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Boston Teachers Union

Professionalism, Experience, Commitment, Teamwork Local 66, AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO

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BTU Spring 2020 Report - Inclusion and Racial Equity in the Boston Public Schools

Inclusion Classrooms in Boston Public Schools

"Inclusion is a term which expresses commitment to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the school and classroom he or she would otherwise attend. It involves bringing the support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students).”

Inclusion Task Force, BPS

“Increasing Inclusive Practices in the Boston Public Schools” June 2013

Inclusion Tracker

When Inclusion is not Done Right: See Something, Say Something 

To get the inclusion services our students deserve it will take all of us being vigilant and reporting what we see. Help the BTU keep track of contract violations, legal violations, and other instances of student needs not being met by reporting what you see through our Inclusion Tracker. Parents, educators, and students are all encouraged to use this Inclusion Tracker. Contact the BTU with questions: 617-288-2000.  

1. Is it a grievance? Check the contract at btu.org/contract. If you notice a contract violation, contact a BTU Building Rep and Field Rep about filing a grievance. 

  • Examples of contractual rights: (This is not comprehensive, and provided for informational purposes only. Please contact the BTU for questions about contract interpretation): 
    • Inclusion classrooms generally cannot exceed the ratio of 20 students to one teacher. The 20:1 ratio assumes a maximum of 6 inclusion students.
    • In the 20 schools named in the 2018 Inclusion Settlement the maximum is 5 inclusion students. BPS has orally stated this ratio as a goal for additional inclusion classes. 
    • In a 1 teacher inclusion classroom:
      • ESL services for EL students should be provided by an ESL teacher who is not the inclusion teacher, unless the teacher agrees and is provided a stipend. (The BTU strongly encourages additional staffing, NOT the stipend.)
      • Special education services for students with a special education code of “1” or “2” shall have their specialized instruction provided by a special education teacher who is not the inclusion teacher.
    • In all inclusion classrooms, the number of students with IEPs will not exceed 50% of the total number of students in the class.
  • See page 19 of the BTU Building Rep handbook for guidelines on how to file a grievance.
  • Document the situation in the BTU Tracker as well (tinyurl.com/InclusionTracker).

2. Is state or federal law being violated? Laws exist to protect the rights of all students in Massachusetts, and to ensure that all students receive equal educational opportunities. Quick action should be taken to respond to concerns about students’ education. 

  • Example of legal violation: IEP minutes are not being met.
  • First, alert the appropriate school or district personnel with your concern.
  • Through its Problem Resolution System (PRS), DESE handles complaints that allege a school or a district is not meeting legal requirements for education. If your concern is not resolved by school or district personnel, you may contact the PRS office at doe.mass.edu/prs.
  • Document the situation in the BTU Tracker as well (tinyurl.com/InclusionTracker).

3. Do you notice that student needs are not being met, even though the answer to questions 1 and 2 is no? You can still report it to the BTU! Help us keep track of instances where student needs are not being met by completing the form at tinyurl.com/InclusionTracker.

Questions You Should Be Asking As A Parent/Guardian...

RSVP To Inclusion done Right event

tinyurl.com/1-14Inclusion

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