Gimme 5: Inclusion Rules

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Toby Karten

Inclusion, although never a generic program, has basic governing rules. Like snowflakes, no two children are alike, but all students, regardless of their abilities benefit from organized, prepared and insightfully rich environments with individuals who propagate learners’ potentials. High expectations in inclusion classrooms means that staff can visualize the successful outcomes. Each of the following inclusion rules or norms need to be in place to ensure that INCLUSION RULES!

Inclusion Rules:

1. Be professional.

2. Be compassionate.

3. Be structured.

4. Be aware.

5. Be reflective.

These rules are not complicated, yet their consistent implementation will yield excellent inclusion results for all students, staff, and families. The bottom line: Gimme 5!:-)

 

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Inclusion in the 21st Century

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Toby Karten

Inclusion has entered and prospered in the 21st century with research-based interventions, technological advances, and improved attitudes, yet it is also endangered if its pace is not adjusted to accommodate the needs of each individual student. We live in a fast paced world, where with the click of a button, we have the capability of communicating with someone who may be 15,992 kilometers away in a millisecond. How remarkable! However, we then grow impatient when the line at the grocery store is too long or we sit in traffic on the highway because we have an agenda to accomplish that day. We want to get to places at fast paces and then move on to the next item on our To Do list! The 21st century is filled with many promises when we visualize the successes that will follow in classrooms and beyond school walls, but please keep in mind that inclusion, like many things in life, is an evolutionary process! If one day is not the best, reflect upon that day, tweak your plans and look forward to tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

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Why the sunflowers, Toby?

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Toby Karten

A few people asked me why there are sunflowers on the site. Let’s begin with the obvious-sunflowers are beautiful and unique. Each sunflower stretches for the warmth, we as educators impart. As I stated in one of my books, Inclusion Strategies That Work!, a child with a disABILITY is a child first. He or she is not defined by his or her disABILITY or difference. The disABILITY is only one part or petal of a flower. According to ProFlowers, sunflowers come in a variety of colors and types, symbolizing warmth, brightness, loyalty and constancy. Inclusion is therefore a sunflower!

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Learning about and from inclusion….

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Toby Karten

This inspiring video clip, Including Samuel, teaches us

that we can learn about and FROM inclusion.

 

 

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Inclusion Research: More Info to Know!

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Toby Karten

Definitely check out these links to increase your inclusive insights!

National Dissemination Center

for Children with Disabilities

National Center for Learning Disabilities

Autism Speaks

CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology

IES: What Works Clearinghouse

The Arc: For People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Dr. Mac’s Behavior Management Site

And let’ s keep the info flowing-share your favorite site:-)





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Inclusion Education

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Toby Karten

Inclusion, a way of life, is what we will be discussing in this blog. The strategies and interventions, although never generic, are ones that involve good teaching practices that ALL students benefit from.

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