Social inclusion classes connect special students and English language learners with their peers in a number of ways, through various activities.
At Fargo Davies High School, English language learners and their American peers shared dishes from around the world in a “Culture Day” celebration. Teacher Samantha Bachmeier beamed. “It is a fun day of learning,” she said.
Social inclusion classes have been offered for four years at Davies. Mainstream students have been paired with special education students. This year, the classes include the Level I English language learners.
Contacts build relationships for the special education and ELL students. Interactions are rewarding for them and for the mainstreamed mentor students.
“It’s transforming the way our regular education students are viewing our special education population students, as well as our ELL students,” Davies Principal Troy Cody said.
Cody said the program develops outward thinking for the mentors.
“It’s less ‘about me’ and more about how I can help someone else in their walk through life,” Cody said.