The Advantages of an Inclusive Classroom Environment
As an educator, I often have conversations with other non-teacher parents who state, “My child has two teachers this school year! Will their teachers and classroom be as equipped as the other classrooms on their grade level? Does this mean my child’s education and learning will suffer this school year because the teachers will have to attend to specific students with more needs?” At times, these can be challenging conversations to have, and I immediately advocate for all educators in co-teaching environments by stating, your child has the opportunity to learn and grow in exponential ways because they have two certified teachers in the classroom. This means the teacher to student ratio is cut in half, and students have the ability to practice and apply skills in smaller groups more often throughout the school day.
When I speak with friends and family members who have children in co-teaching classrooms, I am amazed at the lack of information provided to families in order to comprehend the idea of an inclusive classroom environment. There are numerous benefits for all students who can learn, apply, and grow because of two certified educators in the classroom for an entire school year. I understand the lack of knowledge about inclusion is not at the fault of my friends or family members. It is vital that districts and/or schools provide specific information for the community, families, and students they serve so everyone has the opportunity to understand what an inclusive classroom environment is and how it benefits all students who learn in this classroom environment.
Districts and schools can help their school and community understand the vision of an inclusive classroom environment by:
● preparing teachers for the idea and purpose of an inclusive classroom prior to students entering the building and give the teachers specific training that will help them be and feel successful in their classrooms.
● sending home informational packets and/or emails to families about inclusive classroom teaching and learning and help families understand the importance of co-teaching and all the benefits that stem from learning and growing in an inclusive setting.
● discussing ways to improve the quality of co-teaching with your colleagues and administrators and allow for constructive criticism from all staff members that aids in the development of ideas and practices for inclusive teaching and learning.
● sharing the benefits of your inclusive classroom setting with your students by explaining the importance of working together as a team.
● teaching and facilitating specific ways for all students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to learn from each other by understanding one another’s similarities and differences.
Research has proven the importance and effectiveness of inclusive classroom environments for all students. Students with a disability are able to learn and master content in a least restrictive environment while their general education peers thrive from small group learning and targeted instruction. In the end, the advantages of an inclusive classroom environment are vast, and we need to continue to share the benefits and the importance of co-teaching for all students in all grade levels.
Created by Jennifer Engler, CMDI Educational Strategist