Inclusive Schools Week

A collaborative partnership of

school districts, staff, students, parents/families, and community agencies

Supporting Equitable Learning, Programs and Access

for ALL students.

Inclusive Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) and Stetson & Associates, Inc., which is held each year during the first full week in December. Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors. The Week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.

This year, the Inclusive Schools Week’s theme is "Every Voice Matters".

Join us as we celebrate Inclusive Schools Week December 2-6, 2024!

Inclusive Schools Week advances an international dialogue on the importance of building inclusive schools and communities, where all students have full access to educational opportunities.

• Celebrating is important because it creates an awareness of the benefits and challenges inclusive schools face.

• It brings the school community together in good spirit for a common purpose.

• It provides us a pause in our busy lives to reflect on where we are and where we are going.

• But celebrating is only the beginning...
  

• Reflection, planning and action are the elements necessary to understand the potential of inclusive education and realize its promise.
  

• Celebrate the progress of schools in educating an increasingly diverse student population

  
  

• Acknowledge the hard work and commitment of schools, families and communities in creating inclusive opportunities for all children regardless of disability, gender, ethnicity, language, health status, etc.

  
  

• Encourage reflection on how culture, policies and practices in schools can promote inclusive education

  
  

• Promote action to increase the capacity of schools and communities to meet the needs of all learners

In order to get the most out of your Inclusive Schools Week Celebration, we suggest developing a set of guiding principles to help focus your planning efforts.

Here are some suggestions:

• Involve families, school faculty and students in the planning of Inclusive Schools Week activities.
  
• Make certain Inclusive Schools Week activities are inclusive and accessible to all.
• Reaffirm your school’s commitment to providing a quality education to all children.
  

There are many ways to get your school involved in Inclusive Schools Week.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Convene a planning team of faculty, students and family members. See the Planning Materials in the Celebration Activities & Lessons section for ideas.

  
  

• Create excitement by hosting poster and essay contests or hanging a banner in your school lobby.

  
  

• Promote the week in your school and community by sending out a press release, announcing your celebration in local media outlets, posting updates on your school website, etc. See the Media Kit in the Celebration Basics Download section for examples.

  
  

• Utilize the following resources and materials to support your celebration and continuous efforts to promote and develop practices in your community.

Celebrating Inclusive Schools Week:

• Sends a message to the community that your school is serious about inclusive education.

• Jump starts plans for initiating or improving inclusive educational practices in your school.

• Makes a positive impact on the overall environment in the school, including more tolerance and acceptance of differences.

• Propels your school to new levels of inclusion.

• Solidifies your commitment to quality education for all students.

• Highlights your schools accomplishments and plans for the future.
  

Inclusive Celebrations

Inclusive Schools Week offers a remarkable opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of inclusive schools. As you prepare for district, school, and classroom celebrations, it is important to ensure that the materials and activities are accessible to all members of the school and community. You may want to encourage faculty members trained in special education and/or bilingual education to participate in the planning process to help make suggestions for providing access and accommodations.

A successful Inclusive Schools Week can motivate your school community. Faculty, families and students should feel empowered by their role in supporting the participation of all students in schooling.

Examples of adapting materials and events include:

• Interpreter services for programs and events

• Printed material available in languages spoken in the community and in Braille

• Wheelchair accessibility to all events

• Assistive technology devices available

This year’s theme, “Every Voice Matters,” echoes the fundamental belief that every individual has a unique perspective and contributes to the rich tapestry of our school communities. Creating more inclusive learning environments, dismantling barriers to participation, and promoting equity and understanding among all members of the school community is crucial for several reasons.

• Inclusive environments ensure that all students have equal access to opportunities and resources regardless of their background or abilities. This helps to level the playing field and reduce disparities in academic achievement.
• By fostering inclusion, schools reflect the real world and prepare students to thrive in diverse workplaces and communities. Exposure to differing perspectives and experiences enhances critical thinking skills and broadens students’ understanding of the world.
• Inclusive environments promote a sense of belonging and acceptance essential for students’ social and emotional well-being. When students feel valued and supported, they are more likely to engage in learning and develop positive relationships with peers and educators.
• Inclusive schools create a culture of respect and empathy, reducing the likelihood of bullying and discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This contributes to a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students.
• When students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their perspectives, they are more likely to actively participate in classroom discussions, collaborate with peers, and take ownership of their learning. This can lead to improved academic performance and overall learning outcomes.
• Inclusive schools teach students the importance of respecting and valuing the perspectives of others, essential skills for participating in society. By promoting empathy and understanding, schools empower students to become responsible and compassionate citizens who contribute positively to their communities.

Throughout the week, we’ll honor the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students, educators, and families. From classroom activities to school and community events, we’ll highlight the importance of fostering inclusive environments where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.

Thanks to Includas Publishing for sharing arts and crafts activities to support #ISW2023, Draw Me In!

