Date
18 November 2024

Cater for diverse learners

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Leading learning to support inclusive practices’

Understand the “end of the average”

Understand the “end of the average”

Todd Rose talks about “the end of the average” and issues with industrial age one-size-fits-all education. He talks about “meeting every kid where they’re at” as the key to future success.

Create an inclusive, welcoming culture

Create an inclusive, welcoming culture

Inclusive education means all learners are welcomed by their local early learning service and school, and are supported to play, learn, contribute and participate in all aspects of life at the school or service.

  • Welcome all learners regardless of the complexity of their needs.
  • Develop systems for smooth and well planned transitions into school.
  • Work in partnership with learners, whānau, teachers, teaching assistants and support specialists to provide support from the outset.
  • Foster a caring, safe and respectful whole-school environment. 
  • Foster the identity, language and culture of all learners.
  • Share clear and specific expectations for the student’s individual learning journey.

Adapted from:

What an inclusive school looks like (PDF) – Ministry of Education 

Enhancing staff capability at Newtown School – Education Gazette

Value what each student brings

Value what each student brings

Many aspects of students' lives remain hidden unless we offer multiple opportunities to share stories and experiences and connect these to learning.

John Robinson, HoD Learning Support at Onslow College, reflects on how inclusive practice is developing across the school.

Design your school environments for everyone

Design your school environments for everyone

A learning environment will work well for everyone only if it is designed to do so. Design to include all students, particularly those experiencing barriers to learning.

Read these school stories from the Education Gazette:

See the Planning innovative learning environments guide for design information on:

  • flexible use of spaces
  • ​reflecting cultural perspectives
  • supporting gender and sexuality perspectives
  • supporting mobility needs, social and sensory needs
  • supporting wellbeing and belonging.

Develop inclusive classroom environments

Develop inclusive classroom environments

Justine Henderson from Berhampore School talks about how they have designed a flexible classroom that is responsive to varying student needs.

Planning innovative learning environments

Planning innovative learning environments

See Design for all from the outset within the Planning innovative learning environments (ILEs) guide.

Website

Design for flexible use of space

Publisher:

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Leading learning to support inclusive practices”:

Return to the guide “Leading schools that include all learners ”

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