Everyone Belongs: Promoting Inclusive Education in Ukraine

Research Project Summary

This research project is a 6-year study of the factors that support successful inclusive education for students with disabilities and their peers in five regions in Ukraine: Each region has an Experimental school with a clear commitment to support inclusive education, and a desire to make the school more inclusive education oriented. The aim of this research project is to document the activities and practices that best support school transformation toward greater inclusive education practice. The study will begin in April 2008 with the gathering of information contained in school district documents and survey administration to the entire school-centered learning community. The surveys used in year 1 of the study capture key elements of effective educational practice including Inclusion, Differentiated Instruction and Diversity. The surveys target teachers, administrators, parents, students, and teaching support staff. Interventions that take place in Ukraine over the next five years will be assessed with a repeat administration of these surveys.

Project Sponsors This research project is supported with funds from: Killam Foundation Cornerstone Grant University of Alberta

Research Team Members Dr. Judy Lupart  » view info Dr. Donna McGhie-Richmond  » view info Dr. Anne McKeough  » view info Dr. Gerry Kresowaty  » view info Bonnie van Essen  » view info Dr. Tim Loreman  » view info

Why Study Inclusion?

Inclusive Education is based on the philosophy that all students have the right to fully participate in the regular classrooms in their communities. Research has found diversity within the classroom to benefit both typical and students with exceptional learning needs. Academic and social gains are observed in students with exceptional needs who are supported within the inclusive classroom. Educators also report positive attitude changes among students that enrich the learning climate for all members of the classroom community.

• Classrooms that consciously plan for diversity are more effective at customizing instruction and the learning environment to meet the needs of all students.
• Students learn that diversity is the norm and that we are all richer because of it!
• Inclusion philosophy and practice is complementary to the stated goals and objectives of the five participating Ukrainian Experimental Schools

Project Objectives

This six-year project is examining environments of authentic belonging, where ALL students learn together, diversity is valued, personal growth is enhanced, and equity is experienced as a result of using practices that effectively meet the needs of diverse students.

The project aims to examine and describe inclusive education in five regions in Ukraine. The schools can use this information to improve their own practice in order to better meet the needs of all students in regular classrooms.

Other school districts throughout the regions and country can also use this information to help examine their own views and practices regarding inclusive education.