Prayer for Inclusion
Living and True God,
You created all that is good and holy in your image. Be close to us, your servants, who gather here today. Be our constant help and protection as we lovingly reach out to welcome and embrace all your children, regardless of abilities, in our parishes and schools. Bless our children as they grow together in faith, knowledge and friendship. And bless their parents and educators who guide them through challenges, who celebrate their special gifts, and who encourage them to reach their potential. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
National Resources
- One Classroom Manual For Inclusive Catholic Education, Manual Appendix Documents and Helpful Resources & Websites
- Journal of Catholic Education – Special Issue: Inclusion in Catholic Schools
December 2020 - Exceptional Learner’s White Paper – One Spirit, One Body (PDF)
- By the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and Andrew M. Greeley – Center for Catholic Education
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- National Education Programs about Inclusion
- Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education,
Loyola University Chicago School of Education - Notre Dame Program for Inclusive Education,
University of Notre Dame
- Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education,
Iowa Resources
- Special Education Support for Students Enrolled in Nonpublic Schools (PDF)
Legislative Task Force 2197 – Submitted to the General Assembly
December 1, 2022 - Archdiocese of Dubuque Disability Inclusion
FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa Resources
Friends of FIRE
- Friends of FIRE is a group of parents and other parish and school community members who value inclusive education and are dedicated to raising funds, building awareness and expanding inclusive education initiatives within their parish communities. Members come together three to five times each year to assist with events and fundraising initiatives and to share information about resources that promote student learning and family success. All parents whose children benefit from FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa funding are asked to participate. Membership is open to everyone who believes in our mission and wishes to offer time and resources to support inclusive Catholic education. Friends of FIRE members are champions of inclusion. A Friend of FIRE Liaison is appointed to serve as a link from the Foundation to each FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa partner school.
- Friends of FIRE meetings are scheduled throughout the school year to share information and to promote connections among families. Please contact info@firefoundationneiowa.org for more information.
IGNITE Inclusion Committee
- Teachers and Administrators Consider Joining the Ignite Inclusion Committee
- Committee Vision Statement: Children of all abilities have the opportunity for a successful inclusive Catholic education.
- Committee Mission Statement: The mission of NE Iowa Ignite Committee is to provide a system of knowledge and support necessary to empower Catholic educators in their efforts to provide an inclusive, Christ-centered education.
- Please contact info@firefoundationneiowa.org if you would like more information.
All Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Dubuque
The FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa and Learning Research Network are partnering to provide 14 FREE online, on-demand professional development sessions designed to support educators as they seek to understand and meet the needs of All Learners. Content is perfect for parents, too!
The sessions are packed with rich, relevant and relatable content presented by two leading inclusive learning experts. LRN founders, Sean J. Smith, Ph.D. and Michael Faggella-Luby, Ph.D., believe deeply in Catholic education and are passionate about supporting schools and families.
The 14-sessions offered are outlined below.
TOPIC: Understanding Our Students
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Intellectual Disability (e.g., Down Syndrome)
- Struggling Neurotypical Learners
TOPIC AREA: Planning and Designing for ALL Learners
- Planning for the Variability of ALL Our Learners (Part I)
- Planning for the Variability of ALL Our Learners (Part II)
- Addressing Barriers through Effective Planning
- Universal Design for Learning (Part I)
- Universal Design for Learning (Part II)
- Universal Design for Learning (Part III)
- SMARTER Planning (Part I)
- SMARTER Planning (Part II)
TOPIC AREA: Priority Practice Points
- Student Engagement
- Formative Assessment
- Reading Development