Nancy Dean & Diane Fairchild“Making the Classroom Inclusive”

July 2, 2002Treasure Island

““A California Public Charter School”A California Public Charter School”

Accommodations• Changes in course content,

teaching strategies, standards, test presentation, location, timing, scheduling, expectations, student responses, environmental structuring, and/or other attributes which provide access for a student/trainee with a disability to participate in a course or job.

Accommodation Process:• Identify• Discuss with

Disability Team• Write an

Accommodation Plan

• Notify all service providers

• Monitor/Modify Plan as needed

Inclusive Classrooms…

• Diversity is valued and celebrated• There is a sense of community in

which everyone belongs• There is an array of services• Research based instructional

strategies are used• Staff members are collaborative

Inclusive Philosophy…

•If material is presented appropriately, all students can learn

Inclusive StrategiesMeet your students where they are and take them where you want them to be…

Inclusive Strategies•Discover a way to connect with each student –

•Build the relationship

Inclusive StrategiesTeach to your students’ strengths or best learning styles

Main Idea

Inclusive

Strategies•Circulate around the room, touching base with all students often

Inclusive Strategies

•Provide frequent, clear, non-judgmental feedback

Inclusive Strategies

•Place feedback in “the big picture”

Inclusive Strategies

•Help your students set up realistic timelines

Inclusive Strategies•Breakdown or “chunk” larger assignments into smaller parts

Inclusive Strategies

•Use a positive approach to discipline

Inclusive Strategies

•Tell students the purpose of each lesson

Inclusive Strategies

•Attempt to relate each activity or lesson to “real life”

Inclusive Strategies

•Provide partial outlines, study guides, and teach learning strategies

Inclusive Strategies

•Provide opportunities for each student to succeed

Inclusive Strategies•Create an inclusive environment in your classroom

Inclusive Strategies

•Enjoy your students !

Look hard for moments to share

laughter. Genuinely appreciate that your

students are individuals worth knowing. It is

not a common experience for them.

They will always remember it.

Preventing Burnout

Recognize your reaction. Withhold your judgment. Look for ways to diffuse your feelings. Don’t take things personally. Keep your compassion, not your pity. Honor the work you do.

Why We Keep Trying… When you cannot achieve academic goals, respectful interaction is even more crucial.