While I was taking my Educational Psychology course last term, inclusivity in schools was a topic that was mentioned often. When I was in school, the teachers always talked about “including one another” in our activities and creating an environment where everyone felt “included”. But what makes inclusion work in schools? After doing some research (and looking through my Ed. Psych. textbook), here is a list of what I have found about this topic:

• An understanding of, and commitment to, inclusion
• A welcoming and safe school environment
• A strong administration team
• A focus on teaching all children
• Involvement from families and outside agencies
• Professional development for teachers and other school personnel
• Common planning time for teachers
• Effective instructional and assessment strategies to meet student needs
• Appropriate accommodations and support systems in place
• Opportunities for relationship and team building
• A commitment to continuous improvement and growth

Essentially, inclusion cannot just be taught to the students and forced upon them, but rather, it must be demonstrated and role modeled to them in all areas of their life. The student, the school staff, their individual families, and the surrounding community must all come together to foster a sense of inclusivity.