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New Educational Methods Toward Inclusive Education

Submitted by: Nancy L. Young-Houser





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"Education is at the crossroads for the future of the Middle East and North Africa," according to a report from the World Bank last year. The Bank said, "It plays a crucial role in promoting poverty alleviation and economic growth, both at national and at household levels. It reflects the aspirations of the people for a successful integration into the global economy in an ever changing world."


Education, computers, and the Internet are fast coming to the forefront in a way we have never yet seen, with our presidential administration actively using the Internet to inform its people of its political positions and remaining open in all situations. Attracting an Internet following of public specters and massive public funding that was nothing short of phenomenal at the beginning, it is no wonder this same political power will now use online education and up-dated methods to bring about a much-needed change to our present archaic education system.

Far-reaching education reform programs are being politically championed in a way that will provide quality teaching methods and learning in quantities and quality which our present school systems cannot do, including a much needed inclusive education sysem.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION

Located in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 25-28, 2008, the theme of the International Conference on Education was "Inclusive Education: The Way of the Future"---organized by the International Bureau of Education (IBE) in order to assist Member states for quality Education for All.

The conference involved "the concept of inclusive education, discussing the role of governments in the development and the implementation of policies on inclusive education, drawing attention to education systems that offer opportunities for life-long learning while emphasizing the role of teachers to meet the learners’ diverse expectations and needs."

Four events were held during the conference: higher education, adult learning, education for sustainable development, inclusive quality education.  Through these events developed a shared vision of quality learning, flexibility, innovation, and an educational system which encourages inclusion in a word previously harsh on its methods and alienating the individuals from the typically normal world.

INCLUSION IN EDUCATIONAL METHODS


Inclusion is a desired end-state for children and youth with disabilities, special needs, or severe learning problems, created through full support, preparation, and proper planning in regular classes. This is compared to being separated in special education classes with the inclusive classes delivered within a normal classroom. The only way inclusion can be fully achieved is when the child belongs to their class as an active participation, attempting to do better and "belong" as compared to simply accepting what is available. Adaptations that are made around the child are then made to maintain the achievement of all individual and academic goals, as compared to segregating them from children who are not disabled.


The fundamental principle of inclusive education is the valuing of diversity within the human community.... When inclusive education is fully embraced, we abandon the idea that children have to become "normal" in order to contribute to the world.... We begin to look beyond typical ways of becoming valued members of the community, and in doing so, begin to realize the achievable goal of providing all children with an authentic sense of belonging. (Kunc 1992, pp. 38-39).

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Nancy L. Young-Houser is a professional writer and illustrator, in addition to providing a home for dogs on all levels of need with her best friend, Sandra Marquiss. Her writings include controversial subjects as part of the soapbox she has carried around since childhood, never leaving home without it. Part of this soapbox is her website WayCoolDogs.com filled with lots of four-legged information!

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