...so many students were only mainstreamed for Art, Music, and P.E. ("Specials")?

I was a special education teacher in those mainstreaming days.  There was little to zero collaboration with other teachers.  For some reason, no one seemed to think about providing support to the "Specials" teachers or to the students.

I don't think many teachers expected the students with IEPs to learn very much when they went with general education classes for their Art, Music, and P.E. time. Mainstreaming was a way students with and without disabilities could have some social interaction time. It didn't take long to understand that just putting children physically together did not grow friendships. When students were mainstreamed, there were few expectations that disabled students would learn in general education classes.

However, no one told Chloe Orvis that they didn't expect her to learn much in a high school music class.  Thank goodness, because Chloe would have not experienced the joy of music that she now knows!  

Watch the replay of last week's live show and you'll be beaming as you listen to Chloe singing and playing her guitar! Chloe and Kevin Gonring, her support person, have a fun and endearing relationship that shines through as they perform together.

Luckily, Chloe's parents have always collaborated with staff and continue to create more inclusive opportunities for their daughter and other students.

As you watch the first part of the replay you'll see examples of how Chloe's mom, Lisa Orvis has made clever modifications that help many students be engaged in learning in general education classrooms.  Lisa gives many great ideas also for helping students be leaders at their school.

You'll also hear from Bob Orvis, Chloe's father talking about making sure Chloe knows the way she does something is not "wrong", it's merely a different way of accomplishing things.

 

As you watch the replay below, let us know in the comments, ideas and tips you have for building successful inclusion.  Click here.