The Inclusive Education Checklist is a self-assessment tool for districts to use when implementing inclusive practices. This checklist assists schools in monitoring their progress toward inclusion by measuring existing practices and identifying areas in need of improvement.
But, as important as it is, it’s also one of the most complicated and controversial topics in any country. That’s because education systems affect so many aspects of society. They need to balance financial concerns with the needs of teachers and students; they need to meet individual students’ needs while providing them with the same standard of education; and they need to ensure that no student is left behind.
That’s why we created this checklist, which outlines some of the main considerations to keep in mind when planning an education system. It’s not intended to be definitive or comprehensive, but rather a starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about inclusive education systems.
An inclusive education is a system that centers students and families, provides them with the support they need to succeed, and helps them reach their fullest potential. It is a school culture where all members feel cared for, respected, and valued—one that reflects the diversity of our community.
It means that we go beyond the basics and provide a wide range of educational opportunities to meet the diverse learning needs of each child. It means that every student is given high-quality instruction in a flexible learning environment where they can participate, achieve, and grow as individuals.
It means welcoming all families into our school community and working to understand the unique needs of each child. It means ensuring that every child has equal access to high-quality instruction so that they can learn at their own pace and thrive.
Inclusive education frameworks are designed to ensure that all students have access to the same quality instruction and resources, regardless of where they live or what school they attend.
Inclusive education means that all students in a school, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses in any area, become part of the school community. It involves all students in learning together in age-appropriate classrooms that are representative of their communities and include students with and without disabilities.
Inclusive education is the practice of placing students with disabilities in regular classrooms. When done well, inclusive education provides an appropriate education to all students, including those with disabilities, and it allows them to develop social skills and friendships with their non-disabled peers.
In order for inclusive education to be successful, educators must create a learning environment where all students feel included regardless of their ability. This includes providing adequate support for teachers so that they can serve all of their students’ needs.
As the world changes and becomes more diverse, schools must look at how they can support all students. This checklist can help you create a learning environment that is inclusive of all students. Below are some questions that you can use to do a quick self-check of your classroom. If you answer no to any of the questions below, there may be opportunities to make your classroom more inclusive.
- Are my students in my classroom engaged in their learning?
- When I ask my students a question, do they all have an opportunity to respond?
- Do my students know what they learned during class?
- When I ask my students a question, do they know why they are learning this material?
- Does everyone understand what is expected of them?
- Do I have reasonable expectations for my students? (Are they clear?)
- When I want to communicate with a student or parent, do I call home? (If so, how does this help me communicate with all families?)
- When I am communicating with parents and caregivers, am I aware of how culture impacts communication styles?