I am a principal of an elementary school with a great interest in special education. Our area has experienced a tremendous increase in the number of students diagnosed with autism and our school district has emerged as a leader in the successful integration of these students into the most appropriate learning environments to meet their needs. This has meant a great deal of professional development and training of staff, development of specific programming options at school sites, and the concerted efforts of leaders to change school practice and culture. As an administrator interested in this process I have worked with teachers to develop strong instructional practices, have been involved in specific negotiations relative to providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), worked with outside agencies specific to understanding the needs of the autistic child and provided leadership in understanding that the inclusion model can be successful.
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The Learner
