Summary of the presentation of inclusive education Christer Ohlin

Inspiration The summary is inspired by David R. Mitchell’s (20109 research: What really works in Special and Inclusive Education – using evidence- based teaching strategies 2

What are the conditions for a successful inclusion? V + L + S + P + R + 5As 3

Formula, inclusive education Inclusive education= V + L + S + P + R + 5As V=Vision L=Leadership S=Support P= Placement R= Resources 4

Formula 5As= Adapted Curriculum, Adapted Assessment, Adapted Teaching, Acceptance, Access 5

Vision Inclusive education requires a commitment of the educators at all levels of the system Underlying philosophy Willingness to implement it 6

Leadership At all levels: –Government –National education departments or ministries –Provincial departments –Districts –School principals and classroom teachers 7

Support Team of professionals: –General educators –Special Education Teachers –Therapists: physio-, speech and language-, occupational therapists –Psychologists –Social workers –Assistant teachers 8

Support Inclusive education also requires active support from parents/caregivers Teamwork skills acquired 9

Placement An age-appropriate classroom in the learner’s neighborhood school also a flexible mix of: whole-class instruction mixed-ability groups ability groups individual attention if possible 10

Resources High level of resourcing: Inclusive education requires no more resources than would be available to support a learner with special educational needs in a special school. REDISTRIBUTION of resources??? ‘resources following the learner’ 11

5 As: Adapted curriculum Adaptations or modifications to the curriculum is the biggest challenge educators face in creating inclusive classrooms How to adapt work according to the strengths and needs of individual learners 12

5 As: Adapted assessment Serving educational purpose: –Promoting learning –Guiding teaching What a learner –knows –can do –has experienced 13

Assessment cont. Assessment should meet the following criteria: to adapt the curriculum to provide feedback to learners and parents to focus on identifying what has and what has not been achieved to consider special educational needs, particular disabilities individual education plans (IEPs) 14

5 As: Adapted teaching to develop a wide repertoire of teaching strategies –The importance of: cooperative group teaching peer tutoring classroom climate: to create an atmosphere of respect and challenges for all learners 15

Adapted teaching Suggestions: –reflect on your teaching –managing learning not only on managing behavior –require learners to complete tasks –develop positive self-beliefs in your students –communicate clearly and accurately –take account of learners’ prior know ledge 16

Acceptance Inclusive education relies on educators, learners and their parents accepting the right of learners with special educational needs to be educated in general education classrooms Face-to-face, day –by-day contacts shifts towards positive attitudes 17

Access Adequate access to classrooms must be provided: –ramps and lifts –adapted toilets –adequate space for wheelchairs to be maneuvered 18

Conclusion Inclusive education is a complex and controversial approach in creating a school for all and managing to meet the diversity. If it is properly implemented, it can bring about academic and social benefits to all learners 19