Blogs and websites about inclusion
Blogsomemore
Brookes Inclusion Lab
Inclusion from Square One: Not “Why?” But “How?”
The Inclusive Class
The Inclusive Schools Network
National Center on Universal Design for Learning
Think Inclusive
Differentiation Daily
From inclusion expert Paula Kluth, a collection of nearly 800 ideas to support teachers in diverse classrooms who want to meet the needs of students with a wide range of needs, interests, challenges, and strengths, including learners with disabilities and unique learning profiles. Differentiation Daily
Inclusion Rules
A site that promotes inclusive schooling and offers lots of ideas for those working hard to create classrooms for all every single day. Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. Inclusion Rules
Ollibean
Disability is a natural part of human diversity. Ollibean is a dynamic community of parents, families and advocates in the disability community working together for a more socially just, accessible and inclusive world. Ollibean
Videos about inclusion
Inclusive learning: everyone’s in
This video overview is part of the Edmonton Public Schools’ “Inclusive Learning: Everyone’s In” initiative. The District was selected as a change agent for Alberta’s “Action on Inclusion” initiative — to share information about best practices to welcome, include and support students’ needs in the classroom and community. Leona Morrison, a Supervisor in the Inclusive Learning unit, talks about a new district document that spotlights the strengths-based approach — a model of teaching and learning that helps students experience success by focusing on their strengths and what they can do, rather than on the limits of a diagnosed condition.
View all of the Inclusive Learning: Everyone’s In video . You can also access the accompanying Learning Guide . (Edmonton Public Schools, Alberta, CA)
Montrose School, K-6: meeting the needs of the whole child
This video overview is part of the Edmonton Public Schools’ “Inclusive Learning: Everyone’s In” initiative. Montrose School is a K-6 school with an enrollment of approximately 190 students, 70 having identified special learning needs. Montrose provides a positive inclusive learning environment that ensures quality teaching and engaging learning experiences for all students. The foundational belief at Montrose School is that, “everyone belongs to all of us.” The school, family and community partners work together effectively to help each child do their best. Staff and community partners model caring, supportive relationships, positive cultural beliefs and expectations, while providing opportunities and skills for students to participate and contribute in meaningful ways.
View all of the Inclusive Learning: Everyone’s In video . You can also access the accompanying Learning Guide . (Edmonton Public Schools, Alberta, CA)
Creating a positive school environment
When students’ mental, emotional, and physical needs are met, they’re more likely to love school—and they learn more. (Edutopia )
Classroom activity to identify and celebrate students’ sStrengths
When you have struggling students in your class, it’s not uncommon to focus on the skills that need improvement. That’s natural — knowing your students’ challenges helps you support their learning. However, knowing their strengths is an equally important way to support their continued growth in those areas. This crafty activity allows students to identify and reflect on their skills and abilities by creating a strengths chain. (From Understood )
Inclusion
The Coralwood School in Decatur, Georgia, runs an inclusion model that mixes special needs students with typically developing students and provides many of its therapies in the classroom. One of their most excited students is five-year-old Avery, who has Down syndrome. From our Launching Young Readers program, Toddling Toward Reading.
The trend toward inclusive general education classrooms
Can special education students thrive in general education classrooms? Watch Carl Cohn, a former superintendent, talk about the trend toward inclusive classrooms (also called inclusion classrooms). Hear his tips on what to ask if a school suggests your child should be in a separate, self-contained classroom. Learn more at Understood, 4 Benefits of Inclusion Classrooms .
The UDL guidelines
National Center on UDL Director David Rose walks us through the UDL Guidelines, a detailed framework of principles, guidelines, and checkpoints for creating curriculum that supports all learners. The UDL Guidelines were developed over the past decade with federal and private support. (National Center on Universal Design for Learning )
UDL: principles and practice
National Center on UDL Director David Rose explains how UDL helps meet the most pressing issues facing educators today. Drawing on brain research and the latest learning sciences, Dr. Rose describes the three UDL principles and what they mean for classroom practice. (National Center on Universal Design for Learning )
UDL in action in the classroom
Watch how Eric Crouch, a fifth-grade teacher and Understood Teacher Fellow, incorporates UDL into his daily classroom practice — from how he sets up his classroom to how he presents a lesson and engages all students. Then learn how you can get started with UDL in your classroom. (From Understood )
Accommodations vs. modifications
Hear from parent advocate Amanda Morin on the difference between accommodations and modifications, and how each one impacts a child’s experience in the classroom. (From Understood )
“Is assistive technology cheating?” (and other assistive technology myths)
Assistive technology (AT) refers to a device or software that makes it easier to complete everyday tasks. Common forms of assistive tech for kids with learning and attention issues, like dyslexia or dysgraphia, include text-to-speech or dictation. But is assistive technology “cheating”? Does it give some kids an unfair advantage by making it easier for them than for others? Hear from Jamie Martin, assistive technology consultant, on these and other common myths about assistive technology tools. (From Understood )
“I don’t want to look any different”
In an inclusive classroom, every student gets the same opportunity as all his peers to choose the tool that meets his learning needs. See our full video interview with public school assistive technology expert Beth Poss ›
A teacher’s view of assistive technology
In this video, teachers of students with a range of learning needs discuss the ways in which assistive technology can help. Teachers provide examples of low- to high-tech tools that are easily integrated into a classroom environment. You can also sit in on an IEP meeting where assistive technology supports are discussed.
News stories and social media about inclusion
Students With Disabilities Deserve Inclusion. It’s Also the Best Way to Teach (Education Week)
Inclusion is the least expensive, most effective method of teaching students. It starts from the top, with administrators making this a priority. When administrators model inclusivity and support teachers in its implementation, the entire school (and school system) culture changes. Test scores are rarely negatively impacted and often go up. More importantly, children become better citizens. Inclusion is best practice. It is also, quite simply, the right way to teach.
Tips, Tricks and Tools to Build Your Inclusive Classroom Through UDL (Ed Surge)
The ultimate goal of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is to develop expert learners, which CAST defines as “purposeful and motivated; resourceful and knowledgeable; and, strategic and goal directed. Intrigued? Let’s dig deeper into the three principles and discuss some real world classroom applications to lead to a more inclusive learning experience for all students.
10 of the Best Pinterest Boards About Inclusion
Pinterest has become a popular way for teachers to share and find resources for their classroom. From The Inclusive Class blog, here is a list of favorite Pinterest boards, with lots of ideas to enrich and enhance your inclusive classroom.