Our school district has celebrated National Inclusion Week for the last four years. We started out small and have been building ever since. The high school of over 2500 students has always been a challenge to organize inclusion week activities. This past year we showed the movie "Darius Goes West" during the daily 25 minute study hall over the course of the week. The students were completely engaged as were the staff members. The students loved the movie and the entire idea of accepting others and seeing friendships develop.

Inclusive Schools…

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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.

Inclusive Schools Week is an opportunity for schools, communities and familes around the world to celebrate their progress in promoting quality education for all children while also educating those around them about inclusive education.  By celebrating the Week, you and your organization not only help to raise awareness about the benefits of inclusive educational practices; you also help to sustain the Inclusive Schools Network in its mission of "Supporting Inclusive Education Worldwide".  Click on the title or "Read more" for some suggestions how you can help to make this year's Week a great success.

Many schools, communities and families around the world use Inclusive Schools Week as an opportunity to celebrate their progress in promoting quality education and better educational outcomes for students with disabilities.  However, it is important to remember that Inclusive Schools Week is also a great opportunity to raise awareness around the benefits of inclusive education for ALL children.  Furthermore, many of ISN's materials and resources can be used to raise awareness and promote inclusive educational practices year-round.  Click on the title or "Read more" for a list of ways to promote Inclusive Schools Week and raise awareness about the benefits of inclusive educational practices for all students.

“Together We Learn Better: Inclusive Schools Benefit All Children” 

The start of the school year is the perfect time to begin planning your Inclusive Schools Week celebration.  Consider focusing your 2008 celebration on this year’s ISW theme “Together We Learn Better: Inclusive Schools Benefit All Children”.  Inclusive Schools Week offers a great opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of inclusive schools. Click on the title or "Read more" for a list of celebration ideas to make this year’s Week the best yet!

Click on the title or "Read more" to view the Inclusive Schools Week 2007 announcement and tips on planning an Inclusive Schools Week celebration in your school, district, or community.