Inclusivity of students with special education needs and disabilities: memorable messages from teachers in secondary schools

ABSTRACT

Given that students spend considerable time with their teachers, the instructional realm is an important context for studying memorable messages. We sought to identify memorable messages about inclusivity in the classroom that first-semester college students recall from their secondary school teachers. Specifically, this study focused on messages about the inclusion of students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). Students recalled memorable messages that revealed prosocial themes including those that emphasised the importance of including students with SEND, treating all students equally, and reframing neurodivergence as positive.

KEYWORDS:

• Memorable messages
• inclusivity
• students with SEND

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

• SDG 4: Quality education; SDG 10: Reduced inequalities; SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

R. E. Purtell

R. E. Purtell completed her PhD in Communication Studies from West Virginia University in May 2023 and remains in higher education in an administrative capacity at Marymount University. Broadly, her research interests include contributing to our understanding of how hegemonic issues are communicated and perpetuated in and by organizations and institutions by taking a social issue-centered perspective on analyzing organizational culture and communication. She also studies communication experiences and dynamics in traditionally underrepresented romantic relationships, such as consensually non-monogamous relationships and interracial couples, and believes research is at its best when diverse scholars can collaborate to create translational research that serves communities in need.

Christiana A. Robey

Christiana A. Robey earned her MA in Communication Studies from West Virginia University in August 2021 and currently serves Service Coordination Inc. as a Case Manager and Supports Planner.

Madeleine D. Butcher

Madeleine D. Butcher earned her MA in Communication Studies from West Virginia University in August 2021 and currently serves Baldwin Wallace University as a Learning Specialist.

Matthew M. Martin

Matthew M. Martin is a professor in the Communication Studies department at West Virginia University and is one the most prolific scholars in the discipline. His research interests include bullying and verbal aggression, communication competence, communication motives, and student learning.