Best Practices in Inclusive Education: Strategies for Success
Many factors contribute to creating inclusive schools. Parents, students, teachers, administrators and paraprofessionals can all do their part to support inclusive schools. Here are just a few tips for what each can do:
1. ADMINISTRATORS (Superintendents, Principals, Special Education Directors):
- believe that all students belong in schools together.
- attend to community public relations.
- understand the change process.
- help create a positive environment.
- be a model by welcoming all students.
- divide and coordinate all responsibilities.
- participate as a learner in the process.
- provide meetings for teachers, paraprofessionals, and school community members.
- provide teacher prep time and collaboration facilitation.
- help teachers feel safe and encourage risk-taking.
- provide professional development opportunities focusing on inclusive practices.
2. TEACHERS
- take ownership for all learners.
- model and mentor for each other and students.
- welcome dialogue and be willing to ask for help.
- support fellow teachers and try different methodologies.
- actively participate in professional development opportunities.
- work within teams to problem solve.
- value parental involvement and knowledge.
3. PARAPROFESSIONALS
- work with ALL students some of the time.
- assist in material preparation.
- alert the teacher and team to students' needs.
- supervise learning activities with the classroom teacher.
- apply new teaching strategies from talking/listening.
- advocate for students to be valued in school life.
- show enthusiasm and understanding with students.
- partner with the teacher to build the class community.
- bring students together so they can build relationships.
- talk and listen to students, the teacher, and the family.
4. STUDENTS
- treat others respectfully and offer support to each other.
- welcome new students and introduce them to friends.
- guide teachers to find solutions to problems.
- be different things to each other—a friend, a peer, a hero.
5. FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS
- support and listen to other parents.
- participate in decision-making.
- help bridge relationships outside of school.
- be patient and understanding.
- be active in school activities.
This summary was developed from the ideas of Heather Raymond, M.Ed and other leaders in the field of inclusive education.
Perspectives of Parents and Teachers
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