November 30, 2007  

LANSING – School districts throughout Michigan will celebrate Michigan Inclusive Schools Week from December 3-7, 2007.

The State Board of Education and Michigan Department of Education encourage schools in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population.

In its Resolution proclaiming Michigan Inclusive Schools Week, the State Board of Education stated that:  educators throughout Michigan are committed to providing all students a welcoming and inclusive environment in classrooms capable of successfully educating all children.  All schools must recognize that each child is unique, learns differently, and therefore, learns better if teaching is tailored to their abilities and interests

“Students will experience many transitions – from elementary to middle school, from middle to high school, and from high school to post-secondary education or work,” said State Board of Education President Kathleen A. Straus.  “Inclusive schools and communities guide students along a personalized and supportive path that will ensure smoother transitions and ultimately, success.”

Educators and families can continually work to ensure that Michigan classrooms and schools are characterized as being high performing in addition to building a stronger and more inclusive community.

Michigan Inclusive Schools Week serves as a fitting time for educators, students, and parents in classrooms across Michigan to celebrate progress in providing a supportive and quality education to all students; to discuss what needs to be done to ensure continuing improvement in inclusive practices and student achievement; and to organize appropriate school and community activities in recognition of Inclusive Schools Week.