Inclusion 101
A Guide For All Classroom Teachers
This is a guide for parents, educators, and administrators on how inclusion works, what it looks like in the classroom, and why it is so important that we have inclusion in schools and advocate for it.
What is inclusion? Here is my philosophy.
The word inclusion means, the action or state of being included within a group or structure.
In a school setting, this word means that all students, no matter what level they are compared to their peers, no matter if they have a disability, no matter if they are an English Language Learner, etc., that they are in the same classroom setting as other learners their age, and they are being exposed to the same curriculum and the same standards as their peers. Inclusion in the classroom means that students receive the supports that they need to be successful. It means that the students are given work that is at their level and adapted or modified if needed. Inclusion is students feeling like they belong with the rest of the students in their classroom and feeling accepted. It means that no student is sent to the hallway or another classroom because of his or her ability. Inclusion means that all students are set up to succeed.
Inclusion is not sending students to different places for the entire school day because they are too low, or they don’t speak the same language, or because they would fit better somewhere else.
Although students may need to see a specialist to work on a skill through intervention and leave the classroom for a brief period throughout the school day to do this, they go back to their general education classroom to learn with their peers for the rest of the school day, where they receive help if needed and complete work that is at their level.
Dear Teacher...
Kids with a formal diagnosis, such as autism, Asperger's, ADHD, learning disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder -- along those who just need to move while learning--often find it challenging to shine in a traditional classroom. The kids who collaborated to write and star in this "Dear Teacher" video represent such students. So, they wanted to share with educators how their brain works and offer simple ways teachers can help.
Why is inclusion important?
What inclusion is, how inclusion looks, best practices of inclusion, and so forth are an on going debate. But why is inclusion so important? Here’s why.
Let’s step in the shoes of a low-functioning student, who is well below his grade level. The curriculum his fellow fourth-grade classmates are learning is too hard for him. So what does the school do? They put him in different classrooms that are more at his level. He begins his day with his peers working in the room, followed by specials with his peers. For reading he first visits his special education teacher for an intervention, then he walks to a second-grade classroom to participate in there. He then goes back to his classroom. A little while later he leaves again for math in a third-grade classroom. After math, he returns to his special education teacher for more math practice. Finally, he gets to spend the last part of the school day with his class.
Although this seems like a good scenario because the student is working at his level, we are really not practicing the best form of inclusion by doing this. We are removing the student from his peers, making him feel different, and this could also potentially be leading him into being teased by his peers with his constant absence in the classroom. We are also not exposing the student to, much of the curriculum at his grade level, which is pushing him behind even further. So this is why inclusion is so important? We want students to feel welcome and to be apart of their classrooms. We also want students to at least be exposed to the curriculum that is at their grade level, even if it has to be modified.
Benefits of inclusion.
· Students will remain with their peers in their grade level classroom, only leaving for interventions/to fulfill special education minutes
· Assignments will be modified or adapted to meet the needs of each student
· Students will feel welcomed and apart of the classroom
· All learning will be celebrated
· Students will receive the supports or guidance they need to be successful
What does it look like in the classroom?
Inclusion will look different at every school, in every grade, and in every classroom. But in an inclusive classroom, a few things will look the same.
· Students will remain with their peers in their grade level classroom, only leaving for interventions/to fulfill special education minutes
· Assignments will be modified or adapted to meet the needs of each student
· Students will feel welcomed and apart of the classroom
· All learning will be celebrated
· Students will receive the supports or guidance they need to be successful
Why do we advocate for inclusion?
It is so important that we all advocate for inclusion. By advocating for all students to have equal learning opportunities, for students to have material at their level, and for students to receive the supports inside their classrooms to be successful with their peers is critical. We advocate not only for those reasons, but also for the main reason of acceptance. All students should be accepted by their peers and to feel apart of their group. By doing this, we are continuing to build self-confidence, peer relationships, and student growth. Remember, inclusion is not a service, a placement, or a program. Inclusion is a mindset.
Videos On Inclusion
Books on Inclusion
Strictly No Elephants
In Strictly No Elephants the Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.
Some Monsters Are Different
Some Monsters Are Different describes the many differences found between monsters. Some monsters will eat anything; some are picky. Some monsters talk and talk and talk; some are quiet. But ultimately, as this hilarious book makes clear, all monsters are absolutely, positively, completely perfectly wonderful . . . just the way they are!
Bling Blang Blee. I am Me.
Bling Blang Blee. I am Me. Is an out of this world book based on Inclusion! This book is a fun way to introduce the concept of diversity to young children. Through the use of colorful illustrations, combined with a phonological storyline, the reader will be led through an alien's perspective of appreciating differences.
Top 5 Inclusion Websites
Looking for information and ideas for inclusion? Look no further! Here are five amazing websites to help!
Inclusive Schools Network
The Inclusive Schools Network is a website dedicated to providing resources about inclusive education for educators, families, schools and organizations.
The site is highly interactive with school self-assessments, podcasts, and an online glossary of inclusion terms. Schools and families are also encouraged to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week with print materials, activities and planning tools. This site is sure to answer many of your questions about inclusive education or at least point you in the right direction!
National Center For Learning Disabilities
This site is primarily dedicated to offering information about individuals (children and adults) with learning disabilities. The NCLD promotes inclusion by raising awareness for various learning differences and offers MANY ways in which those learning differences can be positively and effectively supported in the classroom. F
or teachers, there is a wealth of information on how to identify LD (learning disability) and strategies successfully instruct a student with LD. For parents, there are checklists, quizzes and tips to support their child at home and school. Thus, by giving all children the same educational opportunities, families and schools can create equitable environments.
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy
Wrightslaw has been a resource for the special education community for years, providing information and knowledge about special education law, education law and children with disabilities. In addition, it offers books, training and an advocacy library.
In a special section under “LRE/Inclusion”, there are FAQs and a Q & A on when and how inclusion is practiced in the American school system. This area is particularly helpful in dispelling common myths about inclusive education. Finally, you can also learn more about IEPs (Individual Education Plans) and what to expect during IEP meetings, revisions and goal-setting.
TASH
TASH is a national organization that has a long history advocating for disability rights. Founded more than 35 years ago, it has evolved to combine research with advocacy. In addition to reliable print materials, it is known for hosting yearly conferences.
TASH frequently advocates for social justice at a government level and is aware of current policies that involve students with disabilities (such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Its website highlights issues such as inclusive education, employment and community living. The TASH website is a website for those that want to know more about the national movement towards inclusive education and how to access current research.
Ollibean
Ollibean is the website that embodies the philosophy of inclusion. It brings together people, information, resources, and research related to disability issues with the belief in knowledge and equity for all. At the Ollibean website, you can find information ranging from current disability issues to advice on assistive technology.
One of the highlights on Ollibean’s site are the articles written by self-advocates who give insight into the need for inclusion. Articles such as “Assigned Friends Outcome”, by Judy Endow, help readers understand that “inclusive programs” aren’t really inclusive at all and why we need to push for truly, authentic inclusive schools. And, best of all, Ollibean is the place where you will realize you are not alone on your inclusive journey.