Inclusive Learning - Crawford Plains School

:: Crawford Plains School, K-6: Maximizing Resources, Maximizing Learning in Inclusive Education Classrooms

"We look at the students and the needs of those students and we plan how we're going to implement curriculum given the learning styles and strategies we have in the classroom."

- Jeanne Carter, Principal

Summary
Before Viewing: Preparation
After Viewing: Reflection

Crawford Plains is a K-6 school with a population of about 300 students. Crawford Plains honours and celebrates diversity. Learning happens everywhere with everyone. Staff collaboration is essential to communicate students' goals and plan for successful transitions. Technology, including netbooks, iPads and classroom laptops is evident in all classrooms to support the diverse needs of students. Staff are familiar with and use a variety of software programs to support all learners.

Educational assistants are an integral part of the team and scheduling reflects support for all students. The teachers and educational assistants believe that the students belong to all staff and so educational assistants are flexible and support the needs of all students rather than following one specific student. Collaboration between teachers and educational assistants is key; planning reflects the input of both groups.

How can you help students to understand that all children are different in the way they learn?
Is it more effective for teachers to focus on the needs of the students in the class rather than working together to focus on the needs of all the students in the school? Can focusing on the needs of the group help to meet the needs of the individual learner, (and at the same time assist teacher planning)?
When planning for instruction and assessment, how can you accommodate to student learning styles while successfully implementing curriculum outcomes?
How can educational assistants be used to their full potential while meeting the needs of students?
What supports are put in place for students with diverse learning needs when they transition to a new school?

What are the advantages of forming collaborative instructional teams to support learning?
What are the benefits of having an educational assistant assigned to the class rather than the student?
What other resources can be accessed to maximize learning?
How was technology effectively used to meet the needs of all learners in the class?
How has Crawford Plains utilized student leadership to help build a community where everyone is a contributing member?
What strategies were used to help students make positive choices?