Inclusivity Imperatives and the Australian National Curriculum

Abstract

With work currently being undertaken on formulating Australia's first national curriculum, now seems an opportune time to review the current state of play with regard to how well inclusivity is being represented in the developing documentation. An accurate understanding of “what is” is often the first step in preparing for “what may be” on a much broader scale. Accordingly, this essay addresses three matters, and does so by way of engaging in interpretive documentary analysis. First, the notion of inclusivity in education per se is introduced, and the concept itself defined. Second, an examination is undertaken of how the various state jurisdictions currently interpret the notion of inclusivity. Third, consideration is given to the work presently being undertaken on inclusivity as it relates to the national curriculum.

Keywords:

• curriculum and instruction
• differentiated instruction
• diversity
• inclusive education