Quote:
"I have learned that we all share the same dream...of being valued members of society with an equal chance of success." ---Judy Heuman ( Inos , 2012)
Reaction:
Inclusion is simply defined by Webster as "including all". According to authors Rita Hocog Inos and Mary Anne Quiqley, "Inclusion is education that provides access to appropriate support and remediation at every level to facilitate each child's ability to participate and achieve"( Inos , 2012). As teachers we not only need to help students with their academic needs but with their emotional needs as well to make sure they are "included" in the classroom. In my opinion there isn't a specific "kind" of student that inclusion benefits. I agree with the authors that every student no matter what their situation can benefit from this concept. Three specific types of students that can benefit from inclusion are those that are culturally diverse (ELL'S), have learning disabilities, and come from a low socioeconomic status. Inclusive practices can help these students by making them feel like they are part of their peer community.
One characteristic of an inclusive school, as mentioned above, is having a sense of community. Students should be able feel that sense of being wanted/accepted as a student. Getting to know your students is key in establishing this. Another characteristic is co-teaching. I have had the experience of co-teaching several times throughout my education. I've found that working with someone not only helps when students need one on one time but you're also able to feed off of each others strengths and weaknesses. In the end this comes out to benefit the student.
A way that students become more responsible and effective in the inclusive practice is through being problem solvers. The authors list several things that students can do: peer mediators, peer tutoring, cross-age tutoring, cooperative learning, and buddy systems are a few options. Once again this goes back to the "sense of community" aspect. Students are interacting with peers and gaining the sense of belonging.
Related Resource:
I chose this video about a student with down syndrome being placed in a regular classroom. I love his parents explanation for why they chose to have him in a regular room and how it is helping the other students as well.
INCLUSION AT WORK
Resources:
(2008). Inclusion at work in elementary school. (2008). [0]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=ji3R30PT1PQ&feature=related
Inos , R. H. (2012). Research review for inclusive practices. Retrieved from
http://www.prel.org/products/Products/Inclusive-practices.htm
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