In today’s educational landscape, inclusive education isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all students. This is especially important in Nonpublic Schools (NPS) and Nonpublic Agencies (NPA), where students often arrive with complex needs, diverse backgrounds, and unique learning profiles.
Under AB 1172, California has strengthened its focus on trauma-informed practices, positive behavior supports, and student safety. But inclusive education goes even further—it’s about creating learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
In this post, we’ll explore:
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What inclusive education means in practice
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How it supports students with disabilities
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The role of staff training in creating inclusive environments
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How inclusive practices align with AB 1172 goals
What Is Inclusive Education?
Inclusive education means that all students—regardless of disability, behavior, race, language, or background—are welcomed and supported within the general educational environment to the greatest extent possible.
In NPS/NPA settings, where students are often placed due to significant needs, inclusion takes on additional meaning. It doesn’t always mean inclusion in general ed settings—but it does mean:
✅ Including students in classroom routines, activities, and school culture
✅ Promoting peer relationships and social engagement
✅ Valuing student voice and choice
✅ Creating a setting that accommodates diversity instead of expecting students to “fit in”
Why Inclusion Matters
Inclusive education isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about human dignity. When done right, it benefits everyone:
For Students with Disabilities:
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Increased self-esteem and confidence
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Improved academic and social outcomes
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Greater sense of belonging and connection
For All Students:
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Reduced stigma around disability or behavior differences
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Improved empathy, teamwork, and diversity awareness
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More flexible and personalized learning environments
For Schools and Agencies:
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Stronger alignment with IDEA, AB 1172, and equity goals
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Better outcomes on IEP goals and functional skills
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Reduced reliance on punitive practices and restraint
Inclusive Practices That Work in NPS/NPA Settings
Here are practical, everyday ways to promote inclusive education, even in highly specialized classrooms:
1. Use Person-First and Strengths-Based Language
Instead of: “He’s a behavior kid.”
Try: “He’s a student who communicates through behavior when overwhelmed.”
2. Offer Visuals, Choices, and Clear Expectations
Use visuals and voice to explain tasks, offer regulated choice-making, and help students anticipate routines.
3. Celebrate Neurodiversity
Include books, posters, and classroom discussions that promote acceptance of autism, ADHD, sensory needs, and mental health differences.
4. Foster Peer Support
Use peer modeling, partner tasks, or cooperative games to encourage interaction and reduce social isolation.
5. Design Flexible Spaces
Create calming areas, sensory-friendly workstations, and group work zones so students can choose where and how to learn.
6. Include Student Voice
Ask students for input about their behavior plans, learning goals, and calming strategies. Respect their perspectives—even non-verbal ones.
Inclusive Education and AB 1172
California’s AB 1172 was designed to protect students with disabilities in nonpublic schools—but its goals align closely with the principles of inclusion:
| AB 1172 Requirement | Inclusive Education Connection |
|---|---|
| Trauma-informed training | Inclusion requires safe, emotionally supportive classrooms |
| Restriction on restraint/seclusion | Inclusion avoids punitive discipline and emphasizes support |
| Positive behavior supports | Inclusive classrooms promote proactive, skill-building strategies |
| Staff certification and training | Inclusive education depends on well-prepared, culturally aware educators |
Creating inclusive environments helps meet AB 1172 goals by reducing crisis behaviors, preventing the need for emergency interventions, and supporting long-term student success.
Challenges to Inclusion—And How to Overcome Them
Inclusive education in NPS/NPA settings isn’t always easy. Common challenges include:
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Severe behavior or safety concerns
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Limited staff training or support
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Rigid routines or inflexible curricula
Here’s how to address them:
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Invest in quality staff training (like AB 1172 courses that emphasize trauma-informed care and positive supports)
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Use individualized visuals, communication tools, and calming spaces
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Build a team approach, where teachers, behavior staff, aides, and families collaborate closely
Inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all model. It’s a mindset and a commitment to support each student where they are.
Final Thoughts: Inclusion Is the Foundation of Equity
Inclusive education isn’t just about physical placement—it’s about belonging. When schools prioritize inclusion, students feel safe, connected, and empowered. They’re not just attending—they’re participating, growing, and thriving.
For NPS and NPA professionals, inclusion means rethinking how we define success, how we structure support, and how we honor the dignity of every learner.
Let’s move beyond labels and build environments where every student can say:
“This is my school. I belong here.”
Our AB 1172 Course Supports Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Practices
Looking to build a more inclusive, supportive school culture?
Our AB 1172 Online Training Course helps your staff:
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Understand trauma-informed strategies that reduce exclusion
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Learn evidence-based behavior supports
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Avoid punitive responses and promote student dignity
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Meet state training requirements—while creating safer, more inclusive classrooms