New Program for Inclusive Education Responds to Need in Catholic Schools

The University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) has established the Program for Inclusive Education, a range of educational opportunities aimed at supporting the needs of all learners that will welcome its first cohort of inclusive educators in the summer of 2017.

The Program for Inclusive Education (PIE) is built on the belief that Catholic schools are called to serve justly and inclusively to ensure success for all learners. It envisions schools that are prepared to educate every student regardless of diverse learning, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical needs. PIE seeks to create a culture where "all are welcome" and strengthen Catholic schools’ ability to inclusively educate.

“It is with great joy and expectation that we announce the launch of the Program for Inclusive Education,” said Dr. Christie Bonfiglio, the program’s director. “Our team is humbled to serve this mission as we strive to ensure that all students in Catholic schools will be welcomed, celebrated, and successful. I anticipate that PIE will have a profound impact on schools and (arch)dioceses allowing for inclusive practice while giving hope to students and families alike.”

PIE will directly alleviate the need for inclusion in our nation’s Catholic schools, as more than 185,000 students are estimated to have a diagnosed disability. Many more have needs that require support to be successful. However, according to a survey of dioceses, only 13 percent of schools have the resources to help meet the educational needs of these students. These statistics indicate a clear need for inclusive education in today’s Catholic schools to support the mission of creating a vibrant, Christian community that celebrates the God-given potential of every student.

In an effort to assist schools and (arch)dioceses in serving all learners, PIE will offer multiple opportunities to equip educators with the skills necessary for inclusive practices. Guided by a spirit of appreciation for human dignity, educators will be able to pursue professional development customized to meet their individualized needs.

The 18-credit hour formation program is a pathway to licensure offering theory and practical applications through which educators become leaders in advocating for and educating struggling learners. This four-semester hybrid program will deliver instruction online and concludes with a capstone experience delivered by a team of national experts on Notre Dame’s campus.

Additionally, PIE offers individualized online professional development via content modules and individual courses. Onsite professional development opportunities in the form of half-, full-, and two-day workshops and off-site consultations are available to schools and (arch)dioceses with topics that include Response to Intervention, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports, Student Support Teams and Strategic Support for Students with Disabilities. Ultimately, these learning opportunities are aimed to inspire a calling for inclusivity and educating all students entrusted to Catholic schools.

Individuals interested in the Program for Inclusive Education should visit ace.nd.edu/inclusion or contact the Director, Dr. Christie Bonfiglio, at , and Associate Director Lindsay Will at .