Inclusive Education in NPS and NPA Settings: Why It Matters
In today’s educational landscape, inclusive education is more than a buzzword. Instead, it reflects a commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all students. This commitment 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 strengthened its focus on trauma-informed practices, positive behavior supports, and student safety. At the same time, inclusive education extends beyond compliance. It focuses on creating environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
In this post, we explore what inclusive education looks like in practice, how it supports students with disabilities, and why staff training plays a central role in meeting AB 1172 goals.
What Inclusive Education Means in Practice
Inclusive education means welcoming and supporting all students—regardless of disability, behavior, language, race, or background—to the greatest extent possible. Rather than expecting students to adapt, inclusive settings adapt to student needs.
In NPS and NPA environments, inclusion may not always mean placement in general education classrooms. However, it does mean intentionally creating supportive, respectful, and accessible learning experiences. For example, inclusive practices include:
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Including students in daily routines, activities, and school culture
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Encouraging peer relationships and social engagement
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Valuing student voice and choice
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Designing environments that accommodate diversity instead of forcing conformity
Why Inclusion Matters for Everyone
Inclusive education is not just about meeting legal requirements. More importantly, it supports human dignity and positive outcomes for entire school communities.
Benefits for Students with Disabilities
When schools prioritize inclusion, students often experience higher self-esteem, stronger academic and social outcomes, and a greater sense of belonging.
Benefits for All Students
At the same time, peers benefit from reduced stigma, increased empathy, and improved collaboration skills. As a result, classrooms become more flexible and responsive to diverse learning styles.
Benefits for Schools and Agencies
From an organizational perspective, inclusive practices support alignment with IDEA, AB 1172, and equity initiatives. Additionally, they reduce reliance on punitive discipline and emergency interventions.
Inclusive Practices That Work in NPS and NPA Settings
Even in highly specialized classrooms, inclusion is achievable through intentional daily practices.
First, use person-first and strengths-based language.
For instance, replace labels with descriptions that acknowledge student needs and abilities.
Next, provide visuals, structured choices, and clear expectations.
Doing so helps students anticipate routines and regulate more effectively.
In addition, celebrate neurodiversity.
Books, posters, and classroom conversations that normalize differences promote acceptance and belonging.
Similarly, encourage peer support through modeling, partner activities, or cooperative games.
These strategies reduce isolation and build social connections.
Finally, include student voice whenever possible.
By inviting input on goals, supports, and calming strategies, staff reinforce respect and autonomy.
How Inclusive Education Aligns With AB 1172
Notably, the goals of AB 1172 closely align with inclusive education principles. Trauma-informed training, positive behavior supports, and restrictions on restraint all reinforce proactive, student-centered approaches.
As a result, inclusive environments help reduce crisis behaviors, minimize emergency interventions, and support long-term success.
Overcoming Common Challenges to Inclusion
Inclusive education in NPS and NPA settings can present challenges. For example, teams may face severe behavior concerns, limited training, or rigid program structures.
Fortunately, these barriers can be addressed by investing in high-quality staff training, using individualized supports, and adopting a collaborative team approach that includes families.
Inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it represents an ongoing commitment to meet students where they are.
Final Thoughts: Inclusion Is the Foundation of Equity
Ultimately, inclusive education is about belonging. When schools prioritize inclusion, students do more than attend—they participate, grow, and thrive.
For NPS and NPA professionals, inclusion means redefining success, strengthening support systems, and honoring the dignity of every learner.
Supporting Inclusion Through AB 1172 Training
If your goal is to build a more inclusive and trauma-informed school culture, AB 1172 training plays a key role.
Our AB 1172 Online Training Course helps staff:
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Understand trauma-informed strategies that reduce exclusion
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Apply evidence-based behavior supports
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Avoid punitive responses and promote student dignity
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Meet state training requirements while strengthening inclusive practice