Navigating Inclusion and Exclusion

This case study illustrates some of the conflicts and challenges faced by parents and carers of children with special educational needs when navigating the German school system. It can be used as a starting point for discussions in courses with preservice teachers or in the context of teacher educators’ professional development. The scenario can spark discussions on the barriers to inclusion that exist within educational systems. Some of the specificities of the German context can be used to reflect on differences between national education systems and their approaches to inclusive education and special educational needs. Furthermore, it can help to explore complex questions concerning equity and diversity: Is it more equitable to support those in danger of exclusion in meeting institutional requirements for participation? Or do we have to address and potentially change exclusionary institutional requirements to create equitable educational systems? What role do teachers play in these processes and what courses of action are open to them? The scenario is based on actual consultations with parents and carers, but any names used in the narrative are pseudonyms to respect their privacy.