I-N-C-L-U-S-I-O-N, What does it really mean?
Featured guest blogger: Lauren, High School Special Education Teacher, MA.ED.
While we might be thinking we could ask Aretha Franklin what does it really mean?, I thought I would share my perspective on inclusion.
Here is a little background on me.
My name is Lauren and I am a Comprehensive Special Education teacher in Connecticut. I work in a classroom with students with moderate to severe needs. I also work in an ‘inclusive” district. That means, I work in a district where we do not have self-contained classrooms. My students have the opportunity to participate in general education classes. While for each student this means completely different things it’s an opportunity we do not take for granted. My students mainly participate in elective based classes like arts, music, gym, consumer science, technology, and theater arts.
Through participation in these classes, students are able to increase their social interactions, have time with typical peers and take classes that might be of interest to them post-secondary.
I felt when students enter high school it can become very difficult to really have students included in classes. My skin crawls when I see a student just sitting in the Gen Education classroom setting and that is considered inclusion?! So in a High School of 3,000 students how do we balance that all students’ needs are being met and ensure participation?
Class Participation Plans
One word, Class Participation Plans. These plans have saved my life and the feedback from the general education teacher is very positive. Parents also have access to these plans so they can see exactly what students’ goals are in the classroom setting. Paraprofessionals are also part of the process. Everyone is on the same page.
Example Student Class Participation Plan
Plans can be simple, but provide what information is needed so everyone is one the same page and the student can get the most out of the class. This particular plan was for a student in a class clay. We did 1 plan per project/unit in the class.
The goal can be student IEP goals or maybe just 2 ‘goals’ you want the student to get out of the unit/lesson.
Science Class Participation Plan
This plan was for 1 unit in a Marine Biology Science class. The length of each unit varies based on class time and progress.
The most important thing about inclusion is that it is a teamwork process. Through teamwork, we can really have students get the most out of their inclusion time and make it a positive experience.
Download a FREE PDF copy here: Class Participation Plan
(After the file opens, click the download button in the top right corner)
If you have any questions about how else to use participation plans, please reach out to me in the comments below. I would love to hear your feedback as well!
Sending you all the best! And remember you are amazing and do rock at your job!
Featured Guest Blogger:
You might also enjoy reading:
Blog Cover Photo Clipart by: Over App – Emma Philip
