21st Century Practices: Strategies for the Inclusion of Neurodivergent Learners in the Music Classroom

This session is intended to provide strategies which promote the equity and inclusion of neurodivergent learners within the context of the general music classroom. Attendees will discuss best practices in music education for students with exceptionalities. This session will provide ideas for high tech, low tech, and no tech adaptations.

Session attendees will be asked to engage in the session through answering a series of questions with nearby attendees; these questions will prompt attendees to examine the teaching situation of themselves and others. Questions will pertain to teaching learners with exceptionalities with regards to teacher preparation through undergraduate teacher preparation programs, professional development sessions, continuing education, and administrative and district support. Attendees will have the opportunity to share personal experiences with regards to teaching students with exceptional needs and what challenges and/or supports they may have been presented with through any of the aforementioned avenues. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in various trial activities that cater to different learning styles, learning abilities, and content interests.