Diversity & Inclusion in Australian Schools is desigend for undergraduate students and presents a clear, socially-oriented approach to understanding and developing inclusion in education. The text conveys positive dimensions to promoting the implementation of inclusive education policy in practice, while at the same time focusing on those areas that are currently providing challenges to many teachers in inclusive learning environments. Its many practical examples and suggested classroom activities are balanced with relevant evidence-based information to assist students with their understanding of the issues about diverse abilities as they relate to inclusion in the classroom and associated school and community activities.

Table of Contents

Preface Part 1: Setting the Scene 1. Understanding Diversity and Inclusion Mervyn Hyde 2. Australian Schools, Policy and Legislation in Perspective Robert Conway Part 2: Embracing Diversity 3. Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Michele De Courcy 4. Indigenous Perspectives and Cultural Identity Clair Andersen and Maggie Walter 5. Gender and Diversity in the Classroom Maxine Cooper and Lyndsey ILes Part 3: Supporting Diverse Learning Needs in the Classroom 6. Addressing Learning Difficulties Raymond Brown and Elizabeth Hirst 7. Supporting Behaviour Change Lorelei Carpenter and Roberta Thompson 8. Meeting Complex Communication Needs in the Classroom Julie McMillan and Parimala Raghavendra 9. Suporting Students with Intellectual Disabilities Kathleen Tait 10. Understanding Sensory Impairment Mervyn Hyde and Carolyn Palmer 11. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Lorelei Carpenter 12. Special Learning Needs: Gifted and Learning Disabled Harry J.O. Milne Part 4: Creating Diverse and Inclusive Schools 13. Creating Inclusive Schools Mervyn Hyde 14. Accommodating Transitions Across the Years Robert Conway 15. Inclusive Education: The Way to the Future Mervyn Hyde, Lorelei Carpenter and Robert Conway