Project Description and Benefits

Description & Benefits Application Process Project Responsibilities BISI Brochure

	Project Description
	The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) requires districts to serve students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment so that they are integrated with their non-disabled peers as much as possible. Teachers and administrators must have the knowledge and training they need to work effectively with all students and with each other in order to: Promote high expectations Provided access to the general education curriculum and the general education classroom to the maximum extent appropriate Ensure collaboration between general and special education staff To assist in the implementation of IDEA 2004, the Texas Legislature has set aside funding for education service centers to provide professional development to support schools in serving students with disabilities in inclusive classroom environments. As a result, the Building Inclusive Schools Initiative was developed by Region 4 Education Service Center (ESC) as a collaborative partnership with participating campuses.
	Benefits
	Potential Benefits to Students with Disabilities Increased performance on TAKS/SDAA II and the state developed alternative assessment Increased time spent in general education classes Increased student-owned strategies (academic and behavior)
	Potential Benefits to Staff Increased knowldege and skills in academic and positive behavior interventions Improved understanding and attitude of general education staff for inclusion Improved staff perceptions and expectations of students with disabilities Increased communication and collaboration between general and special education staff
	Potential Benefits to the Campus Comprehensive inclusion plan integrated into the campus improvement plan Targeted technical assistance and training to meet specific campus needs Formative and summative evaluation data to support instructional programming decisions