Keys for an Inclusive Journey for Each Student

Inclusion Training
Presented by Special Education
Department
2019-2020

Springs Charter Schools

(River, Empire, Harbor, Citrus, Vista, and Pacific Springs)
 Traveling Agreements

● Travelers understand Personalized Learning

● Travelers have past experiences that impact their
knowledge and understanding
● Travelers have a purpose for being here
● Travelers are ready to learn
● Travelers are internally motivated to have a successful
journey
● Travelers are not afraid of mistakes and are prepared to
learn from them-expect the unexpected
● Travelers will actively participate in the journey
Stops on the Road for
Today’s Journey

Finding the Heart: Why Inclusion?

Increasing Our Brain Power: What is Inclusion?

Finding the Courage to Practice Inclusion: How?

 Why Inclusion?

Finding the Heart

 Meet Ian

https://youtu.be/6dLEO8mwYWQ
Your Ian

● With the person on your right, discuss

the following:
○How does Ian’s story relate to your
educational experiences?
○Where do you fit in Ian’s story?
○How can you prepare yourself and
your classroom to fully include “Ian?”
 Minute to Win It…Round 1

At your table, write down all the

ways people can experience
discrimination.
Inclusion is NOT Just for
Special Education

Identity Activity: Discussion

- Initial thoughts; did you
1) Language have an Ah-ha?
2) Gender - Why was it difficult to cross
3) Race off your identities?
4) Sexual Orientation - Do you experience
5) Socioeconomic Status marginalization due to one
6) Nationality or more of your identities?
7) Religion/Belief - Discuss the importance of
8) Ability celebrating diversity and
implementing inclusive
practices?
 Advantages of Inclusion

What are the advantages of inclusion? Some would

argue that being in the regular classroom is too
frustrating for kids with special needs because they
can’t keep up. The advantages of inclusion far
outweigh any drawbacks, however, the drawbacks can
often be mitigated.
Role Models: Inclusion is better for kids with special needs because they can see
other ‘typical’ kids and emulate them. They get an opportunity to learn acceptable
social behaviors and to learn from their peers.

Social and Emotional Development: School isn’t just about academic

needs. Kids social and emotional needs also must be considered. It is important for
kids to have as normal a school experience as possible.

Increased Tolerance: Inclusion is better for kids without special needs. The
more kids with special needs are included the more their peers start to see the kids
for who they are.
What is Inclusion?
Matching Challenge

A) occurs when students are directly

or indirectly denied access to
education in any form.
B) is a process of placing persons with
disabilities in existing mainstream
educational institutions, as long as
1) Exclusion the former can adjust to the
2) Segregation standardized requirements of such
3) Integration institutions.
C) occurs when the education of
4) Inclusion students with disabilities is provided
in separate environments in
isolation from students without
disabilities.
D) an equitable and participatory
learning experience and
environment that best corresponds
to their requirements and
preferences
A
C B

D
What is Inclusion?

Inclusion: An all embracing societal

ideology.

Teachers work together to meet the

needs of all students. Students
receive the support they need while
remaining in the Least Restrictive
Environment.
 How?

Finding the Courage to Practice Inclusion

 How to Implement Inclusion

Inclusion is a sustainable model that is

achieved through the infusion of the
three prong approach

Three Elements of Inclusion:

1)Policy

2)Practice

3)Culture
Policy

Policies are designed to promote and develop

programs and practices to remove barriers and
promote inclusive education across the department
and within local school communities

Table Talk: Although we may be limited in our impact on policy

through legislation, what are some classroom and/or campus
policies we can implement to support inclusion?
 Practice

Differentiate Instruction: When teachers differentiate all students can participate and work at their
current ability.

Make Objectives Clear: Posting and reviewing objectives in age-appropriate language helps all
students achieve the desired objective of each lesson.

Adapt: Teachers are masters at adapting. We watch our students and constantly assess; slowing
down when they don’t understand something then speeding up when it’s clear they’ve already got
it. We challenge those that are ready for more and provide extra support to those that need it.

Explicit Teaching and Modeling: Model for students and gradually turn the responsibility over to
the student. The “I do, We do, You do” approach is especially beneficial to kids with special needs;
it gives them the support they need to keep up with traditional classroom activities.

Have a Positive Attitude: As the teacher, your positive attitude about inclusion sets the tone for
the rest of the class.
 Culture

Build Relationships: Foster a one-on-one relationship with each of their students as

much as possible. i.e greeting them each at the door, asking them about their
interests, and using genuine praise in the classroom.

Celebrate Diversity: Pay attention to the materials you use in class. Do they depict
children from a variety of backgrounds and with varying abilities? Celebrate the
diversity in your classroom and teach your students to do the same.

Educate Yourself: Educate yourself about your students. Educate your students as
it leads to understanding which then leads to compassion and connection.

Encourage Interaction: Give students opportunities to interact with each other so

they can build friendships and a sense of community.

Strengths-Based Approach: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Recognize

all strengths and help develop them. Focus on progress, no matter how small.
Scenario 1

Newly enrolled 5th Grade Student with

a 2nd grade reading level.

Can inclusive practices vary

depending on environment?
Scenario 2

A student who may be more

introverted than their classmates,
possibly experiencing severe anxiety
while presenting or reading in front of
others.
Scenario 3

A student with religious beliefs that has

to practice his/her religion throughout
the day.
 A Summary on the Evidence of Inclusive
Education
https://www.sipinclusion.org/what-we-
do/resources/

https://stanfield.com/11-strategies-promote-
inclusion-in-the-classroom/

Sources https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/what-is-
mix-it-up-at-lunch
Questions?