Inclusion and Comprehensive School Reform: Lessons from the Field

Sustaining comprehensive secondary school reform (CSR) represents an immensely difficult and unresolved challenge for the field. The problems associated with CSR are of significant concern to proponents of inclusion given that more responsive schools and classrooms are connected to, if not dependent upon, the success of broader school reform efforts. In this paper, we will employ the experience derived from a decade of practice in secondary school reform to interpret the findings from the CSR literature. We will extract lessons learned about the reform process to identify five key implications that seem to be preconditions for the success of comprehensive site-based reforms and lead to inclusive practice.

Creating Responsive Schools: Contextualizing Early Warning, Timely Response

Building upon extensive research, Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools asserts that schools can prevent violence and its preceding behaviors by providing a supportive schoolwide climate and responding early to at-risk students' academic and behavioral problems. The Guide's fundamental premise is that none of its recommended policies or procedures should be used to harm or label children. It stresses developing climates that avert violence and its precursors, through prevention approaches, collaboration, and clear and effective policies. Early and imminent warning signs are highlighted, as are procedures for developing appropriate responses to warning signs, including interventions and crisis plans. The Guide's blueprint can be used and adapted to prevent violence and develop safe and effective schools and communities.