The following is an excerpt of the article titled Together We Can Move Forward — with Inclusive Minds published by Business Insider.
In the last two decades, Special Olympics turned its attention to schools and to the challenge of teaching inclusive attitudes in children before discriminatory and exclusionary attitudes develop and harden. Over that time, thousands of educators have collaborated with Special Olympics volunteers, parents, coaches, and athletes themselves in developing the design, implementation, and evaluation of a school-based program to promote inclusivity and end bullying and discrimination.
While some doubt that schools can handle yet another responsibility, research shows that it is not only possible but also necessary for schools to integrate social, emotional and cognitive approaches to learning. Research shows, for instance, that in the face of bullying and discrimination, students can learn to be inclusive, welcoming, and empathetic — and learn more effectively too.
