Being an oldtimer to SpEd, but a newtimer to inclusion, I’m looking for some methodologies that work for others. I feel I and my coteachers are workingon something good, I’m real pleased with our program so far which only started this year, but I need more ideas. Like it or not(I sit on the fence), we still group regular ed. kids for math, and “my” kids and I are in that classroom. I feel god about being able to work with the ‘regular’ kids who don’t qualify. So, I think that, for the most part, my work is good, but I’d love some input on specific models that you all use.
Re: methodologies
Thanks, Susan, I will look up these works. I was getting pretty disappointed in this bulliten board, it looked like a forum for bi#$ing for a while. Good to hear there are others like me who realize that inclusion isn’t something new, it’s something we have, havew to do, and want to do well. Again, thanks!
Take a look at Carol Tomlinson’s works. She has several very excellent books on Differentiated Instruction in the mixed-ability regular classroom. They are available from Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). In fact, ASCD probably has many more books by other authors on the same topic.
Along the way, don’t forget to look at Eric Jensen and Robert Sylwester and Pat Wolfe for brain-based learning ideas for the classroom. Another big name in this area is Geoffrey Caine and R. Caine (can’t remember first name…)
That should take a focus group several months at very minimum (if you read a book every week).
Also, take a look at a book on collaboration for teachers. Getting into disecting the co-teaching relationship. In order for all students to feel good about it, both teachers must exchange roles and teach reg and sped groups.