Special education services continue to be a vital resource for schools across the United States, and more focus has shifted towards improving these services. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Education released a statement supporting a strategy renewal for an emphasis on inclusion, in order to increase student learning and achievement. As part of that effort to increase inclusion in special education programs, some states have taken active steps to achieve just that.
As part of its efforts to create new, innovative approaches for children with a disability, more initiatives have been created to help increase awareness of the benefits of special education services, with favorable results.
A great example of the efforts to increase awareness of special education services comes from the state of New Jersey. In 2013, the Inclusive Schools Climate Initiative (ISCI) was developed, with a mission to provide a learning environment that is inclusive for all students, including those with a disability. To accomplish this goal, the initiative chooses schools to evaluate for special education services, before working with the schools over the course of two years to train and further develop their program with the goal of creating a more inclusive education for children with a disability.
One of the important aspects of the ISCI is its focus on helping create a program that focuses on the long-term success of students in a special education program. Special education students who are placed in regular education settings can not only help them develop positive social skills, but they also have an opportunity to learn from their peers.
In addition to the benefits for the students with a disability, the programs can help students in regular classes create positive connections while learning more about disabilities in an inclusive environment. For example, one school in New Jersey includes one book in each grade about a child with either a “visible” or “invisible” disability, in order for students to learn about different types of disabilities in a classroom. With more focus on special education in regular classroom settings, students are given a more well-rounded, inclusive understanding of other their peers.
While many initiatives are being implemented to improve special education services in schools around the country, there are many schools that still need support. Special education firms like Spencer Walsh Law focus on not only helping parents manage the process of accessing special education services for their child, but they actively work to increase awareness of the benefits of the programs.
To learn more about the work that Spencer Walsh Law is doing in special education, visit their website at SpencerWalshLaw.com.
