Conference presentation
Identifying obstacles and opportunities for inclusion in the school curriculum for inclusion in the school curriculum for children adopted from overseas: development and social constructionist perspectives
The Inclusive Education Summit (TIES): Who's in? Who's out? Who decides? What are we going to do about it?, 2017 (Adelaide, Australia, 27-Oct-2017–29-Oct-2017)
University of South Australia
2017
Abstract
In Australia, teachers are expected to teach the diverse range of students in their classroom and this includes children who have been adopted from overseas who have experienced attachment disruption and complex trauma early in life. International research identifies the potential vulnerability of this minority group at school. However, teachers' backgrounds, knowledge and experience, as well as curriculum policies and practices in schools, may influence how teachers respond to the diverse needs of these children. This article reports on the school experiences of 15 intercountry adoptees and their families in Australia and considers how the Australian curriculum provides obstacles and opportunities for inclusive education. A multi-case study of 10 adoptive families draws on developmental and social constructionist perspectives to analyse the potential impact that some common curriculum units may have on these children's experience of school. This paper reports on two key findings. 1. The majority of intercountry adoptees in the study, adjusted to and experienced success at school, however, varying experiences of trauma (loss, grief, abuse, neglect, abandonment) have an ongoing impact on some children's school experience. 2. Common themes and units from the Australian Curriculum in English and History may provide obstacles and opportunities for inclusion. There is a need for greater awareness, understanding and sensitivity in teaching approach, as well as flexibility in teachers' professional agency and discretion in the selection of resources when responding to the educational needs of intercountry adoptees.
Details
- Title
- Identifying obstacles and opportunities for inclusion in the school curriculum for inclusion in the school curriculum for children adopted from overseas: development and social constructionist perspectives
- Authors
- Tracey Sempowicz (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyJudith Howard (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyMallihai Tambyah (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologySuzanne Carrington (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Conference details
- The Inclusive Education Summit (TIES): Who's in? Who's out? Who decides? What are we going to do about it?, 2017 (Adelaide, Australia, 27-Oct-2017–29-Oct-2017)
- Publisher
- University of South Australia
- Date published
- 2017
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450998802621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
Metrics
148 Record Views