Improving Education: The Promise of Inclusive Schooling is an excellent resource for educators looking to improve and expand inclusive educational practices in their schools.  This document was developed by the National Institute for Urban School Improvement, a project funded by the United States Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and it includes examples of inclusive educational environments, assessment and observation tools, and guidelines for supporting inclusive practices.

The term "inclusive school" can mean different things to different individuals and organizations.  However, schools that successfully educate all children do share certain common philosophies, practices and characteristics that are summarized in the attached document.

Click on the section title or "Read more" to view this useful checklist compiled by the National Institute for Urban School Improvement.

This inspiring article written by Bill Henderson, Principal of the Patrick O'Hearn Elementary School in Boston, gives numerous examples of teachers, students, parents, principals, janitors, and many others who are champions of inclusion. They connect, communicate, challenge, and collaborate appropriately when working with students who have disabilities. They are extraordinary individuals who demonstrate on a regular basis how ordinary it can be for students with disabilities to participate successfully in a wide range of activities with their peers.  To read the full article, download the attached PDF.

The ICARE Schools study, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), focuses on the families of students with disabilities and their connections with their adolescent’s schools.  Click on this section title or on "Read more" to learn about, and download, two new protocols developed through the ICARE Schools study: "Talking about Transition to High School: A Focus Group Protocol for Families of Students with Disabilities" and "Kids with Cameras: An Activity for Assessing Students’ Connections to their School".