Safeguarding the future conference - Canberra, 23-24 May 2024

Bringing Down The Fence

Presented by Loren Swancutt during the National Inclusion Conference, 2018

Inclusive schooling requires a commitment to transforming traditional practices and mindsets, skilled and highly responsive pedagogical approaches, and strong leadership that is underpinned by solid professional knowledge and understanding. The demands of which can be overwhelming; with schools often experiencing a disconnect between accessing and interpreting strong theoretical frameworks and references, and transforming them into successful reform and practice.

‘Bringing Down the Fence’ is a presentation that explores and unpacks school-level design, implementation and leadership processes that support the realisation of inclusive schooling. The insightful steps and strategies are backed by the real-life applications and experiences of Thuringowa State High School – a Queensland State High School that disbanded its segregated Special Education Program in 2015, and has been successfully educating all students in age-appropriate, heterogeneous classrooms ever since.

Video Playing Time: 00:34:39

Summary

The following aspects are explored with markers for success identified:

  • Inclusive Principles
  • Collaborative Teams
  • Planning for Change
  • Transforming Culture
  • Action Planning
  • Quality Instruction
  • Supportive Environments