Special Education Inclusion Tips for the Classroom

Inclusive education is a practice that strives to create learning spaces in which all students are given the opportunity to learn alongside their peers. In special education, this means designing learning experiences and instructional strategies that provide access to content for all children with disabilities. This practice works best when it is tailored to the individual needs of each student. While many students with disabilities receive special education services in special education programs and classes, there are ways that general education classrooms can create inclusive practices that aid in providing all students with the least restrictive environment to the maximum extent.

These inclusive practices in special education can be implemented across the curriculum to provide students with disabilities with more opportunities for success. For example, a teacher might use flexible grouping to create small groups of students with similar needs, allowing them to work together on a project. Building inclusive schools takes intentional effort to create a learning environment that welcomes and includes all students, and that provides them with the support they need to be successful. Here are three special education inclusion strategies that help foster more equitable environments for your students with disabilities.

1. Offer individualized instruction. Individualized instruction is a critical component of inclusive education. It involves tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs and abilities of each student. To offer individualized instruction to students with disabilities, teachers need to understand their specific needs and accommodate them accordingly. This may involve providing additional support such as modified assignments, differentiated instruction, or small group instruction. It’s also important to provide students with choices and allow them to take part in goal setting and decision making. Additionally, teachers should allow students to work at their own pace and provide them with feedback on their progress. By offering individualized instruction, teachers can ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

2. Provide accommodations. Accommodations can help level the playing field so that all students have a fair chance at success. There are a variety of accommodations that can be provided, including modified assignments, differentiated instruction, assistive technology, and extended time on tests. Additionally, teachers can provide alternative ways for students to demonstrate knowledge such as oral assessments, graphic organizers, and visual aids. It is important to work with the student and their family to identify strategies that are most effective for them. Finally, accommodations should be regularly monitored and adjusted as needed to ensure students are able to succeed in the classroom.

3. Make use of technology. Assistive technology can enable students with disabilities to participate in educational activities they would otherwise not be able to complete. In the classroom, assistive technology includes anything from low-tech tools, such as adapted pencils and magnifiers, to high-tech tools, such as voice recognition software or augmentative communication devices. Assistive technology can be used to help students with disabilities increase their independence and participate in activities in general education classes that they may not be able to do otherwise. Teachers should familiarize themselves with the different types of assistive technology and leverage them to help students succeed in the classroom.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services