Don't We Already Do Inclusion?: 100 Ideas for Improving Inclusive Schools

by Paula Kluth, Allison Fiutak (Illustrator)

Are you trying to grow the inclusive schooling model in your community? Do you feel like you have tried everything to create change in your school? Do you want to sharpen the saw and become reenergized as an advocate or educator? If you answered yes to any one of these questions, then this is the book for you! Don t We Already Do Inclusion? is not only filled with ideas for teaching diverse learners, but is also focused on change itself and, more specifically, on how those concerned about inclusion can create change even when they are not in positions of power. The activities, examples, and illustrations are designed to help participants refine their vision and their skills when it comes to inclusion. The ideas are free or low cost, and many can be achieved by any number of stakeholders including students and families. Learn tried and true techniques, as well as out-of-the box solutions such as involving traditional and social media, shrinking the change, phoning for help, advertising, and writing your way to progress.

Genres: Education

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2013

Reviews

[Sandy Petrovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! “Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?” is a must-read for educators of any type or grade level. Whether used for self-improvement in classroom effectiveness or used as a basis of discussion at a school or system retreat, the unique perspectives and practical ideas within this book are invaluable. Individualized education and community are fostered for ALL students—not just those with special needs. As such, satisfaction and a reaching of potentials can be enhanced for everyone involved, including teachers, supervisors, and families.

As a parent of both neurotypical and special needs sons who were enrolled in all variations of inclusion, I wish this book had been available a decade sooner for my personal use! But I look forward to applying its concepts at work. The easy-to-use format will have me referring to this resource repeatedly. Organized to streamline use by roles, the book still allows overlap and collaboration to meet everchanging needs. Using it, education and programs can continually improve and evolve, and students can learn to appreciate the strengths and differences of others while working together harmoniously—so important beyond academics.

As Paula Kluth wisely states on p. 20, “...inclusion is not about supporting the needs of some. It is about recognizing the uniqueness in all.”

[SaraKat · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this book, I realized that my school district and my classroom are doing pretty well at being inclusive. I marked a few portions of the book that had some strategies I'd like to try, but many of them are already required and implemented at my school. I guess that is a good thing! I didn't really like the book's separate sections for classroom, school, district, and community since I'd have loved to see more ideas that I can put to work in my classroom. Everything I marked as helpful was in the classroom section. I found this book in a giveaway pile in the teacher's lounge at the end of the last school year and since the book says to give it away to someone else to spread the word, I guess that was appropriate! I will pass this book on as well.

[Anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great ideas in a short, accessible easy read. My first professional reading of the year & it’s given me lots of ideas, and things to ponder.

[Chris Wejr · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important read for anybody involved in education. Practical examples at classroom, school, district, and community levels that also make you question how inclusive our environments really are.