1. Inclusion: a whole-school approach NDA Conference, 10 th October 2012 Jennifer Doran, Head of Research and Communications, NCSE

2. Inclusion or Illusion? Inclusion is not about placing children in mainstream schools. It is about changing schools to make them more responsive to the needs of all children (Mittler, 2000) The ability of every member to create and maintain a sense belonging in the classroom and society as a whole (Lipsky & Gartner, 2000)

3. Integration or Inclusion? Special Education Team Learning Support, Resource Teacher, SNAs General School Staff Class Teacher Other Staff Pupil with Special Needs

5. What is the Framework? Good practice guidelines Rate levels and quality of inclusion Schools can: identify good practice/areas for improvement rate their levels of inclusion plan to address areas for improvements Interactive tools

6. Development Process Advisory Group 2009- 2010 Literature Pilot (10 schools) Extensive Consultation Review, design and publication 2011

7. Pilot schools response to Framework Opens up special education to whole school Strong emphasis on pupil well-being Good concept of inclusion Measurement scale supportive Voluntary nature

8. Framework Structure 10 themes (and sub themes) Theme description Guidance criteria under each theme (5 – 6) Exemplars of good practice (vignettes)

9. Themes 1. Leadership and Management 2. Whole-School Development Planning 3. Whole-School Environment 4. Communication 5. Pupil and Staff Well-being

10. Themes 6. Curriculum Planning for Inclusion 7. Individualised Education Planning 8. Teaching and Learning Strategies 9. Classroom Management 10. Support for and Recognition of Learning

11. Example Theme 6: Curriculum Planning for Inclusion [See handouts]

12. Engaging with Framework 5 steps  Preparation  Self-Reflection Templates  Action Planning  Implementation  Review Implementation Cyclical process over 2- 3 years

13. Step 1: Preparation Raising awareness Getting familiar with Framework Establishing core team and sub teams Planning approach and timeframe Preparing school documentation Information seminar- SENOs

14. Participation Certificate

15. Step 2: Self- Reflection Templates Evidence Qualitative measure  No start made  Getting started  Some progress made  Good progress made  Good practice in schools Identify priorities for action [See handouts]

16. Step 3: Action Planning Priority areas Actions Responsibilities Resources Timelines Review

17. Step 4: Implementation Step 5: Review Implementation Overall Inclusion Qualitative Measurement Second engagement with the Framework

18. “Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.”

19. NCSE Research Conference 21 st November 2012 Croke Park Conference Centre www.ncse.ie