Strategies for Inclusion Initiative

Here are some strategies to help you become a more effective teacher in a classroom that includes students who display a range of diversity among their physical abilities.

Learn about a student's specific circumstances and range of ability (check with appropriate special education teacher).
Help them experience success by creating an environment in which it is safe for the students to apply and express themselves. Help them set realistic goals and reward correct behavior and skill mastery.
Reduce new skills down to their smallest components. Gradually integrate each component, in a progressive fashion, until the entire task is mastered.
Create a classroom that maximizes cooperation and minimizes competition. In a supportive classroom environment, students with disabilities CAN learn and even thrive. Able-bodied students also benefit from the process. They learn to accept and interact with people who are different from themselves.

Al King, former adaptive P.E. teacher, Eugene, OR.