Managing Inclusive EnvironmentsSession 2:Understanding Inclusion

Dr. Whittney Smith

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“Two Truths and a Lie”

Think of three statements about yourself.

Two must be true statements, and one must be false.

Each person will share the three statements with the group.

The object is to determine the “lie”

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The Teacher“Concerning a teacher’s influence, I have

come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or dehumanized.”

- Haim Ginott

FAPE A Free Appropriate Public Education

(FAPE) is what all children in the U.S. are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

What does "appropriate" mean? It's important to note that "appropriate"

does not mean "best," nor does it mean "appropriate to the school district's plans for this year."

The law requires that this FAPE take place in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

For some kids, this will mean full inclusion

For other kids, a self-contained classroom may in fact be less restrictive and more appropriate. 

"appropriate" --- interpretations must be individualized to the needs of the child, not the needs of the school or the needs of the district

Movement to Inclusion Normalization Deinstitutionalization Early Intervention (EI) and Early Childhood

Programs Technological Advances Civil Rights Movement and Resulting Litigation Advocacy Groups Segregated Nature of Special Schools and

Classes Disproportionate Representation Educational Reform

Laws that Shape Special Education PL 94-142: Education for All

Handicapped Children Act (1975) First!

PL 99-457: Education for All Handicapped Children Act Amendments (1980) Add a provision for the early years (EI)

PL 101-476(IDEA): Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1990)

IDEA Amendments of 1997 IDEA 2004

IDEA

IDEA is organized in four parts:

1. Part A, General Provisions

2. Part B, Assistance for the Education of All Children with Disabilities (school age/preschool programs)

3. Part C, Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities

4. Part D, National Activities to Improve the Education of Children with Disabilities (support programs)

IDEA

Not all children with disabilities are entitled to services under IDEA, only those who are "eligible" under the specified disability categories

1. Autism2. Deaf-Blindness3. Deafness4. Emotional Disturbance5. Hearing Impairment6. Mental Retardation

(Intellectual Disability)7. Multiple Disabilities8. Orthopedic Impairment9. Other Health Impairment10.Specific Learning

Disability11.Speech or Language

Impairment12.Traumatic Brain Injury13.Visual Impairment

Including Blindness

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 504 is less discriminatory: it protects

all persons with a disability who:

1. have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; 

2. have a record of such an impairment; or 

3. are regarded as having such an impairment. 

Examples of Major Life Activities caring for one's self, performing manual tasks,

walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

eating, sleeping, standing, lifting, bending, reading, concentrating, thinking, and communicating. 

“major bodily functions” that are major life activities, such as the functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

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Expanded List (January 2009) Reading, concentrating, standing, lifting,

bending, etc. This may include individuals with AD/HD, dyslexia, cancer, diabetes, severe allergies, chronic asthma, Tourette ’s syndrome, digestive disorders, cardiovascular disorders, depression, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, HIV/AIDS, behavior disorders and temporary disabilities (e.g., broken writing arm, broken leg, etc.).

Conditions that are episodic or in remission are also now covered if they create a substantial limitation in one or more major life activity while they are active.

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All Children

504

IDEA

Section 504IDEA

“Including Samuel”

Question for Reflection as you view the video: As Samuel’s teacher in an inclusive

classroom, what concerns would you have?

Impact of Inclusion on Students with Disabilities

Academic Performance Improved standardized test scores, reading

performance, mastery of IEP goals, grades, on-task behavior, motivation, and attitude

Social Performance Interaction with typically developing peers

--- some characterize their experience by fear, frustration, ridicule and isolation while others speak about friendships, intellectual challenges, self-esteem, and success

Impact of Inclusion on Others:

Impact on Students without Disabilities Academic ---- equal or better performance

than those not educated in inclusion classrooms.

Impact on Educators Attitudes

Impact on Families Attitudes

Learning Pyramid

Reflection

1. If your child had a disability, would you prefer a general education or special education setting?

2. If your child did not have a disability, which class would you prefer?

For next class…

Respond to the previous questions on the blog!

We will be focusing on the IEPIEP next class!