Michigan Inclusive Schools Week December 7-11, 2009

December 4, 2009

LANSING - School districts throughout Michigan will celebrate Michigan Inclusive Schools Week from December 7-11, 2009, as adopted by the State Board of Education.  

Inclusive Schools Week highlights and celebrates the progress schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to all students, particularly those who have disabilities and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
 
This year's theme for National Inclusive Schools Week, entitled Inclusive Technologies, provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and families to discuss what needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully
educate all children and youth.

"Teachers throughout Michigan are committed to providing all students a welcoming and inclusive environment in classrooms that include adaptive technology capable of successfully educating all children," said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan.  "Students will experience many transitions - from elementary to middle school, from middle to high school, and from high school to post-secondary education or work.  Inclusive schools and communities guide students along a personalized and supportive path, which will ensure smoother transitions and ultimately, success."

Teachers and families continually work to ensure that Michigan classrooms and schools provide equitable access and usability of electronic and information technology and are characterized as being high performing and inclusive.

"Teachers in all schools recognize that each child is unique, learns differently, and, therefore, learns better if teaching is tailored to their abilities and interests and electronic and information technology is accessible," said State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus.  

Inclusive Schools Week serves as a fitting time for educators, students and parents in schools and classrooms across Michigan to celebrate progress in providing a supportive and quality education to all students.