An equitable and inclusive education system is fundamental to achieving a high level of success for all students. To support educators in fostering equitable and inclusive school environments, the OISE Library Collection has a wide range of books on the topic of child poverty and equity in education. Items from the collection are featured in this month’s OISE Lobby Display. Here is a sneak peek of some of the items currently on display.

The Cutest Face by R. Zak

Meet Vrajesh, who is the first to walk through the classroom doors with a big smile on his face!  Throughout the book, readers meet the rest of the students in the class. The Cutest Face recognizes and celebrates diversity and equity in the Canadian classroom. This book aims to engage conversations with students ranging from kindergarten to the Grade 8 level on building positive relationships and citizenship, and emphasizing the variety of characteristics, skills, competencies, qualities, and talents of other students. Guess who’s going to walk through the doors next?!

Handbook of Effective Inclusive Schools Edited by J. McLeskey, N.L. Waldron, F. Spooner, & B. Algozzine

Handbook of Effective Inclusive Schools summarizes the research literature regarding how students might be provided with in classrooms and schools that are both inclusive and effective. The four sections outlined in the book include 1) organizational and systemic perspectives on effective inclusive schools, 2) effective inclusive schools for students with high incidence disabilities, 3) effective inclusive schools for students with severe disabilities, and 4) supporting effective inclusive schools. By addressing the needs of students, the design of multi-tiered systems of support and evidence-based practices can improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities. A synthesis of research and other scholarly work regarding critical issues on inclusiveness in schools is presented. Educators can explore current trends, related critical issues, and directions for classroom goals to develop and sustain effective inclusive schools. Each chapter offers a guide for research practices and how to conduct research. Learn about the roles educators can take on to improve educational opportunities and learning outcomes for all students.

Equity and Inclusive Education: A Resource Compendium for Elementary and Secondary School Teachers in Ontario by Council of Ontario Directors of Education

This compendium is a valuable resource in continuing support for an equitable and inclusive education system to support student achievement and well-being in Ontario. It reflects on the framework outlined in the document Realizing the Promise of Diversity: Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy to help the education community identify and remove discriminatory biases and systemic barriers to student achievement. The principles of equity and inclusive education can be embedded in all aspects of operation, from policy to programs, employment practices, curriculum resources, and instructional and assessment practices. To foster equitable and inclusive environments and student success, students, parents, and members of the school community should feel welcomed and respected. With a list of resources, including organizations and agencies, print and electronic resources, and workshops and seminars, each resource entry provides a brief description of the resource, and contact information. Check out this item to explore some of the resources that are available for elementary and secondary school teachers in Ontario!

Reducing Educational Disadvantage by P. Tassoni

In Reducing Educational Disadvantage, author Penny Tassoni recognizes that some children, through no fault of their own, are at a disadvantage throughout their educational journey.  By intervening in the early years, an active safety net can be formed for children who are most at risk of underachieving. In order to develop an approach to supporting children at risk of disadvantage, this book provides a step-by-step journey for early educators. Issues of social mobility and disadvantage and the impact of poverty on children’s life chances are discussed to explain how early practitioners can provide maximum benefit for children whose home learning environments are weaker than those of their peers. Tassoni emphasises that creating a strong, long-term education programme is key to positively impacting children’s future learning and the benefits of enjoyable play targeted by adult-guided activities on childrens development.

For more recommended titles on Child Poverty and Equity in Education, please visit the OISE Lobby Display on the ground floor of the OISE building. Please see the OISE Library catalogue for additional resources.