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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that students with individual education plans (IEPs) must be educated in the least-restrictive environments (LREs) available. Under IDEA, inclusive education (or mainstreaming) has become a standard operating procedure for US public schools. Students with IEPs can range from individuals with Down syndrome or forms of autism to those with speech impediments or dyslexia—all of which require varying levels of support.

For inclusion to show positive benefits, the learning environment and instructional models must be carefully established to provide strong learning opportunities for all students. Special education and general education teachers must have mutual respect and open minds toward the philosophy of inclusion, as well as strong administrative support and knowledge of how to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Special education teachers serve as advocates for students with disabilities and special needs. This includes ensuring that all school officials and employees understand the importance of inclusion and how to best implement inclusion in all campus activities. Advocacy might include requesting inclusion-focused professional development activities—especially programs that help general education teachers better understand inclusion best practices—or providing information to community members about success rates of inclusive teaching.

Decisions are made on the basis of student needs and not on labels and places. The general education classroom at the student’s enrolled grade level is the reference point for student-specific planning. Expectations are high. Instruction is based on the curriculum standards adopted by the school or state. There is not a separate curriculum. Individualized supports are available when needed.

I like to think that effective inclusion is about names, the uniqueness of every child, and not numbers or scores.  It’s about student needs, and not the labels often attached to individual students.  And, effective inclusion is about the services provided rather than the places where those services are offered.

Although standards and observation checklists are helpful guides to identify inclusive classrooms, sometimes it’s easier to remember what I call the “3 R’s” of effective inclusion–respect, relationships and responsibility. 

Inclusive teaching refers to pedagogy that strives to serve the needs of all students, regardless of background or identity, and support their engagement with subject material. Hearing diverse perspectives can enrich student learning by exposing everyone to stimulating discussion, expanding approaches to traditional and contemporary issues, and situating learning within students’ own contexts while exploring those contexts. Students are more motivated to take control of their learning in classroom climates that recognize them, draw relevant connections to their lives, and respond to their unique concerns (Ambrose et. al, 2010).

Examine Implicit Biases - Instructors can consider their own attitudes towards students and strive to minimize negative impacts. This process can involve actively monitoring interactions with different types of students, implementing policies like name-blind grading and inter-rater grading to minimize the impact of bias, and maintaining high expectations for all students.

Maintain Awareness of Classroom Diversity - Instructors can develop and maintain their awareness and understanding of various racial and socioeconomic factors in their classes, as a way to test their implicit bias, ensure equal access for all their students, and even enrich classroom discussion.

What activities can teachers do with students the first week of school that will truly feel inclusive? How can we make sure that students feel that they are heard, appreciated, accepted, and free to express their ideas? We called in two experts for this great task.

As students navigate their own identities during these crucial years of schooling, it’s important that they feel they can identify with their peers and the world around them. When they feel they can’t, problems arise that we are all too familiar with, such as decreased participation, low self-esteem, and feelings of detachment.

Historically, students with disabilities were often denied access to public schools, placed in segregated classrooms or placed in regular classrooms without the right support. However, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) changed all that.

The publication cites research that shows “as many as 85 percent of students with disabilities can master general education content if they receive educational supports,” and notes benefits that include:more instructional time;fewer absences;better post-secondary outcomes;social benefits to non-disabled students as they learn to form “positive relationships” and better relate to “a variety of people.”