Student Inclusion and Learner Diversity Still a Hot Topic in the New Normal

The author Nancy P. Zabala

If inclusive societies are to be created, promoted, and maintained in the new normal, learner diversity must be addressed in educational practices in the Philippines. Employing inclusive best practices in Department of Education systems would be an essential first step toward achieving inclusive societies. Inclusive education is a process that includes transforming schools and other places of learning to serve all children, including boys and girls, students from different ethnic groups, and students from rural areas. Education occurs in a variety of settings, both official and informal, as well as within families and the larger society. As a result, inclusive education is no longer a side concern. It is critical to providing high-quality education for all students and the creation of more inclusive communities, as well as an important component of attaining social justice. Inclusive education is founded on the idea that schools should serve all students, regardless of perceived differences, disability, or other social, cultural, and linguistic distinctions. The varied characteristics of these students, as well as the need to make schools more learning-friendly, necessitate regular and special education teachers consulting and collaborating, as well as with family and community, to develop successful teaching and learning methods. The old homogeneous and distinct programs are no longer viable if we are to handle student diversity in the new normal set-up of education to make schools more inclusive and learner friendly. General and special education teachers must be sensitive to all students' needs to provide a favorable and successful learning environment for all children. Teachers should develop a shared vision of inclusive education programs, practice, and philosophy while working at home to practice inclusivity, establish an integrated program, and provide opportunities for special education and general education to work collaboratively for better and quality education.