Supporting Inclusivity for Students With Disabilities: Perspectives From PreK–12 Art and Design Teachers

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the demographic, educational setting, and pedagogical factors in inclusive visual arts and design classrooms for students with disabilities. We also explored how art teachers’ backgrounds, training, and school environments influence their approaches to teaching students with disabilities. Using survey research, we analyzed responses from more than 1,000 preK–12 art and design teachers in the United States, focusing on issues related to inclusion. The analysis provides insights regarding teachers’ characteristics, experiences, and pedagogical approaches for teaching students with disabilities in a post-COVID educational system. Linear regression provided insights into factors that can create a sense of community and belonging for disabled individuals in an art classroom. We found a significant relationship between teacher preservice coursework and teachers’ approaches to developing inclusive classrooms. Teachers who identify as disabled, undergo preservice coursework involving disabilities, refer to students’ Individual Education Programs, have sufficient planning time, and work in schools with collaborative models are more likely to adopt inclusive approaches to pedagogy and curriculum.