As the Inclusive Schools Network, the website, newsletter, and Inclusive Schools Celebration Week resource center have been updated to better serve everyone interested in promoting Global Inclusion, here is a quick look at several of our new features.   But first, let’s begin by assuring our members, current and new, that the same guiding principles and standards are embedded throughout.

Our New Website: 

The Inclusive Schools Network has a new look and:

• Offers easy access to an expanded resource library
• A new interactive self-assessment instrument to assist you in evaluating the status of inclusion in your school or district
• Monthly blogs from and for parents, teachers, and school leaders talking about current issues in inclusive education
• Featured articles from leading US and international experts in inclusive education
• Success stories from parents and educators
• Free downloadable tools and current links to great resources and experts
• Greater emphasis on global efforts to improve inclusive schools!

Members will be asked to participate in our blogs, submit photographs and artwork from and about children and youth in inclusive settings, and stories of success along with strategies and tools you have found helpful in increasing the quality of inclusive practices worldwide.

The Newsletter: 

The monthly ISN Newsletter will continue to provide updates, current resources and links.   Each month, a Calendar of Spotlight Topics will direct the focus of the newsletter.  The Spotlight Topic for September is Inclusion Basics; for October it is Instructional Excellence for Diverse Learners; for November it is Family Involvement: Parent Voices and Perspectives.  Check out the website for a complete listing of Spotlight Topics through June 2012.  Members are invited to share ideas and resources for each topic.  We will also feature relevant articles and great new tools to assist each of us in moving from awareness to action.

Inclusive School Week Celebration Resources: 

Each year the Inclusive Schools Week is celebrated in thousands of schools across the US and the World.  Beginning with the new website announcement in September, ISN will provide our Inclusive School Week Celebration Kit at no charge.  You will simply download the entire document or sections of particular interest to you in planning your own Celebration.  Remember to mark your calendars for this year’s celebration:  December 5-9, 2011.

Inclusive School Week Celebration Products: 

What is a celebration without great posters, banners, commemorative pencils, etc.?  This year we have searched for a new vendor and have an expanded array of options for you to choose from and have significantly reduced the price of most items.  We have three brand new posters you will want to leave on your classroom or school walls all year long!  Check out these great new options for making December 5-9 a week to remember!