Episode 124: Embracing Diversity: Building Inclusive Classrooms for All Learners

with school educators and administrators , as well as experiencing the microaggressions that I faced as an African American mom raising my two kids , who were in the public school system . I really wanted to understand how teachers were trained and what the research provided about the challenges of the public education system .

Once I gained the information and the insights that I needed , I was then equipped to be able to successfully support my children in their education and progress . This battle-tested experience is what I provide as action steps for you to take . It's like enjoying a bowl of educational research with a sprinkling of mother wisdom on top .

If you're looking to find out more about current information and issues in public education that could affect you and your children , and the action steps that you can take to give your children the advantages they need , then you're in the right place . Thanks for tuning in today .

I know that staying informed about K-12 public education trends and topics is important to you , so keep listening . In this episode , I'll be discussing the goals , benefits and impacts of inclusive classrooms . Inclusive classrooms are all about overcoming differences and barriers that limit the participation of all students .

They basically allow all students to learn in social environments together . I discuss the value of inclusive classrooms and the challenges of these learning environments , as well as action steps and things you should know about an inclusive classroom environment . In this episode , let's untangle this .

Inclusive education became an international human right with the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006 . Inclusion is an educational program practice that integrates all levels of learners into one classroom .

All students can benefit from being in an inclusive classroom , including students with physical disabilities like being deaf or hard of hearing , and visually impaired students , students with autism , dyslexia and other students with different learning disabilities .

The general goal of inclusive education is to socialize students , with socialization being used as a term that refers to individuals' attempts to participate in their immediate environment through the acquisition of certain knowledge , skills , values and behaviors .

Inclusive education refers to an educational process that enables students with special needs to participate in a learning environment or classroom setting that reduces their exclusion and meets the needs of all students .

The process includes educating all children in the appropriate age ranges , with a shared vision on the responsibility of the public education system , adaptation and changes in course content , teaching and learning approaches , structures and strategies .

This approach allows students with special needs the opportunity to have the same teaching and learning experiences that are provided to their peers in the same classroom setting . In these classrooms , students share their experiences with one another and learn something from one another . Inclusive education also has significant effects on students with no special needs .

One effect is a change in their perspective . A change in perspective affects their attitudes toward inclusive students and they become positive as a result of eliminating bias . In addition , students with no special needs learn to be tolerant toward inclusive students , to be helpful and to share in classroom activities .

Students with no special needs also develop empathy in inclusive classrooms and social equality . It also contains dimensions of access to education and educational rights . Inclusive education also needs to consider classroom management and tolerance of teachers and students , and tolerance of teachers and students .

Having equal rights for every student requires being flexible and tolerant of all . Tolerance is an important value for inclusive classrooms , just as sharing and cooperation are important values as well .

Children with autism have a right to be within inclusive classrooms and there are several benefits to having them in inclusive classrooms , including reducing stigma surrounding autism , creating respectful relationships between all students within the class , teaching all students how to act positively with others , as well as increasing the knowledge about autism .

Students with autism who are in inclusive classrooms demonstrate better cognitive and adaptive characteristics because they're able to observe and practice interacting with their peers , and their peers are more likely to respond in a socially appropriate way .

It would be beneficial for the teacher and the family to meet prior to school starting so that the teacher is comfortable and understanding of what successful integration with a student with autism is . Into a junior classroom , it will require the teacher to consider teaching to the student's interests and abilities .

So that the student with autism is successful in the inclusive classroom , it may also be necessary for the teacher to have training on autism . Inclusion benefits students within the classroom by minimizing stereotypes , while also encouraging learning to occur between all peers .

It allows students to work appropriately with all types of students , which improves attitudes toward autism . Children learn from a young age how to be accepting of others .

Inclusive classrooms should exhibit differentiated learning , which includes providing visual and auditory instruction to ensure that all students are able to receive instruction , especially if there are students with autism . Students with autism thrive on receiving individual affirmation from the teacher and are more engaged in class when the teacher praises them individually .

To have a successful , inclusive classroom for a student with autism , it would be beneficial for teachers to teach to that child's interests and strengths . This may include the teacher providing choices for students by allowing them to choose assignments that match their personal abilities and interests .

Teachers who have confidence in how to assist an autistic child due to having some education or training in dealing with special needs children will have a more positive demeanor and the students will pick up on that . This positivity is needed for successful inclusive classrooms .

Students with autism not only learn from their peers in inclusive classrooms , but they also teach their peers about autism while reducing stigma , which creates more positive attitudes and relationships regarding autism and inclusion relationships regarding autism and inclusion .

Inclusion education also supports visually impaired students , who have the right to improve their quality of life through educational attainment . It's important that the classroom is set up to accommodate these students , who can experience challenges in inclusive education .

Elements consisting of learning materials , assistive technology and classroom accommodations , including the use of braille Assistive technologies , can be very helpful for visually impaired students . However , reading speed can be delayed due to such assistive devices , for example when using a stylus while learning in class .

