"Building a Foundation for Lifelong Learning"
Inclusion is being facilitated under the guidance of the Inclusion Task Force whose membership includes parents, educators, and community members. Targeted schools also have Inclusion Steering Committees to guide the return of students to their home school from center schools. The Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and the Maryland State Department of Education are partners with CCPS in this endeavor. Training is given to teachers throughout the school year and a summer course on Collaboration was also available.
1. What is inclusion? A philosophy of education which emphasizes the community of learners within a classroom and maximizes the learning potential of all learners.
2. What does the law say about inclusion? Both IDEA 97 and No Child Left Behind support the concept of inclusion since both require that every student be given quality instruction in the least restrictive environment. Often this is a child's home school.
3. How are decisions made about inclusion? All placement decisions are made in IEP team meetings comprised of parents, teachers, and other school personnel. Frequently, a MAPS meeting has been held prior to the IEP meeting to determine what supports or services are needed for the child to be successful in an inclusive setting.
4. What is the Inclusive Practices Project? A cooperative project between CCPS, MCIE, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and MSDE which is partially funded through a capacity building grant. Targeted schools began the project in 2002 and additional schools will be added each school year.
5. Where can I find more information about inclusion? Many books, articles, and internet websites are currently available. However, if more info is needed, please contact Melissa LaCotti, Inclusive Practices Teacher at mlacotti@ccps.org, Linda Alexander, Consulting Special Education Teacher at laalexander@ccps.org, or Kim Matthews, Consulting Special Education Teacher at kmatthews@ccps.org or a list of available resources.
| Target Schools for 2007-2008 |
| Cecil Manor Elem |
| Cecilton Elem |
| Charlestown Elem |
| Ches City Elem |
| Elk Neck Elem |
| Gilpin Manor Elem |
| Holly Hall Elem |
| Kenmore Elem |
| Leeds Elem |
| Thomson Estates Elem |
| Bo Manor Middle |
| Cherry Hill Middle |
| Elkton Middle |
| North East Middle |
| Perryville Middle |
| Bo Manor High |
| Elkton High |
| North East High |
| Perryville High |
| Rising Sun High |
~ Pam Hill reports, school staff members are receiving additional trainng in the area of autism. This includes training in Visual Supports, PECS, Social Stories, Positive Behavioral Support, Collaboration, and Creative Problem Solving. Also, training is being offered through GALA for first and second year new special educators to help them to become more knowledgable about the special education process and instructional strategies.
~ Beth Bollenback at NEMS has developed lesson plans forthe Interactive Reader Program at the 6th grade level. Contact her if you would like to share ideas.
~ Sue Turner at NEMS uses a racing game posted to the wall to reinforce math facts. Each student has a race car with their name on it so that they can race to the finish line and memorize math facts at the same time! For more information contact Sue at NEMS.
~ At RSMS Lee Gibbons has children using different colored paper for different parts of writing pieces. Contact Lee if you'd like more details.
~ Bobbi Burke at NEMS measures telling time goals by having a "time check". She announces by calling a students name and asking them the time. A great way to collect data on a functional life skill.
~ Trish Miller, at RSMS, has a cool idea for keeping those pencils from rolling off the desks. She uses velcro to attach the pencils to the desk so they don't get misplaced.
~ Use colored post it notes to identify key reading strategies. For more information contact Susan Zimmer and Whitney Paxson at PVMS.
~ Trish Miller at RSMS uses wikki sticks (available at A.C. Moore) as an accommodation to track when reading or identifying vocabulary words. *Great for tactile learners.
~ In Monica Freeman's class, at BMMS, students can track their participation and homework progress using brightly colored index cards. For more information on this management style contact Monica at BMMS.
~ Lorraine Carcoura, a 6th grade teacher at PVMS, includes magnifying glasses in her accomodation basket. For ideas on how to use this independent learning tool contact Lorraine at PVMS.