Inclusive Practices and Social Justice Leadership for Special Populations in Urban Settings

A volume in Educational Leadership for Social JusticeSeries Editor Jeffrey S. Brooks Monash University Denise E. Armstrong Brock University;Ira Bogotch Florida Atlantic University; Sandra Harris Lamar University;Whitney H. Sherman Virginia Commonwealth University; George Theoharis Syracuse UniversityInclusive Practices and Social Justice Leadership for Special Populations in Urban Settings: A MoralImperative is comprised of a collection of chapters written by educators who refuse to let the voices ofdissent remain marginalized in our discussion of education in the 21st century education. Drawing from theauthors' extensive experience in educational research and practice coupled with their commitment to inclusion of special populations and socialjustice they urge readers to examine how educational policies are produced for the least advantaged in our schools. Effective inclusionary practicesmost certainly benefit all students including English language learners those who face gender discrimination those who are in the foster care systemand those who are Gay Lesbian Bisexual or Transgendered.This collection presents a broader theoretical inclusive framework rooted in social justice: which we assert offers the best practices for a greaternumber of students who are at risk of minimal academic success. This broader conceptualization of inclusive schools adds to extant discourses aboutstudents with exceptional needs and provides effective strategies school leaders operating from a social justice framework can implement to createmore inclusive school environments for all students especially those in urban centers. It is hoped that lessons learned will improve the preparation andpractice of school leaders thus improve educational outcomes for students from special populations.