Difficulty may be encountered for the visually impaired students because they will need to focus on more than one task at a time . Inclusive classrooms for students with visual impairments rely on the skills of the teacher in providing a positive environment in which students can thrive . Inclusive classrooms have become increasingly common , even at the preschool level .

They allow new opportunities for children with and without disabilities to experience positive social interactions and to form friendships . Peer interactions in preschool set the stage for social relationships that positively impact health , cognitive and emotional development and overall quality of life .

Children with and without disabilities may not be fully benefiting from inclusive classrooms if they are unable to communicate effectively and socially interact with one another . Children with disabilities may require alternative communication styles to supplement or replace speech , as well as support for participation in class .

Also , children with disabilities may need supports in order to understand how alternative communication modalities can be integrated during the social interactions in the classroom . Assistive technology may help teachers provide support for the social interactions between children in inclusive preschool classrooms .

One type of assistive technology tool is a visual scene display , which can be used to support social communication between children with disabilities and their peers , thereby promoting inclusion within the preschool setting . This technology is particularly appropriate and effective in supporting social interactions between young children .

Visual scene displays , or VSDs , are one example of the type of communication technology that's particularly suited to young children who are at the beginning stages of language development .

Suited to young children who are at the beginning stages of language development , visual scene displays are photographs of scenes from a child's life that are presented on a touchscreen tablet and may contain hotspots over key people , objects or events on the screen . When activated by touch , these hotspots produce voice output words or phrases related to the screen .

When activated by touch , these hotspots produce voice output words or phrases related to the scene . This technology can also incorporate video scenes . Visual scene displays can also be used to support shared storybook reading in an inclusive preschool classroom . Teaching in an inclusive classroom requires differentiated instruction .

Differentiated instruction means matching students' approaches to learning with the most appropriate teaching methods , curriculum goals and opportunities for displaying knowledge . Teaching methods , curriculum goals and opportunities for displaying knowledge .

Differentiation is the practice of modifying and adapting instruction materials , content , student projects and assessments to meet the learning needs of each student . Differentiating instruction means giving students multiple options for taking in information .

It requires employing multiple teaching approaches in the same classroom to accommodate the variety of aptitudes , needs , personalities and experiences of all students . It's inquiry-based , interest-based , learner-oriented and activity-intensive , because the classroom is a collection of learners with different ability levels , readiness and interests .

Teachers who do not differentiate instruction teach only a fraction of their students . Differentiated instruction , therefore , is an instructional approach that provides learners with multiple options , alternatives and avenues to what they learn , how they learn and how they express what they have learned .

Research indicates that differentiated instruction improves learning achievement of all students because it engages students , stimulates their interests and provides gratifying experiences . Children learn best using their preferred learning style . Teachers need additional professional training to fully incorporate differentiated instruction in inclusive classrooms .

Teachers can more effectively provide differentiated instruction only when they understand how diverse students learn and think , when they know a range of teaching options for differentiating their teaching , when they can apply differentiated teaching to various topics in their classrooms , when they have the appropriate motivation to provide different types of instruction , and when

they can read the culture and climate in their school and their classroom . In terms of inclusiveness , differentiated instruction is a flexible , equitable and intelligent way to approach teaching and learning . Inclusive classrooms have a clear direction to help their students and to work as a team with parents by educating parents about inclusion .

The inclusive classroom environment should be one that respects diversity , where all students feel they have the support and

are truly part of the classroom . Having open discussions about differences , backgrounds and abilities is crucial in developing student confidence and comfort in the inclusive classroom environment .

Providing teachers with necessary training to understand all pieces of inclusive practice helps to provide them with confidence and a clear understanding of inclusion , which leads to an inclusive classroom and which enables the teacher to apply appropriate strategies and techniques .

Teachers , then , should be able to embrace the diversity in their classrooms , not only students with disabilities , but students with a variety of ethnic background values , creating inclusion across the classroom . There's a correlation between differentiated instruction and inclusion . Both of these increase student engagement for all students .

To engage students in the learning process , lessons should include and publicly value participation of all students across the social and cultural backgrounds found in a typical classroom . Creating an inclusive classroom doesn't happen overnight , though .

It could take months for a teacher to create a safe and inclusive classroom where all students in the class feel comfortable and are reaching their fullest potential . It does require an ongoing commitment to creating an environment where everyone in the classroom respects diversity .

Creating an environment where everyone in the classroom respects diversity , using inclusion methods , creates and maintains a warm and welcoming environment for all students , not just those with exceptionalities . Is there a difference between how teachers respond to students with intellectual disabilities in inclusive classrooms ?

How readily do other students accept students with intellectual differences in inclusive classrooms ? These questions were addressed in recent research study . Inclusive education also needs to include support services and practices such as developing and implementing social integration programs , as well as enabling positive relationships among students in the class .

Families , students , school administrators , physical environments and teachers factor into implementing these programs and establishing positive relationships among students in an inclusive classroom .

The most significant factor are the teachers , who play a critical role in meeting the needs of students in class , as well as establishing and maintaining in-class interactions and maintaining in-class interactions . The type of communication and interactive behavior that a teacher uses in the class affects student behavior and becomes a model for students .

