively explore ways in which educators could begin the process of understanding and identifying ways in which factors both inside and outside of the classroom impact equity and inclusion in K-12 classrooms. Such interactive discussions, could lead to positive changes. Implications exist for teachers and teacher educators who seek to promote equity and inclusivity in K-12 classrooms.