Seamless Teaching: Navigating the Inclusion Spectrum

Overview & Synopsis

In schools across the country, students in special education and general education are increasingly learning together in inclusive classrooms. This is a significant civil-rights achievement, but it also means students in special education are being taught by general education teachers who may not have the training and skills to best serve them. What does this mean for teachers on the ground? "There is diversity from A to Z in today's classroom, and teachers need support and encouragement in acquiring the skills to serve all of these children," says Sharen Bertrando, special education development program specialist at WestEd's Center for Prevention and Early Intervention. This article briefly discusses what general educators should know, teaching to all learners, and the inclusion spectrum.