“What is Inclusion?The term inclusion implies a certain educational placement philosophy, interdisciplinary team planning approach, instructional method and attitude.” “Inclusion DOES NOT necessarily mean that a student never leaves the class and is never paired with another student who receives special education services. Rather, it means that the student is truly a member of a…
When discussion of placement arises in an IEP meeting, often how much “inclusion” will be accessible for a student becomes a topic of conversation. Where is “inclusion” in IDEA? Is that term actually there? Or is it a concept? Least Restrictive Environment is the term IDEA uses to define placements. The United States Department of Education,…
Chattanooga Inclusive Ed recently provided a requested white paper to Chattanooga 2.0 outlining current deficiencies in inclusive best practices in the Hamilton County Department of Education, a summary of evidence on the benefits of inclusion for children with and without exceptional needs, and concrete recommendations for reform. Here’s an excerpt from the white paper on…
The internet holds a plethora of resources on the topic of transition, whether it be to secondary education, employment or independent living. Here are a few that we have discovered through the years. Some include older data, but their suggestions and recommendations are still valid. How Students with Disabilities Can Prepare for College –…
For years parents and educators have heard many excuses why students with disabilities should not be full included in their home zoned school.. Many times these excuses fall into specific categories. Myth #1: Students with significant disabilities educated in general education classrooms won’t get the support they need. Myth #2: Students with the most significant…
The sheer volume of autism treatment options can be overwhelming to a parent with a new diagnosis. We have listed here some common treatment options with summaries and links to additional details on each treatment option. Websites listed here have been used and recommended by LifeLine families over the last 13 years. Not all options…
“Nat runs to avoid work Sherry runs when she wants attention Mark runs whenever he can They ran in the past and continue to run in spite of strategies created to stop the running. Sound familiar? People who run create stress for everyone involved; often their safety is at risk or their running creates further…
“A paraeducator is an individual who provides instructional or related support to students under the direction and supervision of a certified teacher. In the last two decades, the roles and responsibilities of paraeducators in inclusive schools have reached new levels of importance. The role of paraeducators has evolved from clerical support to personal support, such as feeding…
“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…
The website www.schoolbehavior.com holds a host of resources on multiple diagnoses and their related behaviors. Suggestions for classroom and home abound. Leslie Packer has compiled a valuable list of recommendations for various scenarios and situations related to behaviors based in neurological conditions. Parents and educators, you’ll want to bookmark this one! From Leslie Packer –…
