Introduction
ISO School is committed to developing and implementing an inclusion policy that aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) expectations, local legislation, and the school’s admissions policies. Our inclusion policy is founded on the belief that all students should have equal access to education, and barriers to learning should be actively removed. This policy outlines the school’s approach to inclusion, providing a framework for supporting diverse learning needs within the school community.
Steps for Developing an Inclusion Policy
Legal Obligations and Compliance
ISO 4 School complies with all relevant local, national, and international legislation regarding inclusion. These laws inform our policy to ensure that all students have access to the learning environment regardless of their physical, cognitive, emotional, or social needs. Our inclusion policy is consistent with IB’s inclusion framework and respects legal obligations related to equality, non-discrimination, and the rights of individuals with disabilities.
School’s Philosophy and Admission Policy
The philosophy of inclusion at ISO aligns with our admissions policy, ensuring that all students, regardless of their diverse learning needs, are welcomed into our community. Our mission statement emphasizes fostering inquirers, communicators, and principled individuals who respect diversity and collaborate towards common educational goals.
Financial Implications
ISO school ensures that the financial implications of implementing the inclusion policy are balanced with the school’s mission to provide equitable education. Resources are allocated for professional development, additional staffing, and the necessary adjustments to support inclusive practices.
Developing Inclusive Procedures
Articulation of Inclusion
Inclusion at ISO school is articulated as an ongoing process aimed at increasing access to learning for all students. This is accomplished through the identification of barriers and the implementation of inclusive strategies within the classroom and school environment.
Responsibility for Inclusion
The responsibility for inclusion at ISO school is shared across the Student Support Team (SST), teachers, the Dean of Students, and the school administration. An inclusion manager oversees the coordination of support services and ensures that teachers receive ongoing guidance on how to implement inclusive practices effectively.
Promoting the Value of Inclusion
ISO school promotes the value of inclusion to the entire school community through regular training, workshops, and clear communication on the importance of diversity in education. The inclusion policy is shared with parents, students, and staff to foster a culture of respect and acceptance.
Addressing Student Learning Needs
ISO school conducts regular assessments to determine the learning needs of its students. Teachers are trained to identify students with special needs, and appropriate interventions are implemented. Testing tools and screening assessments are used to understand students’ needs and monitor their progress.
Documentation and Confidentiality
All information regarding students’ inclusion needs is kept confidential. Student records, including individualized learning plans (ILPs), are securely stored and accessed only by authorized staff. The inclusion manager ensures that all student data is properly documented and shared responsibly during key transition stages.
Review of the Inclusion Policy
The inclusion policy is reviewed annually by the SST and school administration to ensure that it meets the evolving needs of students and remains compliant with IB expectations and legal requirements. Feedback from students, parents, and staff is collected to make informed adjustments to the policy.
Bibliography
International Baccalaureate Organization. (2020). *Learning diversity and inclusion in IB programmes: Removing barriers to learning*. International Baccalaureate Organization. Retrieved from https://resources.ibo.org/data/g_0_iboxx_amo_2004_1_s_e.pdf.
International Baccalaureate Organization. (2017). *MYP: From Principles into Practice*. International Baccalaureate Organization.