Double Entry Journal #1

In the article entitled “Research Review for Inclusive Practices “ by Rita Hocog Inos and Mary Anne Quigley, the definition of inclusion is stated to be “including all.” Therefore, this new teaching practice could be defined as including students who have various learning difficulties into the regular classroom to work with nondisabled students. Moreover, the article states that  “the term inclusive schools is generally used to describe changes that are occurring within schools and school districts to coordinate and unify educational programs and services and to transform schools into places where all children, including those with diverse abilities and needs, belong and can learn at high functioning levels.” The types of students inclusive education is meant to serve are those who struggle to learn; such learning difficulties can range from issues such as linguistic troubles, various socioeconomic levels, mental health issues, and so on and so forth.

A key characteristic of an inclusive school is that parents are partners in the students’ education. According to the article, parent involvement is extremely important, so this is a vital characteristic for success in inclusive education. Another significant characteristic of an inclusive school is the existence of co-teachers in classrooms. When two or more teachers compromise and work together in the classroom, they have more to offer to various students. Hence, this is another vital characteristic for inclusive education.

A strategy that helps students become more responsible and effective in the inclusive process is when there is a sense of unity and community in the classroom. If a student feels as though he/she is part of the classroom whole or the classroom community, he/she will be more responsible in completing tasks and displaying integrity due to the fact that those same characteristics are being shown throughout the whole community of which that student is a part of.

 

I chose this video because it is a wonderful clip about inclusion. The focus is on inclusion in education as a new form but one that represents hope, equality, respect, and collaboration –to live and to work as one.

“Whether the road travels straight or bends to meet the landscape, the destination must be the same.”

 

Inos , R. H. (2012). Research review for inclusive practices. Retrieved from http://www.prel.org/products/Products/Inclusive-practices.htm

Inclusion in education . (Feb, 27 2009). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfUqd1fTtgM