Inclusive education is a kind of model wherein all students of the same ages are welcomed by their neighbourhood schools in regular classes to learn together, as well as participate in all aspects of school life. This education is all about how we develop and design our classrooms, schools, programs and activities so that all types of students learn and participate together.

Inclusiveness in education is all about ensuring access to quality education for all students by meeting their diverse requirements successfully in a way that is accepting, responsive, supportive and respectful. And it is carried out in a common learning environment with basic elements, including professional teachers, inclusive curriculum and parental involvement

You may keep wondering why this educational model is important in the 21st century. Before you get the answer, you need to understand that diminishing discrimination in education, especially for specially-abled children, is one of the goals that educators want to achieve. And as we are advancing with time, it is expected that we are whole-heartedly able to welcome all our children without differentiating them for their disability. So, not only in the 21st century, this educational model is expected to be applied every time to allow all children to develop together. 

To understand the effectiveness of inclusive education, first, you need to know these –

  1. Beliefs and principles

Inclusive education reflects the expectation that all children should be accepted and appreciated throughout life. The beliefs and principals behind this concept are

  • All kids can learn
  • All children attend age-appropriate regular classrooms in their local schools
  • All kids receive appropriate educational programs
  • All children obtain a curriculum relevant to their requirements
  • All kids participate in co-curricular, as well as extracurricular activities
  • All children benefit from collaboration, cooperation among school, home and community
  • Key features

To understand inclusive education in-depth, one needs to understand the main features. And these are:

  • Unconditionally accepting all children into regular classes and the life of the school
  • Offering as much support to kids, teachers and classrooms as necessary to make sure that all children can participate in their schools and classes easily
  • Always shedding light on the strengths of all children rather than their weaknesses
  • Educators and parents have high expectations of all children
  • Developing education goals based on the ability of each child. It means that children don’t need to have the same education goals to learn together in regular classes.
  • Designing institutions and classes in such ways that help children learn and achieve to their highest potential. For instance, by building class time tables for allowing more individuals’ attention for all students.
  • Having strong leadership for inclusion from school principals and other administrators
  • Having teachers who are armed with knowledge about different ways of teaching so that kids with various abilities and strengths can learn and grow together
  • Having principals, teachers, parents and others work together to determine the most effective ways of providing quality education in an inclusive environment.
  • Advantages

Over the years, the perks of providing inclusive education to all children have been experienced. Inclusive education is vital because:

  1. All children are able to part of their community, as well as develop a sense of belonging and better prepared for life in the community as children and adults.
  2. It offers better learning opportunities. Children with special needs are often better motivated when they learn in classes surrounded by other peers.
  3. The expectations of all children are higher, Successful inclusion endeavors to develop the strengths of an individual.
  4. It allows children to work on specific goals while being with other students of their own age.
  5.  It persuades the involvement of parents in the education of their kids, as well as the activities of their local schools.
  6. It fosters a culture of respect and belongingness. Moreover, it provides the opportunity to learn about and accept individual differences.
  • It offers all children with opportunities to develop a friendship with others. Friendships offer role models and opportunities for growth.

To implement inclusive education successfully, schools need to improve infrastructure, learning materials and equipment, and eliminate redundant things. So, if you are convinced with the benefits of this educational model then without waiting for any further work on to incorporate the necessary things in your school. Start working from today!