The learning environment should be safe, healthy and supportive to develop young children’s exploration and independence. The learning environment should encourage children’s initiative, active exploration of materials, and sustained meaningful engagement with other children, adults, and activities. When the physical structure and orgnaization of the learning environment meets quality standards, student engagement is increased and… Read more
Resources
The Inclusive Schools Network is committed to our mission to encourage and empower parents, schools, and the community to design and implement effective inclusive schools. Inclusion is an action, and we support a proactive culture that models kindness and acceptance. The importance of working together to create safe, supportive learning environments cannot be overemphasized! We… Read more
As policy and procedures have evolved over the years within education, the role of teachers and paraprofessionals has also changed. Managing the work of paraprofessionals has become a more common component of effectively run classrooms. Paraeducators who were once responsible for clerical duties to support teachers and administrators by preparing materials, taking attendance, and monitoring… Read more
The Inclusive Schools Network, in collaboration with Finding My Way Books and Changing Perspectives, is pleased to share Understanding Ourselves and Others: A Summer Guide to Inclusive Play. Designed for K-8 students, the guide provides parents, caregivers, camp counselors, and others with strategies and activities to build student confidence and encourage belonging during the summer… Read more
One of the first things you learn as a “special needs parent” is that other families who have traveled this path ahead of you are your best sources of wisdom and support. Once you stop reeling from shock, get your bearings and figure out a thing or two, then you get to pay it forward… Read more
Parents are often overwhelmed by the number of acronyms that are used in special education. Here are some of the most frequently used acronyms, even though this is not an exhaustive list, these cover some of the ones that are commonly used. Adaptive Behavior-AB Applied Behavioral Analysis-ABA American Disability Act-ADA Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-ADHD APE… Read more
The following is a list of terms used in special education. The definitions of these words are helpful to parents when reading reports, attending meetings, conferences, and/or talking with staff members who work with your child. Academic – Refers to subjects such as reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. Accommodations – Changes in format… Read more
Since 1974, federal legislation has provided the right for children with disabilities to receive an appropriate public education. The Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004) reaffirmed these rights. Under the federal law, special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of individuals with exceptional… Read more
HOW SLEEP AFFECTS STUDENT’S GRADES AND ATTENDANCE The StartSleeping.org website published this article to provide tips to help your child sleep. Children who do not get an adequate amount of sleep on school nights are much more likely to fall asleep in class, not complete homework assignments with quality work, and struggle with academic and… Read more
NOW LIVE! Free Introduction to UCS Course Series for Educators We are so excited to share the new Unified Champion Schools (UCS) training created especially for educators is now live on our learning platform SO Learn! This series includes four courses that will increase educators understanding of the Unified Champion Schools strategy and demonstrate its… Read more
