Introducing The Standards for Inclusive Schools

The Nora Project has now released its Standards for Inclusive Schools, a groundbreaking roadmap for building inclusive schools where all students with and without disabilities are welcomed as their full and authentic selves, respected as integral parts of the community, and empowered to advocate for themselves and others. 

Authored by leading thinkers and doers in the field, the Standards for Inclusive Schools were created to start and lead the conversation around ways students can be set to thrive in school — and invite others to join in. Studies* time and again demonstrate that inclusive education benefits both disabled and nondisabled students. While standards guide many facets of education, there have never been standards focused on disability and inclusive education— until now. 

The Standards for Inclusive Schools are divided into three domains: Diversity (which has a prominent significance in the disability community), Community (which centers relationships and fosters cultures of respect, support, and inclusion), and Advocacy (which allows for reimagining and challenging the status quo). These domains provide a clarifying framework for understanding, as well as objectives as educators begin engaging with these new ideas.

“We are excited to dig into the Standards and discuss questions that arise,” said Jordyn Zimmerman, a lead author of the Standards. “Both students with and without disabilities have a human and civil right to learn, play, and thrive together. Yet in today's schools, there are many barriers that keep students from realizing their potential. The Standards for Inclusive Schools support educators and students as they work towards belonging in the learning environment, providing access to robust curricula and tools, and ensuring engaging social experiences.”

Educators who are interested in pursuing spaces that value belonging for all students can learn more by visiting our Standards webpage. 

About The Nora Project

The Nora Project is a non-profit organization on a mission to promote disability inclusion by empowering educators and engaging students and communities. We provide school-wide professional learning for educators, and Disability Studies-informed curricula for students in preschool through high school. Our ultimate vision is a new standard in education where diversity is expected and valued in every classroom. 

*Source: A Summary of the Evidence on Inclusive Education (a major consulting firm review of 280 students, conducted in 25 countries on the topic of inclusive education)