Googly-Eye Pet Rocks

In The Biggest Gift of All, one of Tasha and Sam’s favorite things to do is make sparkly googly-eyed pet rocks. You can try it too! It’s time to get creative (and maybe a little messy) with paints, glitter, googly eyes, and more! Once you’re done, you’ll have a new friend to play with. Crafting is always fun with friends, too: invite some of your friends to make sparkly googly-eye rocks with you!

• Video
• Activity Guide
• Coloring Pages

About Incluas Publishing

The goal of Includas Publishing is to bring disability, diversity, and inclusivity into book publishing and the world through the authentic representation of authors, illustrators, and staff. To learn more, check out their goals and mission!

For educators seeking practical guidance and a wealth of inclusive classroom activities, we invite you to explore the 2024 Inclusive Schools Week Activity Guide, a collaborative effort by Kids Included Together (KIT) & Changing Perspectives.

This comprehensive guide, centered around five disability inclusive themes, offers learning intentions, educator resources, student activities, and reflection questions for each day of the week.

This activity guide is more than just a resource; it’s a roadmap for fostering a truly inclusive environment where every student is reflected. Access our guide and equip your staff with the tools to champion disability inclusion in your classroom.

Here is a link to more info on their website, and this is the direct link to the educator activity guide.

Art has the incredible power to transcend boundaries, communicate emotions, and provide a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. Finding My Way Books has curated this inclusive nonfiction booklist to introduce readers to artists who draw or paint. Each artist’s contribution has made our world a more beautiful place.

With this booklist, Finding My Way Books celebrates diversity in art and representation in books. These captivating stories about artists with disabilities empower young readers to view challenges as opportunities for growth and creativity. Through the pages of these books, children can learn the importance of empathy, perseverance, and embracing their individuality, all while exploring the colorful world of art.

Click here to download the Draw Me In! Booklist

Awareness is the first step in promoting positive change. Once people are able to recognize the promise of inclusive education, they can begin to seek the knowledge and skills necessary to realize their goals. Consider the following activities located in the button below to create awareness of the benefits of inclusive education. For even more learning and fun, team up with another classroom in your school to put some of these ideas into action!

You care about the dignity of all children — those with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds — and you know that your school and community can do a better job of meeting their needs through the use of inclusive educational practices.

We encourage you to take the lead in coordinating Inclusive Schools Week in your school, school district, or community.

Thousands of teachers, family members, and school administrators, local, state, and national organizations and advocacy groups, and entire school districts have enthusiastically stepped up to this task and have found this experience to be extremely rewarding in terms of its impact on children and youth.

All Are Welcome: https://youtu.be/rJDKgo4arIs

Discover a school where ALL young children have a place and feel loved and appreciated for who they are. (Ages 4-8)

All the Way to the Top: https://youtu.be/dSdtomrJnco

The true story of lifelong disability activist Jennifer Keenan-Chaffins and her participation in the Capitol Crawl as an eight-year-old. (Ages 7-10)

Just Ask: https://youtu.be/q4sGcaA6bFk

Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this book encourages caring and curiosity about the differences that make us unique. (Ages 6-10)

The Invisible Boy: https://youtu.be/cNHc2XCultQ

A story about a boy who feels invisible until his outreach to a new kid at school helps him to become seen and included. (Ages 5-10)

The Ventura County SELPA is dedicated to providing information and support to families and caregivers of students with disabilities so that they can be informed partners in the educational process of their children. There are numerous activities and resources that are provided to fulfill that mission.

Sign up to receive announcements of informational items for families directly to your email.

The Ventura County SELPA office is responsible for the implementation of the Ventura County Special Education Local Plan, and for ensuring a free appropriate public education to all students with identified disabilities according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Email: vcselpa@vcoe.org
Website: www.vcselpa.org
Location: 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA, USA
Phone: 805-437-1560
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcselpa
Twitter: @VenturaCOE

SELPA LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

The Ventura County SELPA office is responsible for the implementation of the Ventura County Special Education Local Plan, and for ensuring a free appropriate public education to all students with identified disabilities according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Joanna V. Della Gatta - Executive Director

Sarah Fontenot - Administrative Assistant III

Regina Reed - Director of Personnel Development

Anabel Lopez-Penny - Administrative Assistant II

Ana Teran - Administrative Assistant II

Kerry Newlee, Director, Technical Support and Transition

James Lopez, Workability Program

Lisa Garcia, Administrative Assistant II

Stacey Alvey - Director, Family & School Collaboration

Peter Aguirre - Program Specialist, Family & School Collaboration

Lisa Garcia - Administrative Assistant II

Vacant, VC SELPA Director

Lisa Garcia, Administrative Assistant II

Email: vcselpa@vcoe.org
Website: www.vcselpa.org
Location: 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA, USA
Phone: 805-437-1560
Facebook: https://facebook.com/VenturaCOE
Twitter: @VenturaCOE