Principles, Policies & Frameworks of Inclusive Schooling

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Briefly discuss how you believe policies and legislation related to Inclusive Education could influence attitudes towards the way society accepts difference. In recent times I believe there has been a heightened awareness regarding the necessity to develop Inclusive Classrooms that celebrate difference and cater for a diverse range of learning styles and needs. My belief is reflected in the increasing amount of policies and legislation being developed at both state and Commonwealth levels. These approaches range from Anti-Discrimination Acts, Child Protection, Disability Services and Privacy Legislation. Examples of a few of the most recent approaches designed to promote and support Inclusive Education include: • School Improvement and Accountability Framework – Destination 2010 Action Plan, 2006 – 2008 • Disability Standards for Education, 2005 • Framework for Gifted Education, 2009 All policies and legislation have been designed to ensure every child, regardless of difference, is included in the complete education system. Furthermore, all legislative policies developed by the Government must now take the rights of all students with disabilities into account (Ashman & Elkins, 2009). This reinforces the fact that policies and legislation are helping build a positive attitude towards Inclusive Education. The Inclusive Education Statement (2005) is an ideal example of how catering for difference is being approached in modern day classrooms. This statement has the power to positively influence an entire school community’s values, attitudes and beliefs regarding the incorporation of an Inclusive Education. Specifically, Mintz (2007) found that when teachers have exposure to highly diverse classroom environments, positive ... ... middle of paper ... ...ng for all students. Works Cited Ashman, A., & Elkins, J. (2009). Education for Inclusion and Diversity – 3. Pearson Education Australia: Australia. Hattie, J. (2003). Teachers Make a Difference: What is the Research Evidence? Australian Council for Eduational Research Conference, October. Mintz, J. (2007). Attitudes of Primary Initial Teacher Training Students to Special Educational Needs and Inclusion. Support for Learning, 22 (1), p.3. Queensland Education (2010). CRP-PR-009: Inclusive Education. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 17th March, 2010 from: http://education.qld.gov.au/strategic/eppr/curriculum/crppr009/ Queensland Education (2005). Inclusive Education Statement. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 5th March, 2010 from: http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/learning/docs/inclusedstatement2005.pdf

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