Inclusion starts with the belief that all students have the right to feel safe, supported, and included at school. Inclusion allows students with disabilities to share a truly integrated learning experience in general education classrooms with their peers to the greatest extent possible.
All school staff have an important role to play in making inclusion services successful for all students. Collaboration among special education and general education teachers is especially critical in creating effective inclusive classrooms. While instructional goals are individually determined for each student with a disability, the same basic learner outcomes and standards apply to all students in an inclusive classroom. Many inclusion strategies are either modifications or accommodations.
Many inclusion best practices for students with special needs often benefit general education students as well. Successfully implemented inclusion services can actually improve the quality of education for all students.
It's worth the time you'll invest in making your classroom a place where every child can succeed!
These tips are from the Exceptional Child online course, Inclusions Services, authored by Kim Sax Halley, M.A.
View the full course library at www.exceptionalchild.com/course/list.