Building Positive Classroom Culture in an Inclusive Setting, Grades 7 - 12

Participants will explore the benefits and challenges of creating and maintaining positive classroom climates in an inclusive setting. The course will be centered around building restorative practices that will lead to positive classroom culture. Participants will gain an understanding of Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) and how these PBIS strategies can be successfully implemented in the classroom. Course participants will understand the importance of building and maintaining individual positive relationships within the classroom, especially with adolescents. The course will examine educational theories and historical practices that have led to an increased emphasis on collaborative education and culturally sustaining practices to serve culturally, linguistically, racially, and neurodiverse learners. We will pay particular attention to the role of special educators in collaborative programs, including aspects of curriculum, instructional adaptations and modifications, classroom management, interpersonal and inter-professional relationships. Above all, the course aims to equip all educators with practical strategies for a flexible approach towards teaching and working within diverse educational structures for all adolescent students. Throughout the course, participants will develop the ability to create clear classroom procedures and expectations in the inclusive classroom with input from their students in order to lay a foundation of mutual respect. 3 credits, includes 25 hours of field experience.