Assessment 1 Detailed Information Worth 40% Approximately 2000-2500 words (6-7 pages double spaced plus references)

Assessment 1

Detailed Information

Worth 40%

Approximately 2000-2500 words (6-7 pages double spaced plus references).

Leadership for change: Creating inclusive communities

Students will submit an essay discussing the role of leaders and community members in initiating change needed to create inclusive communities that support the authentic participation, self-determination and achievement of autistic or neurodivergent individuals.  Students will utilise the research to outline key actions of leaders and the role of different stakeholders, including autistic or neurodivergent individuals, in initiating and undertaking change processes and will discuss the ways in which personal and ecological factors influence the actions taken and outcomes realised. Lastly, students will analyse their own assumptions and beliefs and will identify how these might pose an impediment to engaging in ethically-informed collaborative practice with individuals on the autism spectrum of different ages and abilities.

Subject Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the actions of effective leaders in creating effective programs to support the self-determination and achievement of autistic and neurodivergent individuals with a range of diagnoses.

4. Analyse research on leadership for inclusive communities to enable autistic and neurodivergent individuals to engage in lifelong learning.

6. Engage in reflective practice to examine perspectives of self and others and to determine impact and needed change in practice.

To complete the assessment:

In the introduction you need to address point (1-3):

1/  You will need to select a specific learning, workplace or community setting.

 2/ You will need to describe this setting in its current state as well as identify the participants and stakeholders in the setting (the community) including the individual or individuals who are experiencing difficulty.

3/ You will also need to identify your role as a leader in this setting.

4/ You will then use your essay to examine how you would employ the research to transform this community into a more inclusive setting that supports the individuals ability to be an authentic participant, including their ability to achieve and demonstrate self-determination and self-advocacy.

Point 4 is really the subject of the essay as a whole. In addressing this point you will:

 1. Analyse assumptions and barriers to inclusion that impact your chosen setting with reference to the research;

2. Discuss your own, and others', leadership roles in enacting change (again,  with reference to the research);

 3. Discuss the actions for change that can be taken to transform the setting (with reference to the research).

I hope that makes things clearer. Stick to the suggested structure.

5/ You will need to reference your ideas and support your points using APA 7 format. It is estimated you will need 20-25 references. The readings in class are a good source of research and references.

( I downloaded and sent these readings to you they are a good source)). Make sure you use quality peer reviewed references. Please double space and make sure to indent paragraphs.

You may write in first person. To help you, I have provided a suggested structure for your essay below.

It is strongly suggested you use this structure and use headings and subheadings.

• Introduction – Introduce the setting and/or community (e.g. school, workplace, organization), the key stakeholders (including autistic or neurodivergent individuals). Identify your designated role in the community, and the key points you will make in your paper

In the introduction you need to address point (1-5):

1/  You will need to write few sentences about the topic and then

2/ You will need to select a specific learning, workplace or community setting.

 3/ You will need to describe this setting in its current state as well as identify the participants and stakeholders in the setting (the community) including the individual or individuals who are experiencing difficulty.

4/ You will also need to identify your role as a leader in this setting.

5- and Identify the key points you will make in your paper

• Analysing assumptions and barriers to inclusion – Using current research, please,1- analyse and discuss the current factors (attitudinal, historical, environmental, etc.) that may act as a barrier to the successful inclusion of autistic/neurodivergent individuals in the learning community. 2-Make sure that you also analyse and discuss the impact of your own beliefs and assumptions as well as those of others in the environment and 3- discuss other personal and ecological factors that my serve as a barrier or support change and inclusion in the community.

• Leadership roles – Accessing the research,1- identify your role as a leader (e.g. authoritative, social, etc.) and the role that leaders (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) in the community must play to lead change in the  community. 2- Make sure you discuss both the individual and collaborative or collective roles people will assume in this process

• Actions for change – Using current research to support your discussion, 1-identify the change processes that leaders and stakeholders, including autistic and neurodivergent individuals, can take to transform the community and facilitate the full inclusion and self-determination of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. 2- Make sure that you discuss the considerations for utilizing ethically-informed collaborative processes and the actions needed to ensure this throughout the process.
• Conclusion – Provide a summary of your key points and the significance of these actions for future practice and/or research.

Marking criteria

Students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research on leadership for inclusive settings, barriers to inclusive practice and leadership actions for change, change processes
2. Ability to analyse and apply research to practice to analyse personal assumptions and beliefs, identify barriers to enactment of inclusive communities, and actions for change.
3. Communicate information in a coherent and logical manner, utilising appropriate structure and grammar.
4. Utilise recent, relevant, high quality research in APA 7 format to substantiate viewpoints.

Other Considerations

1. Use double  spacing.
2. Follow the recommended structure – Use headings and subheadings to indicate where you are addressing key criteria
3. Indent paragraphs
4. Make sure you support your points with references
5. Use APA 7 style and (peer reviewed research+ recent research)
6. Make sure you offer an argument and make your points clear – don’t just report the research.
7. Submit document in Turnitin link under Assessment 1 folder.
8. Submit only one document in either Word or PDF format.
9. Utilise submission document to complete and submit assessment.
10. Don’t exceed 2500 words. Going under is fine.