Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant
June 18, 2024
Adriana Felsinger, a dedicated advocate for inclusive education and social justice, has been chosen as one of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Equity Scholars for the 2023 – 2024 academic year. With a profound commitment to fostering equity and advocating for students with disabilities, Felsinger’s journey is marked by her enthusiasm for inclusive education.
Felsinger pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies at Fresno State University’s Kremen School of Education and Human Development. Currently, she is advancing towards obtaining both her Education Specialist Credential and Masters in Special Education. Her dedication to inclusive education has been shaped by her experiences working in both the Dean’s Office and the Center for Advising and Student Services at Kremen. These experiences have provided her with valuable insights and perspectives, igniting her passion for creating inclusive educational environments where every student feels valued and supported.
Felsinger’s equity project is centered on a detailed examination of how general education students, particularly those in the upper elementary grades (4th to 6th), perceive their peers with disabilities. The project will dive into their personal experiences and their understanding of what constitutes a disability. The primary objective of this project is to explore the attitudes and beliefs held by these students towards their classmates with disabilities, with the ultimate objective of fostering a deeper sense of understanding and acceptance within the school community. This initiative seeks to contribute to a more inclusive environment where all students feel acknowledged and embraced.
As a Kremen School of Education and Human Development Equity Scholar, Felsinger will receive academic support of up to $7000 for the academic year 2023 – 2024. Her project will be presented in April 2024 before an audience of faculty and the community.
Felsinger’s commitment to fostering equity and advocating for inclusive education is truly commendable, and we look forward to seeing the impact of her research and initiatives in creating more inclusive educational environments.
Equity Scholar Research Project
Felsinger aims to gather insights from educators and parents through Google Forms to understand their perspectives on inclusion. She plans to investigate the potential positive or negative effects of curriculum integration on students with disabilities and their general education peers. She will begin by identifying the resources necessary for creating and implementing an inclusive curriculum. Felsinger will examine barriers and necessary events such as teacher training and curriculum development for a more inclusive educational experience.
Felsinger has received numerous responses through Google Forms from general education teachers, special education teachers, parents of children with disabilities, and school administration. These responses have provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with inclusive education. Currently, she is analyzing the data to draw meaningful conclusions and develop a curriculum on one disability that could be incorporated within the general education classroom.
Kremen School News 