Another definition followed by Gerald Dambach, Ed. D. who is the Coordinator of Psychological Services at the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV:

- "To include means to make a part of the whole. Inclusive school communities are those which all students are valued members of the Educational Environment. All students are educated to the maximum extent appropriate in their neighborhood school within the regular class environment with all the necessary supports and services. Appropriate inclusion requires thoughtful deliberation by the IEP Team, with consideration of a full contiuum of placement options, based on the student's needs. All students will have access to and participate in opportunities within the school and community at large."

The Midwestern Intermediate IV also offers up CORRELATES for INCLUSION.

1. Inclusion is a right, not a priveledge.

2. All decisions concerning program and placement are made by the IEP Team which includes parents.

3. All learning outcomes are based upon individual needs as delineated by the IEP and not by grade level mastery of the curriculum.

4. Inclusion is part of educational reform and not only requires district restructuring, but also district reculturing.

5. Inclusion is a change in placement and therefore requires parental consent.

6. Inclusion requires the shared expertise of special and regular educators working together for all students.

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