 | ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS |
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| Adopted by the IASSW Board of Directors on March 19, 1994 IASSW endorses the implementation of inclusion when it is defined as one alternative in the provision of a continuum of services reflecting realistic opportunities for students with disabilities and their parents. The public schools can help to prepare all children to function in the larger society and appreciate diversity, regardless of their abilities and disabilities. However, if students Individual Educational Plans adequately reflect their differing needs, placement may not always result in inclusion. In recognition of those individual differences, it is important to realize that there is no one best way to educate all children. Therefore, we do not support “full inclusion” if it is defined as the only option available to a given student. IASSW believes that school social workers should advocate for greater choices to be made available for parents instead of fewer. In order for our educational system to offer a full range of quality services for students with disabilities, a healthy collaboration between special education and regular education is needed. Research indicates that significantly greater levels of funding have been necessary for successful implementation of the inclusive educational model. School social workers play an important role when inclusion is being considered for a student with disabilities. The school social worker assesses the student's strengths and weaknesses in adapting to the classroom environment. The school social worker develops and implements strategies with the student, teacher, classmates, and parents to create a supportive environment in which the student with disabilities may achieve educational benefit. Finally, the school social worker acts as liaison to the student's home and to community agencies to maintain positive, collaborative effort which will insure the student's success in the educational environment. Therefore, IASSW supports continued efforts toward inclusion when it adequately reflects students' educational needs, maximizes social opportunities, and is fully funded.
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© 1997-2008 Illinois Association of School Social Workers Updated on: April 19, 2008 |
