It is my philosophy that all students, including those with disabilities, should learn in a safe and comfortable environment. Students should not be taught in a homogeneous group, rather they should be grouped in heterogeneous groups so that they can learn from one another. In other words, students that struggle with the same tasks should not be grouped together every time, rather the students should be grouped with a variety of levels so that they can learn from one another. A student with social skills deficits cannot learn social skills without a positive role model. In other words, students can learn from teaching one another, using each other as their model.
In addition, students that come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds need to feel safe and respected while learning. The students should be taught using texts and other materials that represent their cultures and life experiences. Students learn better when they feel safe and respected, as well as including their experiences.
Most importantly, students with disabilities should be treated with respect and dignity. All students will be presumed to be competent and expected to be as independent as possible in the classroom. Of course this means that many students will need supports and scaffolding to reach independence, but it is very important for all students to be as independent as possible.
In addition, students that come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds need to feel safe and respected while learning. The students should be taught using texts and other materials that represent their cultures and life experiences. Students learn better when they feel safe and respected, as well as including their experiences.
Most importantly, students with disabilities should be treated with respect and dignity. All students will be presumed to be competent and expected to be as independent as possible in the classroom. Of course this means that many students will need supports and scaffolding to reach independence, but it is very important for all students to be as independent as possible.