What Is Inclusive Education?

The world is full of vibrant differences between people and places; differences that are reflected in classrooms across the globe – or should be. All too often, however, kids are excluded from their place in schools because of poverty level, race, gender, religion, language, and disability.

Many educators believe that each child has the right to be supported by their communities and families as they learn and develop, and to be educated in a place where they are welcomed without question.

When everyone is educated together – an idea referred to as inclusive education – it benefits everyone. An inclusive classroom welcomes both students and teachers, including everyone for the advantage of all. If you’re not familiar with the concept of an inclusive learning environment, read on to discover some examples of inclusion in the classroom, and learn more about the need for inclusive education in every child’s life.

Inclusive Education: What Is It?
Students from all backgrounds and abilities learning together in the same classroom is the cornerstone of inclusive education. At its heart, this concept incorporates inclusive learning and inclusive education techniques that hold diversity and the individual contributions of each student in high esteem.

In school settings that are truly inclusive, each child feels safe and as if they belong. Both students and their families participate in educational goals and are key in making decisions that will directly impact them. Additionally, school staff has the support, training, resources, and flexibility to promote and respond to the needs of their students.

What Does An Inclusive Classroom Environment Look Like?
An inclusive classroom doesn’t have a certain look – it has a certain feel. In an environment where students feel as if they belong regardless of who they are, the tone of the classroom is open, supportive, friendly, nurturing, and caring. Students are allowed to explore both academic and personal relationships that promote inclusivity.

In an inclusive classroom, human diversity is considered natural and is embraced as a valuable resource that can help everyone learn. In this setting, the three “Rs” are observed:

• Respect – Every student in an inclusive classroom is respected. That means each student has their talents and gifts acknowledged, and they understand that they belong. Every child is known by not only their name but their unique strengths and personality. They are not defined by standardized test scores or grades.
• Relationships – Students who are accepted and respected develop relationships in their school communities. They do not feel isolated but instead feel as if they are connected, creating a type of social safety net to help them grow while instilling a belief in themselves that allows them to work hard and achieve their goals. Their needs drive instruction and the support they are offered.
• Responsibility – Once students and others in the school community have formed relationships, everyone can share in the responsibility that is student success. The classroom of inclusive education is the jumping-off point for students to explore what they need and how they can better be supported.

These values in an inclusive classroom help everyone to understand what it means to be inclusive both in the classroom and in their community.

The Elements Of Inclusive Education
When it comes to an inclusive education, you will see certain common elements in the classroom. These elements include:

• Teaching specialists or assistants – Staff in an inclusive classroom don’t pull students out of class to work with them. Instead, they address the needs of all students and promote working inclusively, no matter what special needs some students may have.
• Curriculum that includes everyone – In many inclusive classrooms, you will find a curriculum that’s relevant to the local environment, often focusing on the contributions made by marginalized and minority groups. This is in an effort to avoid narratives that are too binary while also allowing the curriculum to be adapted to the different learning styles present in the classroom.
• Parents are involved – It is true that most schools want parents to be involved, but in practice this is often limited to emails and annual meetings. In inclusive schools, parents are reached out to in many different ways that allow them to be involved on their own terms.

The Benefits Of An Inclusive Education
An inclusive education benefits all students, regardless of ability or background. It promotes meaningful friendships, teaches students to appreciate differences and accept those who aren’t like them, helps students to develop respect for all people, and promotes greater academic outcomes. In an inclusive classroom, the needs of all students are met and there are more resources for everyone to benefit from.

How Can Inclusive Education Be Promoted?
So we know inclusive education is a great idea. Naturally, the next step is to wonder how these ideas can be advanced in every community.

There are some easy ways to help make inclusive education a reality. If educators and parents work to ensure that schools have the training and funding they need, and that parents understand and work to assert their child’s right to an education, then an inclusive education can be a part of your community. Governments need to be held accountable for their implementation of legislation that addresses antidiscrimination and the policies they are putting forward to remove barriers to education.

Featured image by Amer Mughawish on Unsplash