Inclusive Education: A guide for educators

What it means, what it looks like, and the role of technology in inclusive education.

What you'll learn

Are you thinking about the potential of inclusive education? Whether you’re just in the discovery stage, or already working in an inclusive environment, this in-depth article will give you a solid understanding of what it means to be an inclusive classroom or school. We’ll explore what this looks like in practice, and what role technology plays in making education inclusive of every student.

This guide is free.

We’re not asking for an email address. Helping you on your inclusive education journey is our goal.

What does inclusion in education mean?

The framework for inclusive education dates back as far as 1994. Currently, the official definition of Inclusive education is “when all students, regardless of any challenges they may have, are placed in age-appropriate general education classes that are in their own neighbourhood schools to receive high-quality instruction, interventions, and supports that enable them to meet success in the core curriculum.” (Bui, Quirk, Almazan, & Valenti, 2010; Alquraini & Gut, 2012).

What does that mean in practical terms? Simply put, it means accepting, understanding and catering for students’ differences and diversity whether that’s physical, cognitive, academic, social, or emotional. The goal of inclusive education is that students spending time outside the regular classroom environment is an exception rather than the norm.

The overarching marker of success for inclusive education is that students feel welcomed and comfortable in our classroom environments and are supported throughout their education.

Delve deeper into inclusive education

We’ve teamed up with in-house experts and our partners to bring you even more content on creating inclusive education spaces. Check it all out.

Why is inclusive education important?

Learn about varied learning experiences and best practice in teaching and learning.

Closing the achievement gap

Learn the difference between equity and equality in education, as well as how edtech can help us to both identify learning gaps, and close the gap.

What is student engagement and student agency?

Discover how student agency and engagement differ and how they affect education outcomes.

Why does equity in education matter?

Discover the difference between equal opportunity and equity in education. Learn how technology helps DEI in our classrooms.

Special Education

What is special education? Learn about the role technology plays in helping to make the classroom a level playing field for everyone.

Edtech tools for students in special education

Discover how edtech tools enrich the learning experience for our special education students.

Helping students with dyslexia in the classroom

Helpful tips, tools, and classroom strategies on supporting students in the classrooms with dyslexia.

Exam access arrangements

Take a closer look at how we can make exams more accessible and level the playing field for all our students.

Social-Emotional Learning

Discover what Social-Emotional Learning is, its benefits and how to incorporate it into your classroom.

What does inclusion in schools look like?

If this has sparked your interest in learning more about inclusive education, who’s doing it, and how, check out our Inclusive Ed bootcamp: How to meet the needs of a diverse range of students. In this bootcamp we’ll cover more than three hours of on-demand learning materials to immerse us in inclusive education principles and practices. Topics include: Common barriers to learning, accessible maths, supporting dyslexic learners, neurodiversity and SEN provision.