As educators we must discover our philosophy and beliefs about how to best create inclusive learning environments for the learners we support each day. Your vision will likely change and evolve as you grow as an educator and even as you gain knowledge in this course. Therefore, take some time this week to reflect on your vision of inclusion. It will lay a good foundation for when you create a project representing your philosophy of inclusion for children with exceptionalities in Week 5 of our class.
To prepare,
Watch The Inclusion Classroom: An Inclusive Education MovementLinks to an external site..
Read There Is No Place Called InclusionLinks to an external site..
Locate the quote you shared in your introduction post. “Diversity in all forms is a path to greatness”
In your journal,
Explain your vision of inclusion.
Discuss which piece of legislation from this week’s learning most impacted your vision (e.g., FAPE, LRE, IEP, IDEA, etc.).
Describe how the quote you shared in your introduction post aligns with your vision of inclusion.
Vision of Inclusion
Inclusion, to me, is more than just physically placing students with disabilities in general education classrooms. It’s about creating a learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported in reaching their full potential. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and community where diversity is celebrated, and individual differences are embraced as strengths. An inclusive classroom should be a place where students learn from each other, collaborate, and build empathy.
Impact of Legislation
The legislation that has most significantly impacted my vision of inclusion is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law guarantees a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities, and it emphasizes the importance of providing students with disabilities with the necessary supports and services to access the general education curriculum. IDEA has shaped my understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities educators have to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to learn and succeed.
Alignment with Quote
The quote “Diversity in all forms is a path to greatness” perfectly aligns with my vision of inclusion. I believe that a classroom comprised of students with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives is a rich and dynamic learning environment. By embracing diversity, we create opportunities for students to learn from each other, develop empathy, and become global citizens. Inclusion is not just about accommodating students with disabilities; it’s about creating a learning community that benefits all students.
This initial reflection on inclusion provides a foundation for my understanding of this critical concept. I look forward to deepening my knowledge and refining my vision as I progress through the course.