The social interaction between teachers and students affects students' achievements and learning processes , as well as how students interact with each other , and learning processes , as well as how students interact with each other . That's why it's important that the in-class environment is a positive one .

The bottom line is that the teachers' behaviors affect student behaviors , especially social behaviors . This study found that inclusive classroom teachers in class behaviors towards students with normal development and towards those with intellectual disabilities was different , especially when it came to negative or positive behaviors that were exhibited in class .

These teachers offered more help and clues to students with special needs , rewarded them , listened to them when they began speaking and conducted individual work with them . The teachers also provided more feedback to the students with special needs as compared to students with normal development . Students were accepting of their classmates who had special needs .

Students with intellectual disabilities were chosen by their peers to sit together and play games together , although they were reluctant to study together .

When students with intellectual disabilities have their peers' acceptance and they are supported throughout by an effective teaching practice , the students are secure against encountering serious issues or problems in school and in their social lives after school . Teachers and parents need to collaborate in an inclusive classroom so that every child succeeds .

Parents who have children with special needs welcome the fact that , regardless of their child's special needs , he or she can attend school together with other students in an inclusive classroom . Part of the inclusive process is the readiness of students with special education needs .

These students typically undergo a transition from segregated special classrooms with low performance expectations to a more challenging mainstream education classroom with high outcome expectations .

That's why the collaboration between teachers and parents is necessary and vital , so that both parties understand their role in supporting the students to be successful in this inclusive classroom environment . The successful , inclusive classroom requires collaboration between teachers and parents . Perhaps the process of collaboration itself reflects what inclusion is all about .

What inclusion is all about ? Differences can be a strength in the creative process when they are collectively focused on accomplishing a single mission or goal . The diversity and difference of each person in the collaborative team results in a creative synergy that cannot be achieved by members individually .

Therefore , the teacher-parent collaboration provides a pathway to successful achievement of inclusive classrooms . With this discussion in mind , how does what I've just shared apply to you ? Here are the action steps you can take regarding this topic just shared . Apply to you . Here are the action steps you can take regarding this topic .

When was the last time you visited your child's classroom ? Doing this on a regular basis can be quite eye-opening for you . Observing the workings of your child's classroom is vital . Once in the classroom , you can observe how the teacher interacts with all students .

It's important to note that the teacher acknowledges the interests of students in the class , make eye contact with students , addresses students by name , approaches them with love and compassion , behaves respectfully , supports students' positive behaviors using gestures such as smiles , encourages students' positive behaviors with positive words and emphasizes students' positive behaviors

. These in-class interactive verbal and nonverbal behaviors towards students in the class affect students' behavior . Being educated on what inclusion means and the benefits that inclusive classrooms have on your children is very important .

When you're educated on the benefits that an inclusive classroom can have on your child , with or without disabilities , you gain confidence in the capacity of the school to understand and educate your children , and when you see the positive socialization among all students , with or without disabilities , you develop a positive attitude toward inclusion .

It's also crucial that you understand that it's not necessary for your child to keep up with other students in an inclusive classroom , especially if your child has special educational needs . In order to have an inclusive classroom , not all students will be performing at grade level . Not all students will be performing at grade level .

That's why a successful collaboration between you and your child's teacher is important , because the teacher can explain that inclusive classrooms ensure that all students have success at their own level and that , while doing so , the students gain a sense of belonging in the classroom .

The students gain the sense of belonging in the classroom Because an inclusive classroom is about the socialization that occurs between all the students in the class .

Here are this episode's takeaways Learning in an inclusive classroom helps all students gain confidence in their personal abilities and shapes them to accept others for who they are is a multi-dimensional concept as well as a socio-political educational model that includes values such as human rights , social justice and social equality .

It also contains dimensions of access to education and educational rights . Inclusive education needs to consider classroom management and tolerance of teachers and students . Having equal rights for every student requires being flexible and tolerant to all . Tolerance is an important value for inclusive classrooms , just as sharing and cooperation are important values as well .

Teaching in an inclusive classroom requires differentiated instruction . Differentiated instruction means matching students' approaches to learning with the most appropriate teaching methods , curriculum goals and opportunities for displaying knowledge .

Differentiation is the practice of modifying and adapting instruction materials , content , student projects and assessment to meet the learning needs of each student . The inclusive classroom environment should be one that respects diversity , where all students feel that they have the support and are truly part of the classroom .

Having open conversations about differences , backgrounds and abilities is crucial in developing student confidence and comfort in the inclusive classroom environment . Did you enjoy this episode ?

Well , if you don't want to miss out on any of the content that I'll be providing in previous episodes or in episodes to come , then be sure to subscribe to my podcast , on whatever platform you're listening to this . What's been your experience with inclusive classrooms ?

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a text comment on my podcast website , k12educationuntangledbuzzsproutcom . That's k12educationuntangledbuzzsproutcom . Thanks for tuning in and listening to this episode . I hope you'll come back for more K-12 educational discussions with even more exciting topics to untangle . Until next time , aim to learn something new every day .