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
Inclusion Basics
For over 30 years, the philosophy and practice of inclusive schools has grown from minimal awareness to a recognized bedrock component of schools around the globe that demands dual standards of excellence and equity for all students. Yet there is still confusion and widely varying definitions of the “inclusion.” The lack of a common understanding of this important practice actually impedes further progress for students, their families, and the educators who teach them.
Simply stated, inclusive education means that all students are full and accepted members of their school community, in which their educational setting is the same as their non-disabled peers, whenever appropriate.
While federal legislation regarding education for students with disabilities does not include the terms ‘inclusion’ or ‘inclusive education’, the Least Restrictive Environment requirement from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, provides the basis for our understanding, practice, and legal interpretations.
Special Education Acronyms
March 21, 2022Parents 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
Special Education Terminology
March 21, 2022The 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
Major Federal Laws Affecting Special Education
March 21, 2022Since 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
What Does an Inclusive Classroom Look Like?
November 19, 2019If you are reading this blog you probably are searching for information to make sure that your child or someone very special to you is receiving the best educational services possible to meet their individual needs, so thank you for being an advocate for effective inclusive practice. What is inclusion, and what does inclusion look… Read more
Guiding Questions to Navigate Your Journey to Inclusion
May 20, 2019Just like the mariners of old, we know that we must chart our course for increasingly successful inclusive schools and societies. What tools do we need? What questions must we ask and answer? Whether we are ambitiously charting our course for deep space, medical advance, new worlds, or inclusive schools, we recognize that we have… Read more
Finding an Effective Inclusive School: Questions Every Parent Should Ask
August 8, 2018There are several resources that will help you as you search for schools that have a strong commitment to effective inclusion. Every state has a Department of Education that reports on that state’s target for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This LRE data is also available for individual districts and schools within the state. The higher… Read more
Feature: Aspire Chicago “All Are Welcome” Program!
December 5, 2017Aspire’s mission is to support the successes of children and adults with developmental disabilities, strengthen their families and build embracing communities. Founded in 1960, it is recognized throughout Illinois as a leader in providing bold, pioneering and uncompromising services to children and adults with developmental disabilities, their families and the Chicagoland community. They have partnered in “All… Read more
How to Move a County to Inclusion Education Talk
January 26, 2017More than 20 years ago, Montgomery County, Virginia began the process of moving all of their schools toward full inclusion for students with disabilities. Cyndi Pitonyak was there at the inception of this process. In this talk, Cyndi explains how a county begins the process of inclusion and does so successfully. If you are an… Read more
A Common Vocabulary in Inclusive Schools
January 17, 2017Words are powerful. Consistency in the words we use to describe services and supports for students with disabilities must be clear and consistent across the district for all children, parents, teachers, and community members. This brief tutorial defines inclusion and provides clarity regarding commonly used terms, such as PLAAFP, Curricular Supports, Advanced Supports, Support Facilitation… Read more
