Inclusion is so important in supporting all students. I believe it is the backbone of what is the best way to teach and support all students within the education system. Inclusion has opened my eyes to the fact that it is not always just about the students in your class who have exceptionalities, it is about including all students in your class.
Just as when you travel and meet many different people and need to be prepared for any situation, every classroom and experience will bring you a different group of children. It is important to always be prepared by having a plan that will support all students, no matter what.
Artifact #1: Self Assessment-EPSE 565i
This assignment required for me to think of some way to represent my learning in EPSE 565i. I created a poster that I have now put up within my classroom to help me with planning an inclusive learning community. This poster briefly goes over developing important routines and how to plan and assess students within the classroom and is used as a reminder to remember these integral aspects. This project is important because it provides a “how to guide” for an educator who is trying to establish an inclusive classroom community and may wish to include elements such as the 3-block model or the Respecting Diversity (RD) program. Just as when you travel, it is helpful to have a brief “how to” guide to help you plan or engage in a new experience.
Artifact #2:Case Study- Part 2- EPSE 565i
This was a comprehensive assignment in that it required for the complete development of instruction for a case study class following an inclusive education model. As this is what I will be doing throughout the rest of my career, this project is important as it was my first opportunity to design an inclusive classroom in an ideal world. This allowed for me to see and determine my overall goal and some of the steps I can take to achieve this. When you travel you often need a plan before you set out on the adventure; this project allowed for me to learn how to create a plan before setting out on the exciting adventure that is each and every school year.
Artifact #3: Learning Journal- Rethinking Pullouts-EPSE 403
The argument of “push-in” and “pull-out” services is one that has been continuously debated in education, particularly when it comes to the discussion of inclusion. This journal reflects on my thoughts about pull-outs, and how having the resources and educators in the classroom can be beneficial for all students, as well as some of the steps it may take to reduce the number of pull-out services. This project was an important learning opportunity as it provided reflection on what I have experienced as both as a student and an educator with these services. This time for reflection is important in terms of taking a step back and determining what your overall goal is for your students, and whether or not “push-in” or “pull-out” will best support that.
Artifact #4: Critical Review- UDL in the classroom- EPSE 512
This critical review analyzes a research article in which Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was being implemented in a variety of classrooms to determine levels of engagement with students. I discuss the relationship between inclusion and UDL, as well as my own personal connections and reflection on these practices. These connections are important once again in determining what your overall goal is for your students and as an educator. Analyzing UDL as well as inclusion, both as separate and interconnecting ideologies, is important for any educator to determine whether this is something that is feasible for them, which is something I discuss in this review.
Volunteering at the Sikha Asia Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand with the “Books for All” program. One of my favourite memories from travelling and allowed for me to see the importance of education in a different perspective.