Books have the power to introduce us to new places, cultures, and perspectives. But right now students across the country are facing empty bookshelves in their classrooms and school libraries, as books that fairly address issues of race, gender, and culture in age-appropriate ways are at risk of being banned from classroom and library shelves by state or local officials.

This week, we're joined by Dr. Heather Harding, Executive Director of Campaign for a Shared Future (https://www.campaignsharedfuture.org/), to discuss what we can do in our local communities to ensure that all children have the opportunity to access inclusive content.

Censorship in Schools

What if strategies designed to support students with disabilities could transform learning for everyone? In this episode, Dr. Rhoda Bernard, Founding Director of the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education and author of Accessible Arts Education, shares how predictability, structure, and universal design principles make arts education accessible to neurodiverse learners—and benefit all students in the process. From visual schedules to advance notice, discover practical strategies that apply far beyond the arts classroom and learn why we can't separate a student's identity from their individuality when creating truly inclusive learning spaces. 

Dr. Bernard's book: Accessible Arts Education: Principles, Habits, and Strategies to Unleash Every Student's Creativity and Learning – https://www.solutiontree.com/accessible-arts-education.html

We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html

How Accessible Arts Practices Transform Learning for All Students

Teaching Today is brought to you by The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University.

In conversation with teachers, researchers, and school leaders, we’re dedicated to breaking down the problems, policies, and promising practices that define teaching. Uniting theory and practice, CPET promotes rigorous and relevant scholarship, and is committed to making excellent education accessible worldwide.

How Accessible Arts Practices Transform Learning for All Students

Teaching Today

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