Intervention for the Underachieving Child: Inclusivity a Superior Approach to Grade Retention Author: Natalie Adcock u1026011@umail.usq.edu.au

Author’s Background Bachelor of Education (Primary, Human Movement) Masters of Education (Majoring in Special Education) Year 2/3 Classroom Teacher 2009-2010 ECDP Teacher 2011

Paper’s alignment with the Conference Track – Global Educators for Contemporary Learning Communities Theme – Inclusivity, Diversity and Pluralism

Key Concepts Retention – the student is not promoted to the next higher grade level Inclusivity – the degree to which non-dominant groups are represented in classroom practices by participation. Source: http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/newbasics/html/pedagogies/differ/dif2a.html Diversity – the promotion of multiple ethnic cultures Pluralism – cognitive growth and development that supports spiritual, cultural and social traditions

Important Dynamics Primary School Settings Mainstream Classrooms Holistic Development

Effects of Grade Retention Social and Emotional Behavioural Academic Achievement – lack thereof

A Closer Look at Inclusivity Inclusivity is NOT Special Education Inclusivity in the National Curriculum Inclusivity for holistic development

Stepping in the right direction… Pluralistic, real life learning experiences Through teacher collaboration By understanding multiculturalism

References Department of Education and Training. (2004). Inclusivity. Retrieved September 28, 2011, from http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/newbasics/html/pedagogies/differ/dif2a.html