Exploring Equity, Inclusion and Agency in Education: Theory, Policy and Practice
摘要
This chapter provides an overview of the edited collection, ‘Exploring Equity, Inclusion and Agency in Education: Theory, Policy and Practice’, and argues for a moral and ethical commitment by educators to identify, challenge, disrupt and de-centre actions and inactions that are likely to alienate marginalised learners. The authors featured in the book celebrate the ways in which educators, allied health professionals, families and preservice teachers create transformative and socially just learning environments with a particular focus on the three broad themes of inclusion, equity, and agency. These themes were chosen because of their interconnection and profound relationship to democratic education. Equity is defined as fairness for all people regardless of their attributes and backgrounds; inclusion is a principle that celebrates and caters for human diversity; agency refers to individuals’ capacities to apply self-directed influence on themselves, others and their worlds. Together the themes support the attainment of social, economic and academic success and strengthen the formation of a revolutionary mindset that is equipped to face challenges and adversity in education in proactive and empowering ways.