Inclusion Course Outline – Syracuse – Forest & Pearpoint

This document outlines a transformative course held at Syracuse University from June 25-29, 1990, focused on inclusive education. ​ Led by Marsha Forest, Judith Snow, Jack Pearpoint, and course participants, it explores why integration is essential and how to welcome all students into regular classrooms. ​ The course emphasizes values-driven education, fostering equity and excellence through inclusion. ​ Key strategies include MAPS (Making Action Plans) and Building Circles of Friends, offering practical tools to create inclusive environments. ​

Participants engage in daily reflections, creative assignments, and hands-on activities, such as developing their own MAPs to share with peers. ​ Required readings include works by Stainback, Forest, and others, providing foundational insights into mainstreaming education. ​ The course also features guest panels, real-life MAP demonstrations, and interactive discussions on current trends impacting inclusion. ​

Grading is participation-based, encouraging creativity and self-evaluation. ​ The overarching theme, inspired by the Tasajara Cook Book, highlights love as the essential ingredient in education. This course is a call to action for educators to embrace inclusion as a pathway to meaningful change, blending imagination, collaboration, and heart-centered leadership. ​