I have a t-shirt that I bought while at the 2014's Illinois Includes conference (http://www.illinoisincludes.org). The t-shirt says "I stand up for Inclusion" from www.justadaddyo.com. When I wear it people ask me "what does that mean?". I sometimes have a hard time explaining what inclusion means in a meaningful manner. I can tell them what inclusion is not, especially when it comes to my school district. I can tell them it is educating all students in a manner in which is effective for each student. It is not all students in the same room being taught in the same manner. It helps all students, not just students who have IEP (individual educational plan).
This morning I read this article http://www.thinkinclusive.us/your-school-might-be-the-biggest-barrier-to-inclusive-education/#sthash.G2SfRx5N.dpuf. This article really summarized my thoughts on inclusion in such a great way, I want to share this article with everyone! When your school uses deficit lens to describe students, your school is not inclusive. When schools use strength based lens, your school is probably inclusive or closer to being inclusive. What is the deficit lens? Using negative language. Using a students deficit as the first part of your language. Strength based language uses a more positive language. Here is an example of deficit lens from our school. _
Here is an more strength based example. __ Both are saying the same thing, one is using more positive language. Which would you prefer to hear in a job review? Which would you rather have your child listen to?
I know from experience that I prefer the strength based lens.
Inclusion is where all students are welcomed, they are taught to their strengths and helped with their weaknesses. Not everyone has to be at the same place at the same time as everyone else in their learning process and that is OK. Inclusion is for all of us, not just special education students. We all want our strengths to shine.
This morning I read this article http://www.thinkinclusive.us/your-school-might-be-the-biggest-barrier-to-inclusive-education/#sthash.G2SfRx5N.dpuf. This article really summarized my thoughts on inclusion in such a great way, I want to share this article with everyone! When your school uses deficit lens to describe students, your school is not inclusive. When schools use strength based lens, your school is probably inclusive or closer to being inclusive. What is the deficit lens? Using negative language. Using a students deficit as the first part of your language. Strength based language uses a more positive language. Here is an example of deficit lens from our school. _
Here is an more strength based example. __ Both are saying the same thing, one is using more positive language. Which would you prefer to hear in a job review? Which would you rather have your child listen to?
I know from experience that I prefer the strength based lens.
Inclusion is where all students are welcomed, they are taught to their strengths and helped with their weaknesses. Not everyone has to be at the same place at the same time as everyone else in their learning process and that is OK. Inclusion is for all of us, not just special education students. We all want our strengths to shine.