Framing Inclusion

Basic Structures

Professional development opportunities need to be highly structured to foster productive and respectful inclusive relationships with all educators and supportive staff. The days of “We will have a one-day inservice to teach you everything you need to know, and then you can go do it” are gone! Collaborative yearlong programs are required to ensure that inclusion lives and breathes within healthy supportive schools. Aside from focusing on teaching students with special needs, inclusion professional development (PD) needs to be aligned with district goals. Inclusion PD sessions initiate and monitor programs with quality instruction, supports, and services that foster student achievements and school visions.

Principals, school leaders, and coaches need to allot weekly and, if possible, daily common planning time for educators ...