Date of Award

Fall 9-15-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Educational Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Gail Simpson Cahill

Second Advisor

Dr. Patricia Grain de Galarce

Third Advisor

Dr. Albert Johnson-Mussad

Abstract

This study contributes to understandings of inclusive school reform by examining one school’s efforts to create a more equitable educational experience for all students. Despite widespread advocacy and legal mandates for inclusion, segregation of students with dis/abilities persists, along with significant achievement and opportunity gaps. Inclusion is one possible solution that is consistent with democratic values. This single instrumental case study was guided by three research questions focusing on how educators conceive of their efforts toward the inclusion of students with dis/abilities, changes made to support inclusion, and how educators define the success of inclusion efforts. Drawing on multiple data sources and relying on frameworks of Inclusive Education and DisCrit, the study seeks to provide an understanding of educators’ conception of inclusion in practice within one public elementary school with a stated commitment to inclusion. Data collection included semi-structured interviews of seven teachers, one paraeducator, and two administrators; one observation of a co-teaching team during collaborative planning time; and a document review of publicly available and participant- provided materials. Findings are summarized in a case description. The major finding is that a mindset around inclusion as belonging, and the right of every community member to belong deeply, was foundational to the inclusive reform. Six additional themes describing educators’ experiences with inclusion were relationships, communication, shared ownership, support for inclusion, professional learning, and high expectations. Discussion of the findings includes identifying areas of strength and growth for the focus school, and suggested actions for educators based on the study’s findings.

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