Series: Inclusive education

By Education Gazette editors

Issue: Volume 100, Number 1

Posted: 28 February 2022

Reference #: 1HAUzt

This series explores what inclusion looks like in different education settings and considers the next steps for achieving our shared vision for make learning inclusive and accessible for every child and young person.

We would love to hear about what you’re doing in your school, kura or early learning centre to make learning inclusive. Please get in touch with reporter@edgazette.govt.nz.

A team approach is taken at Tahatai Coast School to meet the needs of students like Isaac.

The journey to a more inclusive education system

What does an inclusive education system look like and how do we get there? Education Gazette talks to a number of people about their vision to make our education system more inclusive and accessible for ākonga with disabilities or learning needs.

Teacher aides an integral part of learning teams

New research from ERO commissioned by Ministry of Education and NZEI Te Riu Roa has shown that teamwork between educators and teacher aides (TAs) empowers them to make the biggest difference for learners.

Unlocking the superpowers of neurodiverse learners

A group of Young Neurodiversity Champions share their experiences in education and explain how educators can help unlock the enormous potential of all neurodiverse learners.

Māori Deaf students build digital version of marae to empower community

Rūaumoko Marae has been an important part of the Māori Deaf community for 30 years. To mark the 30th anniversary of the Marae, ākonga Turi Māori (Māori Deaf students) have built the Marae in Minecraft. The project brings together the digital world and the Māori world.

Planning and technology support ākonga with diabetes

For the parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, the start of the school year involves extensive daily planning beyond the need for uniforms, books and lunches. But a strong support network at school goes a long way to ease the challenges.

Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa

Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa is led by InsideOUT, a national organisation that works with youth, whānau, schools and communities to make Aotearoa a safer place for all Rainbow young people.

Inclusive sport design lowers barriers to physical activity

Sharing knowledge and experience in professional preparation, research, advocacy, and service delivery in the fields of adapted physical activity, physical education, and sport science.

Alternative Education gives ākonga a sense of place, purpose

An Alternative Education consortium in Hamilton works with 16 schools and kura in the area, and three alternative education providers, to provide a space where ākonga can reconnect and engage with learning and access support services.

Takiwātanga – in your own time and space

A series of five marae-based wānanga exploring takiwātanga (autism) from a Māori world view has offered a unique strengths-based lens for specialist educators, support staff and whānau.

Inclusive approach to language skills in early learning

Ako Adventures in Tāmaki Makaurau is dedicated to developing language skills in early learning, and is exploring inclusive methods to improve language and communication for all learners.

'Inclusive arts support ākonga to communicate their lived experiences'

Educators are realising the value of regular involvement and accessibility in the creative arts for ākonga with disabilities and additional learning needs. Mt Richmond School, Lincoln Heights School and Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education New Zealand have all used Creatives in Schools funding to support ākonga to confidently express themselves, celebrate their identities, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Making NCEA more accessible

Changes being made to NCEA include a commitment to make the qualification more accessible.

Creating inclusive environments

Inclusive, accessible environments mean that students with additional learning support needs are not prevented from participating fully in school life. But as these examples from Knights Stream School and Henry Hill School show, it’s about so much more than providing ramps and quiet spaces.

Gender and menstruation inclusion

A new outdoor education resource and the period products in schools initiative are supporting more inclusive practices to ensure all students feel safe and valued in their learning environments.