The excitement and energy were quite evident on April 22nd for the more than 200 people who attended Spotlight on Inclusion, an event sponsored by the Kent School District in collaboration with the Special Education Advisory Committee, the district’s parent, staff and community committee that partners with the district’s special education department.
This event was a true collaborative effort which celebrated inclusive learning activities happening in the district and in the community and sparked enthusiasm for increasing the inclusive educational opportunities for students.
Superintendent Dr. Lee Vargas, Kent School Board President Debbie Straus and Mayors Cooke and Harto spoke about the benefits of inclusive education. Artwork and student projects completed in inclusive settings were on display as well as local vendors who support inclusive recreational and learning opportunities for students with disabilities. The main event was the premiere of the video, “Faces Of Inclusion,” which highlighted some of the effective inclusive practices in the district and the community. The voices in the video were the teachers, students and community members who have made inclusive education work very successfully for students from preschool through adult. All spoke from the heart of how their personal experiences with inclusion have not only inspired them, but in some cases provided a future career direction. Kent-Meridian High School Assistant Principal Carol Cleveland spoke enthusiastically about how her school has worked to change its culture to one of acceptance.
This event highlights that inclusion starts with a belief in what is possible, not what is impossible. It starts with having high expectations for all students and the belief that all students deserve meaningful educational opportunities alongside their peers. Providing inclusive learning opportunities for students has been part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act since the beginning. While there can be challenges to overcome, the benefits are clear for our students with special needs: improved learning outcomes, increased independence, and improved social skills. Our students without disabilities also benefit by developing greater tolerance for differences, positively building self esteem, and enhanced interpersonal skills. While the focus of this event was inclusion of students with disabilities, the challenge for all is to truly embrace and include all students from all cultures, all walks of life, and all learning needs into our educational community. Creating an inclusive community is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate diversity, respect each other’s differences and teach acceptance.
Kimberly Halley
Special Education Director
Kent School District
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
