National Inclusive Schools Week is December 4-8

National Inclusive Schools Week, an annual celebration of schools that are welcoming and supportive of all children and youth, is set for December 4-8.

First celebrated in 2001, and endorsed by both the White House and U.S. Department of Education, National Inclusive Schools Week highlights the progress made to provide a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students with disabilities, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and English language learners.

This year’s celebration will focus on transition planning with the theme Charting an Inclusive Journey through School, Work, and Life: Successful Transition Planning for All Students. The 2006 week will highlight resources that educators and families can use to prepare students to manage and embrace change, as well as various tools to teach them self-advocacy and self-determination skills. Supporters of the celebration will collect, compile, and develop a pool of resources designed to support educators, students, and parents in planning effective transitions.

“School professionals across the country are being held accountable for effectively planning student transitions, but are often left without the tools, resources, or professional collaboration they need,” says David Riley, executive director of the Urban Special Education Leadership Collaborative at EDC, a chief sponsor of the Week. “We are excited about this unique opportunity to bring much needed attention around transition planning.”

Throughout a student’s academic career, he or she will experience many transitions—from elementary to middle school, from middle to high school, and from high school to post-secondary education or work. These changes can be difficult even for students who have the best supports, but for students with disabilities, English language learners, and those with little community support, these transitions can make the difference between success and failure. Inclusive schools and communities guide children and youth along a personalized and supportive path, which can ensure smoother transitions and, ultimately, success.

Numerous resources, materials, and products are available on the National Inclusive Schools Week Web site to help schools plan for the Week and spread the message that inclusive practices benefit all students. An updated Celebration Kit, which will include publications that speak to the benefits of inclusive schools, celebration ideas, lesson plans, and other publications is available at: http://www.inclusiveschools.org

Read a story from Education World about National Inclusive Schools Week.

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