Doing Inclusive Education

Inclusive education is about recognizing that there is no such thing as a “normal” student. Inclusive classrooms welcome everyone, and seek to make learning accessible for students with diverse experiences, abilities, and interests. This sounds like a lot of work, but according to Shelley Moore, “It’s not more work, it’s different work!”

Approaches to education that come from a developmental, relationship-based perspective are a good fit in inclusive classrooms. Strategies used to support students with autism are generally strategies that will benefit all students (Villa and Thousand, 2000):

cooperative and partner learning
learning through observation and exploration
balanced literacy
interdisciplinary (integrated) units
authentic assessment
social and emotional learning as the foundation for academic success

A universal design for learning approach allows for the flexibility needed to support students with autism, as well as all other students, in the classroom. There are many people finding ways to put this concept into action. The wisdom shared by the people and resources below will benefit all students, not just those on the autism spectrum:

Jennifer Katz: Three-Block Model of Universal Design

How exactly do you plan your classroom to allow every student to participate in a way that meets them where their abilities are now, and also challenges them to grow?

Universal Design started as an architectural concept. Planning a building to allow access for all kinds of people – ramps work for parents with strollers, wheelchair users – works better than having to add extra structures to an existing building. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) recognizes that everyone has unique ways of understanding information and learning skills. It addresses both social and academic needs of learners – because students need to be comfortable and feel safe in order to learn well. This approach aims to create classrooms that are true communities, where everyone is welcome, everyone learns and everyone benefits from what others can contribute.

Dr. Jennifer Katz (formerly University of Manitoba, now at the University of British Columbia, Faculties of Education) has designed a model explaining one approach to universal design for learning, starting with her book, Teaching to Diversity: The Three-Block Model of Universal Design for Learning. She has supplemented her model with additional books, sample units, rubrics for assessment, and videos available on her website.

The Three Block Model of UDL

It’s not more work, it’s different work!
Shelley Moore

Shelley Moore: Five Moore Minutes

Shelley Moore has created a series of excellent videos explaining aspects of inclusive education. On her website, Five Moore Minutes, she offers a blog about inclusive planning and teaching, information about learning opportunities, videos and links to social media. To get a sense of her message, check out her comparison of teaching and bowling:

Five Moore Minutes Website

Paula Kluth: Inclusion Rules

Dr. Paula 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. Paula is a former special educator who now writes, speaks, and advocates for inclusive classrooms and teachers. If you have a chance to hear her speak, it would be well worth your time!

Her work is full of specific examples of teaching strategies to help all students engage in learning activities. She also has an excellent book (and webinar) on co- teaching.

Her website contains a blog, book lists, videos, updates on webinars, and other resources.

Inclusion Rules

Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children

The Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children exists to advance effective educational practices for children and youth (ages 0-21) with exceptional needs through advocacy, support and professional development for educators and families. They also celebrate the achievements of children and youth with exceptional needs and the people who support them.

At CEC, you’ll find books, journals, webinars, advocacy, and events tailored to your professional needs. Whether that’s teaching children with exceptionalities, running a special education program, researching education topics, or training the next generation of special educators, CEC has resources for you.

Membership offers a variety of benefits – check the website for details.

Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children

Manitoba Education Documents Supporting Inclusion

Manitoba Education has created a variety of documents containing both policy and resources to help ensure successful learning in school for all students. Click on the image to go to each document link.

Success for All Learners is a well-appreciated resource listing many ways to differentiate instruction for student success. It and other provincial resources can be found on Manitoba Education’s Student Services page.