Inclusive Education
Deeply inclusive schools are places where students, regardless of ability/disability, race, language, and income, are integral members of elementary classrooms, feel a connection to their peers and school, have access to a rigorous and meaningful general education curriculum, and the collaborative support to be successful. In these schools, the theme of belonging pervades the very fabric of a school, encompassing scheduling, the playground, relations among students, school climate, staff organization, classroom life, and school leadership. At its best, inclusion means all students are placed and taught in the general education classroom in heterogeneous groups by teams of adults working effectively.
Research on children and schooling is clear that there is a strong connection between belonging and how students feel and perform when they are at school. A compelling body of research also has shown that students with and without disabilities, as well as students learning English, benefit both socially and academically from inclusive services. This important research demonstrates the essential need for schools to provide each student, regardless of ability or background, with a positive and inclusive classroom and school climate. This has powerful implications for all students.
Additional Resources:
Inclusive Lesson Planning Template for Pre-Service Teachers
Inclusive Unit Planning Template for Pre-Service Teachers
In-service teacher Inclusive Lesson Planning Template
Below is a list of helpful websites regarding inclusive education:
In addition, please check out the following films and interviews regarding inclusive eduation:
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development [ASCD]. (2005). The common sense of differentiation: Meeting specific learner needs in the classroom [video series]. (Available from www.ascd.org).
Biklen, D., & Rossetti, Z. (producers) (2005). My classic life as an artist: A portrait of Larry Bissonnette [Video documentary]. Available from Syracuse University, 370 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, New York.
Friend, M. (2005). The Power of Two [video]. (Available from www.forumoneducation.org).
Giangreco, M. F. (1995). The stairs don’t go anywhere. A disabled person’s reflections on specialized services and their impact on people with disabilities. An interview with Norman Kunc. Retrieved on May 13, 2008 from http://www.normemma.com/arstairs.htm
Habib, D. (2007). Including Samuel [documentary]. (Available from www.includingsamuel.com).
Kasa-Hendrickson, C., Broderick, A., Biklen, D. (producers), and Gambell, J. (director) (2002). Inside the edge: A journey to using speech through typing [Video documentary]. (Available from Syracuse University, 370 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, New York).
State of the Art, Inc. (Producers) (1988). Regular Lives [Video Documentary].
Villa, R. (2002).Collaborative planning and collaborative teaching [video series]. (Available from National Professional Resources, Inc. 25 South Regent St. Port Chester, NY 10573).
Wurzburg, G. (producer/director) (2004). Autism is a world [Documentary]. Atlanta: CNN.
Wurzburg, G. (Producer/Director) (1992). Educating Peter [Video Documentary].
Inclusive Education Books
"[W]e argue that the achievement of students who typically struggle should be the primary focus of all educators; that educators should be help accountable for the high achievement of literally all students, regardless of whether federal or state policy supports that goal" (Frattura & Capper, 2007, p. xiii). To read more about books which address inclusive education such as Leading for Social Justice by Frattura and Capper, click here: read more...
Inclusive Education Articles
Research on inclusive education ranges from elementary, to secondary, to post-secondary education. Topics include school reform, barriers to inclusion, teacher beliefs and attitudes, and strategies for successful inclusion. To read more about these topics click here: read more...