Episode 4: Integration vs Inclusion in the Classroom Marla starts off the podcast with talking about someone who she idolizes from the inclusion perspective and that is Shelley Moore. In one of Shelley's videos she made a statement about "what is the purpose of all of our kids being together in an social environment like school". In this podcast Marla and Tina first start by looking at what "integration" is and then move on to talk about what "inclusion" looks like. Inclusive education is a mindset not a placement. That every child has a right to have a meaningful, appropriate, equivalent education as their typical peers. They talk about the 3 C's of inclusion: Connection: for all peers and educators need to be educated more on how we can make friends with others and be educated better on disabilities and how do we teach each other being respectful of everyone's circumstances so a connection can be made. Contribution: all stakeholders need to value the differences and the different learning styles, so that the child can make a connection to the curriculum, participate and be a productive member in the classroom, where their contribution is valued. Community: looks at how when there are proper supports for children with disabilities, belief that everyone should learn the curriculum together and the teachers partner with the parents to make the lesson more meaningful by providing a connection then there is a "community" that is being built around these children with disabilities to be successful in the classroom. Tina and Marla provide tangible ideas to help educators make the classroom a more inclusive environment for all students, and they hope that teachers will reach out to them for support. If you want to be a speaker on our podcast or if you are looking for us to speak at your event or classroom, please email us at [email protected]