When educator Gilanie Thomas was a middle school student, she recalled how her teacher supported her in and out of the classroom, pushed her to go above and beyond, and gave her a sense of belonging.
School was a safe space for her, she says.
Now a California State Fullerton education graduate student, Thomas is gaining a better understanding of creating inclusive classrooms for all students, including diverse students learning English and those with disabilities, as part of a $113,158 grant from the Global Hispanic-Serving Institution Equity Innovation Hub at Cal State Northridge.
The project, led by Rosalinda Larios, assistant professor of special education, focuses on increasing family engagement and tapping into the culturally and linguistically diverse assets families bring to the school, including when preparing individualized education programs for students with disabilities.
"Our project will show that inclusion is possible and beneficial for all students," Larios says.
In the future, CSUF teacher candidates will observe culturally responsive practices by the school's teachers and participate in student teaching, per a CSUF press release.
Thomas is one of four "inclusive fellows" in the project, which will partner with Tomorrow's Leadership Collaborative Charter School in Orange County.
Nearly one-third of the school's students speak another language at home, and about 12%
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