Principles for Organizing School Services

Integration of children with disabilities in mainstream schools is common in Canada, however their academic success and social participation in school activities remain limited. To begin addressing this issue, we reviewed the literature to better understand what is known about effective principles and strategies for organizing and delivering interdisciplinary services for students with various types of disabilities, integrated into regular schools. We partnered with representatives from seven different school boards in Quebec, and together we synthesized and summarized research evidence from 1998 to 2015. Results, based on 52 articles, revealed 10 effective principles that can guide how service is organized and packaged in the school setting.

Explore the tools! Here you will find materials related to the 10 principles of delivering effective school services. They include a definition of each principle, examples from the literature, evidence and outcomes, as well as ideas for applying them in school-based practice. They can be used by teachers, special educators, school staff, healthcare providers, school principals and families interested in improving services for students with disabilities. Please feel free to download, use, and share the tools in your own practice settings!

You can download electronic versions of information sheets related to each principle or printable brochures ​to share with your colleagues, friends and family! These materials are also available in French (Brochure; Information Sheets).