General Education Teachers Involvement in CSE

THE ROLE OF THE GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHER

A Crucial element of successful inclusion is for the general education teacher to accept the student with disabilities just as they would all other students.  The classroom teacher has a very important role in establishing an environment that is supportive and accepting of ALL students.  The classroom teacher is responsible for the primary instruction of the students.

Suggestions for successful programming in a regular class setting:

1. pay close attention to seating arrangements--place a child at risk of being isolated in the front of the room or next to peers who will be supportive

2. use cooperative learning groups in which students are encouraged to support one another

3. use a partner system in class-rotating partners on a monthly basis

4. conduct awareness sessions with students--helping to dispel myths about people with disabilities and to see the value in each person

5. serve as a model showing how to interact with the student and encourage other students to become involved with their classmate(s)

6. comment positively on any special interactions between the student and his/her peers

7. use role playing to help students develop needed social skills

8. recruit a few students ion the class to "show the student the ropes" and provide support when needed

9. keep in close contact with the other teachers and inquire about potential friendships

10. create innovative and exciting materials for the student

11. encourage the parent to be an equal partner in the inclusion process