Braunschweig doctoral student researches inclusion in US schools!

Braunschweig doctoral student researches inclusion in US schools!

Braunschweig, Deutschland - Lisa-Katharina Möhlen, a binational doctoral student at the Technical University of Braunschweig and the University of Vienna, started a research project that extends over six months. Their main focus is on the examination of the lessons for students with special needs in the USA. This research stay is made possible by a Fulbright scholarship, which gives it a deeper insight into the American education systems. The project is being built in close cooperation with Adam Moore, an associate professor of school inclusion at the University of Rhode Island (URI).

The contact between Möhlen and Moore was created when Moore worked as a guest lecturer at the TU Braunschweig in 2023. It emphasizes the importance of international exchange via various inclusion models. So far, both have already worked on several projects on global inclusion approaches and together present their results together, such as at the Council for Exceptional Children in November 2024, an event that is funded by the DAAD program "Go Out-Come in".

research approach and goals

During their stay in the USA, Möhlen plans to attend schools in eight states, including Rhode Island, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas, Vermont, New York and Wisconsin. Their goal is to gain a comprehensive impression of the various inclusive funding offers and to examine the role of teachers, which they call "Policymaker on the Ground".

Möhlen will also have discussions with teacher students, scientists and representatives from school policy and administration. These discussions help to analyze the German and Austrian systems of school inclusion compared to the American approaches. In Texas she is received by Professor Jessica Reuter from the University of Texas.

The cooperation between the TU Braunschweig and the Uri has existed for 30 years and also includes the Feinstein College of Education of the URI. In order to further promote the exchange, a new exchange program for teacher students was launched, which is also supported by the DAAD. Katja Koch, the Vice President of the TU Braunschweig, visited the Uri campus in autumn 2024, which underlines the importance of this partnership.

education topics in focus

In this context, the topic of school inclusion is of central importance. The discussion of the challenges and reality of inclusion in schools is urgently required, since many students with disabilities or migration and escape backgrounds are often taught in special schools. A manual that was published under the title "Handbuch Inclusion International" looks at both global and local perspectives on inclusive education. It offers theoretical development lines and a comparative analysis of international discourses.

For teachers and new students, the book, which has been published by Barbara Budrich, represents a valuable resource. In addition to theoretical insights, it offers practical case studies, discussion questions and exercises for promoting inclusive processes in education.

The book deals with contradictions between the requirements of inclusion and the actual school reality and addresses central aspects such as child rights, educational justice and pedagogical care obligation. It encourages teachers to make informed decisions in inclusive educational processes and to actively shape the development of inclusive processes. With these efforts, an important step in the direction of a fair and inclusive education is taken for all students.

For those who want to deal more intensively with the challenges of school inclusion, the book contains valuable information and suggestions. The exact examination of the inclusion claims and their implementation is essential for the design of an inclusive school culture.

Further information on the research and the manual can be found at TU Braunschweig , Pedocs and Budrich Verlag .