1. Explain what is inclusive education?

Inclusive education means all children in the same classrooms, in the same schools. It
means real learning opportunities for groups who have traditionally been excluded – not
only children with disabilities, but speakers of minority languages too. Inclusive
education means that all students attend and are welcomed by their neighborhood
schools in age-appropriate, regular classes and are supported to learn, contribute and
participate in all aspects of the life of the school. Inclusive education is about how we
develop and design our schools, classrooms, programs and activities so that all students
learn and participate together. It is about ensuring access to quality education for all
students by effectively meeting their diverse needs in a way that is responsive,
accepting, respectful and supportive. Students participate in the education program in a
common learning environment with support to diminish and remove barriers and
obstacles that may lead to exclusion.

Inclusive education is carried out in a common learning environment; that is, an

educational setting where students from different backgrounds and with different
abilities learn together in an inclusive environment. Common learning environments are
used for the majority of the students’ regular instruction hours and may include
classrooms, libraries, gym, performance theatres, music rooms, cafeterias, playgrounds
and the local community. A common learning environment is not a place where
students with intellectual disabilities or other special needs learn in isolation from their
peers. Inclusive education is the most effective way to give all children a fair chance to
go to school, learn and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Inclusive education values diversity and the unique contributions each student brings to
the classroom. In a truly inclusive setting, every child feels safe and has a sense of
belonging. Students and their parents participate in setting learning goals and take part
in decisions that affect them. And school staff have the training, support, flexibility, and
resources to nurture, encourage, and respond to the needs of all students.

2. Express insights about the beauty of inclusive school environment

 Enable each student to fully participate in the learning environment that is designed for
all students and is shared with peers in the chosen educational setting
 Provide a positive climate, promote a sense of belonging and ensure student progress
toward appropriate personal, social, emotional and academic goals.
 Are responsive to individual learning needs by providing sufficient levels of support and
applying student-centered teaching practices and principles.
 Common learning environment: an inclusive environment where instruction is designed
to be delivered to students of mixed ability and with their peer group in the community
 school, while being responsive to their individual needs as a learner, and used for the
majority of the students’ regular instruction hours.
 All children are able to be part of their community and develop a sense of belonging and
become better prepared for life in the community as children and adults
 It provides better opportunities for learning. Children with varying abilities are often
better motivated when they learn in classes surrounded by other children.
 It fosters a culture of respect and belonging. It also provides the opportunity to learn
about and accept individual differences.
 It provides all children with opportunities to develop friendships with one another.
Friendships provide role models and opportunities for growth.

3. What is diversity of learners?

Diversity can be conceptualized in different ways depending on the context. When it comes
to our classrooms, we conceptualize diversity as understanding each student brings unique
experiences, strengths, and ideas to our classroom. These differences can be along
dimensions of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, age, ability,
religious or political beliefs, or other different ideologies. Diversity is the exploration and
incorporation of these differences to enrich learning in our classrooms.

 Learners with linguistical, socio-cultural and socio-economic positioning and identities

that differ from what is considered ‘mainstream’ in specific contexts. 
 Students from different language, literacy, ethnic, racial, and cultural background in
schools. 
 Students who bring a broad array of learning styles, varying academic histories and
needs, and may also have cultural and linguistic differences. 
 General education classrooms are populated with students who have different
backgrounds, talk different languages, and have different needs. Frequently, students
with disabilities are taught in general education classrooms and can extend
the diverse academic and social needs of learners.