Before the pandemic…I thought I knew what inclusion meant. After-all, I’ve been thinking about it, writing, about, and talking about it for nearly 30 years.
Now…how ever months into another chapter of my life…I’m starting to see things differently and more clearly.
A primary reason for the shifts in my mindset (and heartset) is a direct result of the nearly 24/7 work I’ve been doing with Dr. Julie Causton from Inclusive Schooling (learn about our work here).
And for months, we’ve been sharing Norman Kunc’s definition of inclusion. It’s how we start almost every keynote, coaching session, and class.
In Principle, inclusive education means: …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 (pp. 38-39). ~ N. Kunc 1992 from The need to belong. Rediscovering Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Still love, love, love so many things this definition – from abandoning the idea of normal to realizing inclusion is an achievable goal.
And yet, there was a calling to explore our own hearts and minds more deeply. To uncover the motivation driving our work on a daily basis. So we spent several weeks brainstorming and drafting what was on our minds and in our hearts.
Here is what we can up with!
A new definition of inclusive education that starts with our core beliefs and then moves into actionable steps! Click here or the image to download and please share widely.
Julie and I invite you to read with an open heart, reflect on what strikes you, and then take action within your own schools and communities…knowing that inclusion…well…it is achievable!