Inclusion and My Dream Classroom

Oh my gosh. So much to think about. Where to start. Well I guess I will start with inclusion. I know the goal is to have all kids in general education all the time. I see the wisdom in this, in theory, but I also know that kids need to be taught at their own level. I can see how all kids can be together in science and social studies, but I think math and reading need to be taught to mastery. You can't read fifth grade text until you can read first, second, third and fourth grade text. You can't add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions until you can add, subtract, multiply and divide whole Numbers. Some areas of learning build and if you don't have a solid foundation one must be built. I know that full segregation is wrong too. Students who are with kids who are just like them never get to experience people who are different from them. General ed kids don't learn to appreciate the depths and insights found in children with learning disabilities. Kids with disabilities miss out on learning social cues and mannerisms. I also believe that content area teachers are experts in their content area and special education teachers are experts about learning disabilities. It is important that the two groups of teachers share ideas and philosophies. I have a vision of a learning centre. A place where students come and go all day long. Kids who need support in certain areas will come in for support. There will be space for sensory and behavior breaks. Book club, math clubs and other clubs will meet there the read and talk about ideas. Students will tutor other students. Teachers will meet to talk about student progress and plan interventions. Kids will move into gen ed classes when they can and come to us for support. Parents will feel free to call or come by to talk to staff. There will bee computers for kids to work on. There will be audio books for kids to listen to. All kids will feel safe to learn from their prospective, at their pace and level. Teachers and students all working together toward one goal. Happier, healthier well adjusted kids. When I become a teacher I want to create a center like the one in my dream. I want all kids to grow, academically, to their highest possible potential. I want families and staff to enjoy working together. I believe with the right people leading this is all possible. After all I am in graduate school at 49 so anything is possible..