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Learn in the Cedar Valley
Inclusive schools recognize that all students are diverse and understand diversity as vital to the learning community. Inclusive classrooms acknowledge that all students bring a range of experiences, backgrounds, needs, and strengths to the learning environment. It is through the melding of these individual student characteristics within a shared community that the ideal inclusive vision is realized—all students are valued and important contributors in a classroom setting. The Inclusion Connection promotes the philosophy that all students be afforded the right and opportunity, as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to be educated with their nondisabled peers in their neighborhood schools. The inclusion connection believes that to realize the vision of inclusive schooling it is not merely enough to simply include students in general education settings. |
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Rather, students with disabilities must be provided a rigorous and meaningful education within inclusive classrooms. Provided with high expectations, appropriate accommodations, and a community of individuals committed to serving all children, students with disabilities will realize their full potential. Furthermore, we believe that non-disabled students benefit from learning with and along side their peers with disabilities. To accomplish the vision of inclusive schooling, schools and educators must possess a positive orientation toward students with disabilities and be committed to creating inclusive classrooms settings. This involves building a school climate of inclusion and providing the skills and knowledge to educators on how to create classroom communities that meet the needs of all students and capitalize on the natural diversity that occurs in all classrooms. Principles of universal design and differentiation are necessary to guarantee all students receive a challenging, relevant, and inclusive education. |
