Neoliberalism and special education: An ethnographic case study in an urban charter school

Abstract

In this study, I ask, "How are neoliberal education reforms shaping the experiences of special education students?" More specifically, I ask, 'What is the classroom environment and school culture for special education students at Colina Cedro Charter High School?' This study examines neoliberal market-based school reforms and disability. More specifically, it explores neoliberalism and special education in an urban charter school context, and the (re)production of social inequality. At a time when public schools and teachers are blamed in order to justify the privatization of public education, small urban charter schools must be examined to learn if they are living up to their promise or acting as another way to maintain economic and racial segregation. There are many implications for the students, as well as for those with financial motivation to promote charter schools; there are also implications for inclusive education success in a neoliberal environment. Future research directions include case studies and ethnographies situated at the intersection of special education, neoliberalism, and inclusion in the United States.