What is Inclusive Education?
Inclusive education means that all students attend and are welcomed by their neighbourhood schools in age-appropriate, regular classes and are supported to learn, contribute and participate in all aspects of the life of the school.
Inclusive education is about how we develop and design our schools, classrooms, programs and activities so that all students learn and participate together.
Neighbourhood schools are the heart of our communities, and BCACL believes they are essential for a quality inclusive education system. Therefore we believe it is important to support a public education system in B.C.
Benefits of Inclusive Education
All children benefit from inclusive education. It allows them to:
- Develop individual strengths and gifts, with high and appropriate expectations for each child.
- Work on individual goals while participating in the life of the classroom with other students their own age.
- Involve their parents in their education and in the activities of their local schools.
- Foster a school culture of respect and belonging. Inclusive education provides opportunities to learn about and accept individual differences, lessening the impact of harassment and bullying.
- Develop friendships with a wide variety of other children, each with their own individual needs and abilities.
- Positively affect both their school and community to appreciate diversity and inclusion on a broader level.
Q&A's
Why is inclusive education important?
It’s important because as Canadians, we value our diverse communities. These communities start at school, where all students learn to live alongside peers. They learn together; they play together; they grow and are nurtured together.
Is inclusive education for everybody?
The simple answer is YES. However, individual needs may mean that some students need to spend time out of regular class for a particular purpose. There are always exceptions, but they are in fact EXCEPTIONS: if needed, they are individualized in the student’s community school.
How can I make the school in my community more inclusive?
Ask your school principal what is being done to support teachers to include students with diverse needs in the classroom.
What should I expect?
You can expect the school to provide a plan to support teachers and students through good inclusive practices —like collaboration, team work, innovative instructional practices, peer-strategies, and more.
How can I keep up with information on inclusive education?
Visit the BCACL website and the Canadian Association for Community Living website (www.inclusiveeducation.ca) regularly.