The principal is pivotal in creating and promoting an inclusive culture There are huge social
benefits for both ‘regular’ and ‘exceptional’ children in an inclusive classroom.
Where do you begin the process?
Understand inclusive education yourself.
Find good examples of inclusive schools to visit and ensure you take along the staff ‘influencers
Spend time learning.... on site, on the web, speak to people
Connect effective school practice with inclusive school practice
You can become an inclusive school without adding money to the mix
You need courage to deal with skeptics
We must be the change we want to see.... Mahatma Gandhi
Focus on change!
Understand the change process
Develop a broad plan of action with as many stakeholders as possible
Realize that not all your staff will 'love' the idea!
Support all efforts to change.... provide time to visit schools, money for attending courses
Accept that you will not have all the answers at first, and that you will always be changing, adapting, progressing
Create a safe space for people to 'risk'
Create a culture that encourages 'learning by doing'
Real change takes a long time!
Create your team!
Find people to support you, the staff and the school
Identify champions of inclusion and invest in their training and growth
Ensure your leadership team feels empowered to assist staff
Include people from the district office as much as possible
Find volunteers to assist staff.... counselling, reading, group work
Involve parents in their children's learning
The path of progress
Solve practical problems, one at a time, with creative ideas.
Encourage experimentation amongst the teachers.
Celebrate all progress, even small steps.
Realize that your goals will keep changing as your school grows.
Keep asking and learning from those further down the path.
Share successes with all stakeholders.
Keep communicating with all in the process.
Trust the children to speed up the progress.
Look at what children can do, not what they can't do!
Replace those teachers who leave with those who believe in inclusion.
Don't lead the process alone, the more people who take up the challenge the better.
Don't follow policy to the letter...change, adapt and develop better policies!
Teach children with exceptionalities yourself to model good practice
Keep evaluating your school practice.
Accept that you won't get it right always and that some children need more help than you can provide.
