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Inclusion Statement Inclusion is a philosophy that has as its central tenet "all children belong." The Pleasant Valley School District (PVSD) adopted this inclusion philosophy in 1991 in an effort to provide a better educational environment for students with disabilities. Along with adopting this philosophy, PVSD developed the inclusion belief statement, "All Children Can Learn in the Mainstream of School and Community: Diversity is Valued and Celebrated." Inclusion is the process of acknowledging people with disabilities as people first. Inclusion is very much in line with our mission statement, "Excellence in Education: A Community Commitment." The way we treat people falls under the belief that we accept families, friends, neighbors, teachers, employers, and all others into everyday life. Inclusion assumes that every person is entitled to respect, dignity, equal rights under the law, and opportunities for fulfilling life within the community and its schools. Inclusion involves the careful assessment of the needs of each student and the application of measures that will meet those needs. Properly implemented through teamwork, collaboration, co-planning, and co-teaching, inclusive practices benefit all students. Some of the many gains made through inclusive practices are in the areas of social interaction, language development, appropriate behaviors, self-esteem, and academic performance. Inclusion means that students with disabilities are educated in supported, heterogeneous, age-appropriate, natural, student-centered classrooms, schools and community environments for the purpose of preparing them for their adult lives in a diverse and integrated society. There are varying degrees of inclusive practices. Full inclusion means students, no matter what their needs, are in the regular education milieu. PVSD practices "responsible inclusion." Responsible inclusion means that a student will be placed in the regular educational environment if the student can be successful with or without supplemental aids and services, the student will benefit academically and/or socially, and the student's presence does not have an adverse effect on the rest of the class. Through inclusive practices, we develop patience, acceptance, helpfulness, diversity, and compassion.
Excellence in Education: A Community Commitment
© Pleasant Valley School District - revised 08/05/04 09:37:45 AM |
