‘We are inclusive. We are a team. Let's just do it’: commitment, collective efficacy, and agency in four inclusive schools

ABSTRACT

Implementation of inclusive education for children with disabilities continues to vary across and within Canadian provinces and territories leading us to question why some schools move forward while others maintain traditional segregated approaches. Drawing from Appreciative Inquiry methodology, this study used semi-structured interviews to gather and document successful practices within four inclusive elementary schools within a Canadian province. Interviews were conducted with students, parents, teachers, educational assistants, and principals. Thematic analysis revealed a common belief in the central importance of learning and relationships for all students, shared commitment to inclusion, general classroom teacher responsibility, and collaborative team work characterised by a belief in collective efficacy. The predominant finding in this study was individual and collective agency that transcended themes. Participants reported ongoing and conjoint processes of planning, teaching, reflecting on current practice, sharing knowledge and ideas, solving problems together, and attending to relationships.

KEYWORDS:

• Inclusive education
• collective efficacy
• agency
• collaboration

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Community-University Research Alliance under Grant number 833–08–1012, and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services.