Educating students with special needs in inclusive settings is the first placement option.
Program planning and decision-making are based upon the Guiding Principles used to determine the most enabling environment for the student.
The most enabling environment is defined as one in which:
- Parents are partners.
- Students are not labeled or categorized, but viewed with individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Physical and educational settings are appropriate to the age, ability and interest of all students.
- Allowance is made for the dignity of risk in challenging situations.
- Suitably timed and frequent feedback by the teacher promotes demonstrable outcomes.
- School work is matched to student skills and interest through progress monitoring.
- Continuous opportunity is provided for the student to have meaningful interactions with peers.
- All students are treated fairly in providing responses in class.
- Intensive instruction occurs.
- The pupil-teacher ratio permits individualize programs and student portfolios.
- Curriculum is not just content, but is based on principles of child development. Context and process skills are also emphasized.
- Inter-agency collaboration occurs.
