Leadership for Inclusive Schools - by Steven Ray Sider & Kimberly Maich (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

This book provides case studies and resources to help school principals develop skills and knowledge in leading inclusive schools for students with special education needs.

Review Quotes

Case studies based on real events and real people form the core of this book. The case studies invite principals to consider the varied perspectives of teachers, students, parents, community members, school boards and other stakeholders as the principals reflect on actions they might take to support positive outcomes for students in inclusive classrooms. Each case study is followed by relevant questions to focus and extend reader thinking as well a generous, annotated list of relevant references. Highly readable and practical, this fresh and well-executed approach to the topic of inclusion will contribute to the development of more effective leaders and more inclusive learning environments in the schools they lead.

In over thirty years of research in inclusive practices I have found a critical element to determine success. For any organization to transform practices to become inclusive, leadership is key. This book, focused on leadership, is a welcome addition to the field. The format is engaging; presenting cases to facilitate analysis and learning is perfect for teaching. I am excited to see the innovative ways teachers and students interact with this text.

Making schools inclusive demands the transformation of a wide range of long entrenched school and classroom practices. This book provides insights on the critical elements of effective and value-driven leadership needed to achieve that goal. The case study format draws the reader into the practical and difficult issues faced by principals in schools every day. In Leadership for Inclusive Schools: Cases from Principals for Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs, Sider and Maich have delivered a resource that will be invaluable for the professional learning of both current and prospective school leaders.

The chapters in this book will support valuable professional learning for school leaders who are striving to establish a more inclusive approach to culture, policy and practice. Learning from such an extensive range of authentic leadership experience will support school leaders to guide their work with students, staff, and parents to establish and sustain inclusion.

The research is clear; great schools have great principals and vice-principals. And while we have much to be proud of regarding public school systems in Canada, we know that we can do better. Leadership for Inclusive Schools: Cases from Principals for Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs provides a handbook for creating more inclusive learning communitiesby sharing real-life examples of effective inclusionary practises from practising school leaders. The authors have provided a much needed roadmap and helpful resources for school leaders to create truly inclusive learning communities that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population.

This book clearly fills a gap for school leaders as they work towards creating inclusive schools. The case study combined with evidence-based interpretations supports accessible, practical and current learning for principals and vice-principals. Applying this new knowledge allows school leaders to move beyond procedures and policies toward the development of a deeper understanding of the skills needed to work with students with special needs and their families.

About the Author

Steve Sider is a former school administrator and current university faculty member who researches inclusive education and school leadership. He directs the Centre for Leading Research in Education and has held six national research grants exploring how school principals' leadership competencies are nurtured.
Kimberly Maich is a current university professor, psychologist, and behavior analyst, as well as a former autism consultant to schools, vice principal, resource teacher, and guidance counselor in charge of special service.