Launching the Project OASIS Substack (Erin)
Introductions from the Co-Directors - Erin Rotheram-Fuller
My name is Erin Rotheram-Fuller, and I’m a Professor at Arizona State University in the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. I’m also a Co-Director of Project OASIS, with Kathy Hoffman, leading our research and professional learning opportunities. We know that approximately 15% of students (7.5 million) in the U.S. have a diagnosed disability, and only 74% of those will successfully graduate from high school (16% lower than the general population; NCES, 2024). But we also know that there are schools and communities where students of all abilities are thriving together. Project OASIS is dedicated to exploring how we can learn from what is working and build a future educational model where special education and labeling disabilities are not necessary for all students to have the optimal experience.
There are many experiences that have led me to my desire to focus on improving our schools and communities. In my first job out of college, I supported adults with disabilities in their homes learning and practicing essential life skills. I worked with many clients, who had a wide range of needs, and was able to recognize the invisible barriers for all individuals to be able to engage in what we consider normal daily activities.
While getting my MA in Psychology, I led research studies in community health clinics and found my passion for research and finding solutions, especially those that had impact not only on individuals but on changing our systems of care. I then got my PhD, looking at the social inclusion of children with autism in general education classrooms, and have worked in hundreds of classrooms seeing both the best and worst examples of our education system.
I have spent 20+ years teaching and conducting research across the country around supporting the needs of unique students – especially those with autism. We’ve had changes in our understanding of what works, how it works, and for whom it works as research has revealed more answers. I am a firm believer in using this evidence to make decisions and now strive to help organizations (schools/districts/ agencies) collect and use their own evidence to create and improve opportunities for the individuals that they serve.
I have also worked with many families, and along this journey, and became a mom to two exceptional children. I have learned about and experienced systemic barriers from both the professional and personal sides. I know the dedication and passion it takes to support a child with unique needs, and to navigate a system that expects you to accept whatever they have to offer, even if you do not believe it is in the best interest of your child or student.
I believe that we can create better systems for all children and teachers. Inclusion is not a placement. Inclusion is a feeling of belonging. Inclusion is knowing that you can be yourself and be accepted. Our school systems and teachers struggle with so many demands, barriers, and mandates. We have lost the primary purpose of education as it was intended; to help children learn and grow and become contributing members of our society. We need to support teachers to be able to nurture and bring out the best in each child – no matter what that “best” looks like. We need a society filled with people with both passion and expertise in the things they choose to do, along with empathy and understanding for each other. Project OASIS brings together schools, districts, families, community agencies, employers, and individuals to try to solve some of these systems challenges and work towards a truly inclusive society together.
(Photo is from an OASIS Site Visit to the Madison School District)