Strategies That Promote Social Relations among Elementary Students with and without Severe Disabilities in Inclusive Schools

Using qualitative research methods, we studied the strategies that general education classroom teachers use to promote the development of positive relationships between children with and without moderate to severe disabilities in inclusive classrooms. We used observations and interviews with teachers, specialists, and administrators in two inclusive schools as bases for identifying five strategies used by classroom teachers: active facilitation of social interactions, empowering children, building a sense of community in the classroom, modeling acceptance, and developing school organizational supports. These practices are discussed in terms of their congruence with broader goals and best practices within K-12 education.