Establishing Inclusive Learning Environments

4. A teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe.

Achievement of this competency is demonstrated by indicators such as:

(a) fostering in the school community equality and respect with regard to rights as provided for in the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

(b) using appropriate universal and targeted strategies and supports to address students’ strengths, learning challenges and areas for growth;

(c) communicating a philosophy of education affirming that every student can learn and be successful;

(d) being aware of and facilitating responses to the emotional and mental health needs of students;

(e) recognizing and responding to specific learning needs of individual or small groups of students and, when needed, collaborating with service providers and other specialists to design and provide targeted and specialized supports to enable achievement of the learning outcomes;

(f) employing classroom management strategies that promote positive, engaging learning environments;

(g) incorporating students’ personal and cultural strengths into teaching and learning; and (h) providing opportunities for student leadership.

For the complete publication Classroom Management: A thinking and caring approach (Bennett & Smilanich, 1994) go to the Horizon Common drive and see the folder called "Classroom Management".