ASTE Position Statement on the Inclusion of Underserved Populations in Science Education

WHEREAS underserved students benefit from "education in the least restrictive school environment" and WHEREAS as much as possible, these students need inclusion and involvement in all facets of school life, and WHEREAS there is a growing need to prepare teachers to accommodate instruction for all students"

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE TEACHER EDUCATION URGE ALL EDUCATORS TO HIGHLIGHT INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION WITH REGARD FOR ALL STUDENTS.

RATIONALE

The present state of accommodative practice of "least restrictive environment," especially for the mildly disabled and many underserved students, has been through partially segregated instruction utilizing resource programs. This is often compounded when regular classroom teachers, administrators, and counselors make general assumptions about what students can and cannot do. Immediate attention must be channeled towards the integration and inclusion of all students within the school setting, particularly within the regular classroom. Noteworthy goals for science educators . . .

  1. to insure that instructional adaptations are made to allow for students with physical disabilities to participate fully in laboratory and outdoor learning opportunities.
  2. to access new technology for students with physical disabilities enabling them to participate in all facets of the instructional program by becoming informed about emerging technologies and acquiring these tools for student use during instruction.
  3. to serve as advocates for underserved students to insure they are not advised to take classes which minimize the need for adaptations, special modification, or instructional accommodations within the instructional setting.
  4. to provide opportunities for all students to socialize informally in and out of the classroom.
  5. to create a caring, supporting atmosphere that tolerates and welcomes a wide range of student diversity.
  6. to foster cooperative learning activities rather than competitive or individual tasks.
  7. to provide opportunities for peer interaction, multi-age grouping, and group cohesiveness.