Beyond the Classroom Door: 6 Practical Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms
In my previous post, I explored what real inclusion looks like and introduced Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a foundational concept. Now let's get practical. Here are six strategies that transform inclusive classrooms to meet the needs of all students.
1. Rethink How You Group Students
Ability grouping—putting all the "high" students together and all the "struggling" students together—often reinforces gaps rather than closing them. Instead, group flexibly and purposefully. Sometimes group by interest so students can dive deep into topics they care about. At other times, create random groups so that students work with different classmates. When grouping by skill level for targeted instruction, keep those groups fluid and change them regularly. This prevents labeling and ensures all students learn with and from diverse peers.
2. Make Co-Teaching Actually Work
When a special education teacher and general education teacher work together in the same classroom, students with disabilities can access grade-level content with expert support right there in the moment. But co-teaching only works when both teachers plan together, share responsibility, and respect each other's expertise. The special education teacher shouldn't be in a "helper" status—they're an equal partner with specialized knowledge. The most effective co-teaching happens when you can't tell which teacher is the "special ed" teacher because both are actively engaged with all students.
3. Build Scaffolds for Everyone
Instead of waiting to see who struggles and then providing support, build them into your instruction from the start. Post visual schedules, provide sentence frames for writing tasks, create anchor charts for reference, offer graphic organizers, and give clear, written directions alongside verbal ones. When these supports are available to everyone, students who need them can access them without feeling singled out or different.
4. Harness the Power of Peers
Your students are incredible resources for each other. Structured peer tutoring, where students take turns teaching and learning from classmates, benefits both the tutor and the student receiving help. Create partnerships for reading, math practice, or project work. Teach students how to be helpful partners—not by doing the work for their peer, but by asking guiding questions and providing encouragement. Research consistently shows that peer support accelerates learning and builds social connections.
5. Embrace Assistive Technology
We live in a fantastic time for assistive technology, and much of it is free and already available on the devices your students use. Text-to-speech can read aloud any digital text. Speech-to-text allows students who struggle with writing to record their ideas. Audiobooks make literature accessible to struggling readers. Organizational apps help students manage assignments and deadlines. Graphic design tools enable students to create visually appealing projects. The key is normalizing technology use so that it's not stigmatizing—when many students use various tech tools, those who need them most can access them naturally.
6. Social and Emotional Belonging
Academic access matters tremendously, but if we stop there, we've missed half the picture. Students with disabilities also need to feel socially and emotionally included.
Build Community Intentionally: Don't assume students will automatically embrace differences. Have honest conversations about different ways of learning, communicating, and moving through the world. Create a classroom culture where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness, and where everyone recognizes they have both strengths and challenges.
Take Bullying Seriously: Students with disabilities face higher rates of bullying and exclusion than their peers. Zero tolerance for unkind behavior must be your baseline. But go further—teach students about disability awareness, help them understand that different doesn't mean less than, and explicitly teach and practice empathy. When you see exclusion happening, address it immediately and use it as a teaching moment.
Support Friendship Development: Friendships don't always form organically, especially for students with social communication challenges or other disabilities that impact their interactions. You can help by creating structured opportunities for connection, such as partner activities, lunch groups, shared special interests, or buddy systems. Sometimes, students need explicit instruction in social skills, such as joining conversations, reading social cues, or maintaining friendships. This support is just as important as academic instruction.
Listen to Student Voices: Too often, decisions about students with disabilities are made without their input. Ask students what helps them learn, what they find challenging, and what supports they find helpful. Even young children can share valuable insights about their experiences. As students get older, teach them to self-advocate—to understand their disabilities, know their rights, and speak up about their needs. This empowerment will serve them throughout their lives.
In my final post on Beyond the Classroom Door, I'll address the tough questions and concerns educators and parents have, plus share why inclusion benefits everyone. Don't miss it!
Nicolette Lesniak is an experienced special education teacher leader and IEP Coach. She has presented at regional and national educational conferences for families and educators on the importance of collaboration and partnerships in improving student outcomes. You can contact her at hello@nicolettelesniak.com.
