Ep 10 Dr. Adai Tefera: Exploring the Layers of Inequity: Race, Disability, and Education

The Inquiry Oasis: A UArizona College of Education Podcast

In this episode of Inquiry Oasis, Dr. Adai Tefera, an associate professor of special education at the University of Arizona's College of Education delves into her pivotal research on racial disparities in special education, examining the complex interplay of race, disability, language, and other social factors. We take a look at Dr. Tefera’s article she co-authored in the American Educational Research Journal - The Aftermath of Disproportionality Citations: Situating Disability-Race Intersections in Historical, Spatial, and Sociocultural Contexts, and explore the historical, socio-cultural, and spatial contexts shaping educational policies and their impact on students with disabilities. Dr. Tefera's insights illuminate the urgent need for transformative changes in educational equity and policy-making.

Topics Discussed:

• Navigating Intersections: Race and Disability in Education
• A Deeper Look: Disproportionality in Special Education
• Methodological Insights: Uncovering Systemic Inequities
• Breaking New Ground: Key Findings from Dr. Tefera's Research
• The Construct of Defectcraft: Rethinking Disability and Race
• Unveiling Histories: The Impact of Past Policies on Present Practices
• Shaping Futures: Implications for Education in Diverse Communities

Resources:

• Disability and Difference in Global Contexts: Enabling a Transformative Body Politic – by Nirmala Ervelles
• Toward an Interdisciplinary Understanding of Educational Equity and Difference: The Case of the Racialization of Ability - By Alfredo Artiles

Chapter

1. Introduction to Inquiry Oasis (00:00:00)

2. Meet the Host and Guest (00:00:46)

3. Dr. Adai Tefera's Journey to Special Education (00:02:09)

4. Unpacking the Article: The Aftermath of Disproportionality Citations (00:05:06)

5. Key Findings from the Study (00:06:09)

6. Understanding the Concept of Defectcraft (00:12:04)

7. Surprising Discoveries and Outcomes (00:14:44)

8. Relevance of the Research to the University of Arizona Community (00:16:11)

9. Envisioning an Ideal Future for K-12 Education (00:17:18)

10. Recommended Readings (00:18:51)

11. Conclusion and Farewell (00:20:42)