The Need for Inclusion

It is estimated that over 185,000 students with physical, cognitive, or behavioral differences attend Catholic schools. Of those students, only 7% have a formal diagnosis that would qualify them for additional services. Although these numbers are smaller than the national average enrolled in public schools (13%) it can be projected that the same needs exist albeit without the qualification. Aside from these students with identifiable differences, many more students have need (e.g., those traditionally limited because of race, poverty, religion, ability) and require support to be successful in a classroom setting. Furthermore, 87% of dioceses surveyed report that schools do not have the capacity to meet the needs of students with learning differences.

The Program for Inclusive Education is here to change that reality.