a little info about inclusive education

1. Inclusive Education
Carlos Mendoza

2. Inclusive Education What does it mean?
• Inclusive education is about embracing all, making a commitment to do
whatever it takes to provide each student in the community - and each citizen
in a democracy - an inalienable right to belong, not to be excluded. Inclusion
assumes that living and learning together is a better way that benefits
everyone, not just children who are labeled as having a difference. (Falvey,
Givner & Kimm, What is an Inclusive School?, 1995, p.8)

3. What is Inclusive Education?
• Children with and without disabilities educated together in their
neighborhood school and communityAll students in general education
classes; having instruction in the core curriculum content and participating in
extracurricular activitiesGeneral and special education teacher consultation
and collaboration to incorporate special supports and services into age-
appropriate school and community environmentsFlexible and individualized
decision making about services, supports, and locations for instruction (Snell
& Janney, 2001)

4. Separateness in education…
• "Separateness in education can generate a feeling of inferiority as to
[children's] status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in
a way unlikely ever to be undone. This sense of inferiority ... affects the
motivation of a child to learn...and has a tendency to retard ... educational
and mental development"Chief Justice Earl Warren Brown v. The Board of
Education (1954), p. 493.

5. Today’s Law: IDEA Supports Diverse
Learners
• 1990, 1997, 2004: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
(IDEIA)The words “Inclusive Education” are not included in IDEA, but
IDEA emphasizes the following:Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)Free
and Appropriate Education (FAPE)Supplemental Aids and ServicesAccess to
General Education curriculumIndividual Education Plan (IEP)

6. A Natural Part
• Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes
the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving
educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our
national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation,
independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with
disabilities.The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990

7. Research and Outcomes of Inclusive
Practices
• Inclusion Benefits ALL ChildrenImpact on Students with DisabilitiesAcademic
PerformanceImproved performance on standardized tests and increased reading
skills; increased motivation to learn(Banerji & Daily, 1995; Mailian & Love, 1998;
Shinn, Powell-Smith, Good & Baker, 1997)Improved post-school outcomes
including high school graduation, employment, earning a higher salary, and living
independently(Malian & Love, 1998; SRI International, 1993; U.S. Dept. of
Education, 1995)Provides access to peer models to facilitate learning and
appropriate behaviors(Bricker, 1978; CRI, 1987)Improvement in self-concept(Peck,
Donaldson, & Pezzoli, 1990)Development of warm and caring friendship(Bogdan
and Taylor, 1989)

8. The How of Inclusive Education: Local
Districts and Schools
• How do Districts and Schools support Inclusive Education?A few examples
of District and School support:A Clear Vision for the School for ALL
studentsTime for Collaborative Planning and Problem-SolvingClear Roles
and ResponsibilitiesCurriculum & Instructional Adaptations &
ModificationsEnvironmental AccommodationsResponse and Testing
AdaptationsProfessional Staff Development focused on Research-based Best
PracticesA Welcoming Environment for Parent Involvement