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The Norwell Public Schools has long held
that an inclusive philosophy is most beneficial when working with
children. We recognize the important role the regular education teacher
has in providing all students with a comfortable and safe learning
environment which mirrors the district-wide commitment to inclusion. The
main purpose of the Inclusion Task Force was to develop supports and
training consistent with this inclusive philosophy. The Task Force has
defined our philosophy in the following manner:
We
believe that inclusion is not a program, place, service, or curriculum.
Rather, it is a state of being which is based on the fundamental belief
that all students are entitled to equal access to a challenging
curriculum.
During the week of August 13-17, 2007 a
talented group of general educators, special educators, and administrators
meet to develop a comprehensive professional development curriculum for
general educators. Through teamwork and consensus, the Task Force
developed a clear mission…
The
mission of the Norwell Public Schools’ Inclusion Task Force is to reaffirm
the district’s commitment to inclusion by enhancing knowledge, providing
resources and developing strategies in order to achieve our shared goal of
educating all students in the least restrictive environment.
Through this mission, keeping our philosophy
in mind, the Task Force developed an eight module program, with several
workshops contained in each module. The modules and workshops will be
systematically given to all professional staff in the Norwell Public
Schools over the course of the coming school year. Our main goal was to
provide all teachers with the information, knowledge, resources, and
understanding needed to effectively educate all children who enter our
schools. As time moves forward the curriculum will be delivered to all
entering teachers to ensure sustainability long into the future.
We invite you to
learn more about the Inclusion Task Force either by contacting the Office
of Student Services or by contacting a member directly. |
