Middle Schools

Inclusive middle schools support all learners, and improves outcomes for all learners. Explore strategies to foster a supportive and diverse learning environment for every student.

Understanding Inclusion in Middle Schools

Inclusive middle schools ensure that all middle-school students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, are given equal opportunities to learn and participate. Inclusion is accomplished through Universal Design for Learning, IEPs that explain effective strategies, modification when necessary, and collaboration amongst and between team members.

Understanding the Designation Process for Student Support

The designation process is crucial in identifying how best to support students. It involves collaboration among educators, parents, and specialists to ensure each student receives the necessary resources to thrive in an inclusive environment.

Curriculum

Adapting and Modifying for Success

Most students with IEPs will only need adaptations in order to be successful within the curriculum. Certain students will need the curriculum to be completely modified. Explore strategies for both adaptations and modifications to ensure all students’ success.

Roles and Responsibilities of School Teams

School-based teams (SBTs) play a crucial role in fostering inclusive education by collaborating to support diverse learners. School-based teams meet to make plans for adaptations and support for struggling students, and collaborate to plan for the success of the student.

Resource Teachers

Coordinate efforts, write, monitor, and adapt IEPs, run IEP meetings, and advocate for student needs.

Classroom Teachers

Help design, implement, supervise, and assess the student’s learning plan.

Educational Assistants

EAs assist in implementing inclusive strategies, under the direction of the classroom teacher.

Families and Students

Both can use their knowledge of their child or themselves to design a responsive IEP, advocate for needs, and explain strengths.

UDL Principles

Empowering Inclusive Learning Environments

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that guides the development of flexible learning environments to accommodate individual learning differences. By implementing UDL, educators can create more inclusive classrooms that support all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds.

Strategies for Differentiating Instruction

Create dynamic, inclusive classrooms that support all learners. Present material in multiple ways, with multiple access points.

Strategic Small Groups

Utilize small groups to teach specific skills.

Personalized Learning

Adapt lessons to cater to individual student interests and strengths.

Creating Student Profiles for Student Success

Promote the unique stories and educational needs of students through one-page student profiles. Each profile highlights the student’s strengths, challenges, interests, and goals, allowing all educational team members to see the student overall at a glance.

Understanding the Importance of Individualized Education Plans

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are crucial for tailoring educational experiences to meet the unique needs of each student. They ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed, fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment.