Inclusive schools that have maintained success over time have a very important commonality: They engage family members in meaningful school and classroom activities.  Check out the Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for Parent Center's state-by-state Directory to find your state's Parent Center and to learn more about the role of parents and families in supporting inclusive education.

Kids with Cameras:

An Activity for Assessing Students’ Connections to their School

Featured Resources

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ICARE School Study - "Kids with Cameras"

The journey to becoming an Inclusive School may be long and challenging at times, but ultimately this journey can strengthen a school community and benefit ALL children.  "Inclusion" does not simply mean the placement of students with disabilities in general education classes.  This process must incorporate fundamental change in the way a school community supports and addresses the individual needs of each child.  As such, effective models of inclusive education not only benefit students with disabilities, but also create an environment in which every student, including those who do not have disabilities, has the opportunity to flourish.  Click on the title or "Read more" to learn about ways in which inclusive educational practices build a school's capacity to educate all learners effectively.

Including Samuel is an excellent resource for schools and organizations looking to foster rich, honest discussion about the benefits and challenges of inclusive education.  The Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) was proud to partner with filmmaker Dan Habib and the Institute on Disability during the 2008 Inclusive Schools Week, and Including Samuel DVDs are now available for purchase through ISN.

Inclusive schools should be places where children not only achieve...but enjoy.  The playground or inside play areas are oftentimes the center of a young child's social world.  Click on the title or "Read more" for some ideas to help facilitate social interaction and acceptance on the playground.

Most human beings enjoy sharing information and stories about themselves. Students are no different. Revealing special things about themselves can help students develop confidence and trust among their peers. This sharing of information can also assist teachers in finding out more about their students and plan lessons that tap into the needs and preferences of their class. Click on the title or "Read more" for sample questions you can use to build a more cohesive classroom and learn important information about your students.

Khooneh takouni, which translates to "shaking the house" is a Persian ritual of spring cleaning that precedes the Persian New Year each spring.  The ritual of spring cleaning, in many cultures, provides a fresh start as we enter the season of new beginnings. As trees bloom and flowers blossom many people enjoy a renewed sense of empowerment and life.

Unfortunately, many of our students see the spring only as the beginning of the end of the year and the last hurdle before summer vacation.  Students who have not experienced academic or social success during the early part of the school year will often "cash out" in the spring while they await the reprieve of the summer months.  With the same enthusiasm evoked by spring cleaning and renewal, teachers can motivate students to consider this season a time of new beginnings.  Click on the title or "Read more" for ideas about renewing your students' sense of interest, enthusiasm and eagerness to succeed.