When I thought about my journey through this program and where most of my work was centered, it focused on three main points; Identity, individualization and inclusion. What’s tricky about these terms, is that they often mean different things to different people and there has been a plethora of educators, researchers and politicians that have weighed in on the value of these terms within our education system.
There is no doubt that these three things are important within our schools but inccorporating them, giving them meaning and sustaining their power can be a struggle when resources are stretched thin and support is weakened. This brought me to the following guiding question:
How can a deep understanding of each student’s unique identity, inform individualized teaching strategies and inclusive practices that not only support academic achievement but also promote social, emotional, and behavioral growth?
To start, I wanted to define what these “three i’s” meant and how they can be realted to my field of work within a general education classroom.
Identity: Identity is who we are, and it’s made up of different parts. Each of us has an individual identity, shaped by our personal experiences, interests, and values. We also have a cultural identity, which connects us to the traditions, languages, and beliefs of the groups we belong to. Our social identity comes from the roles we play in society, like being a student, friend, or teammate. All of these parts of our identity intersect, meaning they work together to make us unique. In schools, understanding and embracing all aspects of identity helps students feel more engaged and creative, while also fostering a stronger sense of belonging. When students can express who they truly are, they are more likely to thrive and connect with others.
Individualization: Individualization in the classroom means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, recognizing that every learner has different strengths, challenges, and ways of learning. One key example of individualization is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which is designed to support students with special needs by providing customized goals, accommodations, and strategies. Individualization begins with building connections with students, understanding their interests, cultural background, family perspectives, and identifying their strengths and areas for growth. From there, educators can set realistic and achievable goals that help students reach their full potential, ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed in their learning journey.
Inclusion: Shelley Moore is a trailblazer in the inclusion community in Canada, continually pushing the boundaries of what it means to create truly inclusive classrooms. What stands out about her approach is her unwavering curiosity and commitment to improving the concept of inclusion, always seeking new answers and strategies. Recently, she has expanded her framework to incorporate elements of identity and diversity, recognizing the critical role these play in the inclusion model. Shelley’s work emphasizes that inclusion isn’t static, it evolves alongside the changing dynamics of students and classrooms, ensuring every student’s identity is respected and valued.
