Standard 4; Evidence #3

Standard 4: Create and maintain supportive and safe

learning environments
EDFD452: Transition into the profession
This assignment required me to write an Individual teaching philosophy and then research aspects
of the philosophy in order to improve it. This excerpt includes the paragraphs of the research essay
about inclusive education.
Primary teachers need to consider the principles of inclusion in order to ensure that every
student is give equal opportunity in the classroom
Perhaps the best way to define inclusive education is the programs and services
provided in most education systems to address the needs of all students in regular schools,
regardless of ability or disability (Krause, Bochner, Duchesne & McMaugh, 2010, p. 552).
This definition encompasses both inclusivity of cultural and ethnic differences and special
needs differences. The need for this broad definition could stem from a rise in disabilities
such as emotional disturbance, behaviour disorder and autism spectrum disorders
(Graham & Spandagou, 2011, p. 230).
Creating an environment that is inclusive is not simple or easy (Macartney & Morton, 2013)
and needs to be planned. Teachers need to listen to learners and be open minded
(Macartney & Morton, 2013), and modify education for different learners (Howery, McClellan
& Pedersen-Bayus, 2012). Additionally, teachers should not assume that all students will
learn in the same way or at the same speed (Howery, et al., 2012). In order for effective
inclusive education to occur, teachers should see every child as capable and competent,
regardless of behaviour or needs (Macartney & Morton, 2013). A positive attitude towards
inclusive education is of paramount importance, as teachers and principals can be negative
about special education students (Graham & Spandagou, 2011). There are also negative
attitudes and assumptions made about the capabilities of disabled children, often being
labelled as incompetent (Macartney & Morton, 2013). A childs special need is not the only
stimulus that could affect them at school and having this view does not help teaching and
learning, nor does it promote inclusive education (Macartney & Morton, 2013). Teachers
need to acknowledge that students are influenced by many things that could have an impact
on their performance or behaviour at school.

Comment [N1]: This shows that I have
an understanding of what inclusive
education is. Having this understanding is
needed before I can identify strategies to
support inclusive student participation
(focus area 4.1).
Comment [N2]: This paragraph
identifies some strategies on how teachers
can create an environment that is inclusive.
By doing these things, student engagement
and participation in the classroom will
increase (focus area 4.1).