Building Inclusive Classrooms for Special Education Students

Key Insights

Inclusive practices benefit not just special education students, but also the broader school community by increasing academic achievement and fostering a supportive classroom environment. Teachers, both in general and special education, improve through collaborating and exchanging information about instructional activities and teaching strategies. General education students develop an appreciation for the unique abilities of all their peers, irrespective of formal disability labels. In other words, inclusive practices create an environment where all students can feel a part of the classroom community, regardless of disability.

This research addresses the implementation of inclusive practices in general education classrooms. The report outlines how assistive technology and co-teaching models at contact districts increase inclusion and academic achievement for special education students. In addition, this research provides strategies for gaining faculty support for inclusive practices.