Inclusion
Inclusion allows for all students to feel that they belong as well as having the same rights as all the other students within the classroom. Three important reasons why inclusion is important are:
Students with Down syndrome require an inclusive educational setting that is supportive, flexible, well resourced, accepting of difference and the curriculum is differentiated to meet their learning needs. This can be achieved through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and creating an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the student.
- All students have a right to learn together;
- Students who are educated in an inclusive setting can exhibit increased academic and social skills;
- An inclusive educational environment develops relationships, respect and understanding, that prepares all students for the diverse world they live in.
Students with Down syndrome require an inclusive educational setting that is supportive, flexible, well resourced, accepting of difference and the curriculum is differentiated to meet their learning needs. This can be achieved through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and creating an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the student.
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning is the deliberate and conscious planning of lessons, goals, methods, materials and assessments that work for all students, it allows all individuals equal opportunities to learn. It is a flexible approach where all students can participate and adjustments can be made for individual needs, including students with Down syndrome. This includes using various ways of presenting information, allowing students to express themselves in multiple ways such as oral, written and multimedia, and providing various ways of engaging students at different skill levels, preferences and interests. This should be the first step in designing and planning for an inclusive education, however modifications may then still need to be made for some students by differentiating the curriculum.
For more information on UDL visit the Learning Place
For more information on UDL visit the Learning Place
Individual Education Plan
An IEP is a written document that focuses on the student with particular learning needs, that provides instructional objectives, goals, expectations, teaching strategies and procedures to be used. The IEP is developed collaboratively with teachers, parents/carers and relevant professionals; it is also reviewed and updated regularly as the needs of the student change. Although the level of support and differentiation of students with Down syndrome varies, each student would require a detailed teaching-learning plan that focuses on the particular learning needs of that child. An IEP will allow a child with Down syndrome to participate at an appropriate level and allow involvement in most of the normal daily activities within the classroom.
Identifying Instructional Needs
Assessing the abilities and skills is an important component to developing a teaching and learning program for a student with particular learning needs. Through identifying the needs of the student, modifications and strategies can be adopted within the classroom to benefit the student with Down syndrome. Assessment can include:
- Collecting information from existing records;
- Interviewing parents/carers to determine educational goals;
- Using adaptive behaviour scales to assess common daily functions such as communication, motor, daily living and socialisation skills.
- Using activities and skills lists to guide teachers in determining appropriate functional and age appropriate goals;
- Using observation and analysis of student in natural settings;
- Assessing academic skills and abilities.
Image References
mage retrieved on May 5, 2013 from Families after Trauma
mage retrieved on May 5, 2013 from Families after Trauma