Evidence Based Inclusive Education

We advocate and support the dissemination and implementation of evidence based school and after-school inclusive education programs, interventions and practices. Inclusive education is an approach to teaching and learning whereby all students, regardless of their ability, gender, ethnicity/ language, and socio-economic circumstances learn together in one school environment. No students should be ostracised or segregated based on their differences or learning capabilities.  Inclusive education aims to combat discrimination against all students.

All students, regardless of their ability, gender, ethnicity and socio-economic circumstances should have equal access to high-quality education from their local schools. Some issues that students are often discriminated against include disability, race, gender, their household income, their religion or the language that they speak. By offering inclusive school and classroom environment, schools and community stakeholders are assured that all students are offered the same level of education. Teaching all students in one place ensures that no students are missing out on any of the curriculum.

The aim of an inclusive education environment is to ensure that all students are treated fairly and get equal opportunities. Within an inclusive education environment, student diversity and uniqueness are celebrated without discrimination.  Unfortunately, there are still instances of students being treated differently based on their unique qualities. Traditional methods of dealing with students with disabilities or learning difficulties can have a harmful impact on a students’ self-worth. Separating them into small groups and teaching them away from the main classroom pushes the idea that they are different and should be treated differently.

Most of these approaches are not effective, neither are they based on the best available research.   Inclusive education is an evidence based methodology, and wide range of evidence based school and after-school programs, interventions and practices that are effective for addressing different types of student exclusion. Limited dissemination and implementation of evidence based inclusive education programs, interventions and practices in Kenya affect inclusion of students in schools and in community settings.