“Before a student moves from a self-contained special education class to a general education setting in his or her neighborhood school for the first time, the school system support staff will need to initiate a planning process to ensure that the supports and services are in place when the student starts school. The planning process initially involves the family, the “sending” staff (current teachers of the student), and the “receiving” staff (the teachers who will instruct the student in the inclusive setting). Once information is gathered, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed, upon which the placement decision is made. The receiving staff participates in an additional phase of planning to identify where and how the student’s IEP will be implemented and what supports will need to be provided.”
This edition of “All Inclusive” may be used as a guide for including students with significant needs for the first time in their neighborhood school. This inclusion guide is a collaborative effort between the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services and the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education.