Evaluating and Using Literature Including People with Disabilities in All Classrooms

Authors

  • Mary Ellen Oslick, Ph.D. (Author) Stetson University image/svg+xml
    Mary Ellen Oslick, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of education at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. She holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in children’s literature and literacy from the University of Florida. Her research areas of interest include: social justice and critical literacy applications; multicultural children’s literature; and reading and writing instruction with diverse learners. She has written and been awarded research grants and her scholarly papers have been published in peer-refereed journals and books. Additionally, Dr. Oslick won the 2014 Virginia Hamilton Essay Award for her article, “Children’s voices: Reactions to a criminal justice issue picture book.”
  • Mary Pearson, Ph.D. (Author) University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas image/svg+xml
    Mary Pearson, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of special education at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. She holds a Ph.D. in special education with an emphasis in transition from the University of Kansas. Dr. Pearson trains special and general education teachers and has research interests in the areas of significant disabilities, transition, and improving teacher education for students of all abilities. Dr. Pearson taught in secondary special education for seven years working mainly with students with significant disabilities.
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.300
To help students see their worlds differently and to expand those views beyond their own backyards, educators can expose them to quality multicultural children’s literature. In this article, we focus on a subtopic within the genre of multicultural children’s literature: literature including people with disabilities. We chose seven recent texts that fall under this category to evaluate. To evaluate multicultural literature including people with disabilities, Ramsey’s (2010) reader criteria were used. Finally, we share three distinct techniques with suggestions for incorporating these texts: reciprocal teaching, literature circles, and critical literacy strategies. These practices can help teachers use the previously reviewed texts effectively in their classrooms.

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There are 29 references in total.
Oslick, M. E., & Pearson, M. (2016). Evaluating and Using Literature Including People with Disabilities in All Classrooms. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 11(1), 104-118. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.300

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted January 16, 2016
  • Published February 15, 2016
  • Issue Winter 2016
  • Section Articles
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