Inclusion - Board Certification in Inclusion in Special Education (BCISE) Program

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The Pressing Need for Board Certified in Inclusion in Special Education 

The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) and the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (AASEP) recognize the increasing need for qualified teachers specializing in the field of inclusion education. In order to enhance this area of concern, they have created an extensive and comprehensive program through online video lectures and training whereby upon completion, you become Board Certified in Inclusion in Special Education (BCISE).

Implementing inclusion education (IE) is a significant challenge facing the educational system. One of the main difficulties in implementing inclusion education is that special and general education teachers may receive insufficient training to work specifically in complex teaching contexts like an inclusion setting and not always have sufficient training to respond to the unique needs of students in their classroom.

Well trained special education and general education teachers are considered the key to the success of inclusion education. They are expected to provide an appropriate education to the wide variety of diverse students they will come in contact within this type of setting. Therefore, their positive attitudes toward inclusion of pupils with special needs are critical. These teachers with a high sense of self-efficacy and a belief in their ability to motivate their pupils, even those with mild and severe disabilities, have been found to have a direct impact on student achievement and emotional well-being. A high sense of self-efficacy among these specific teachers also influences dialogue and cooperation between school staff and parents in developing individual programs for this diverse population.

Implementing inclusion education involves providing an appropriate education for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Yet, most research examining teachers' perceptions and attitudes towards IE suggest that teachers experience frustration, fear, anger and lack of confidence regarding their ability to meet the needs of students in this type of setting. In practice, however, the research shows that both special and general education teachers feel unprepared for the task of IE.

According to UNICEF, there is a global shortage of teachers, particularly of teachers who are sufficiently trained and motivated to include children with disabilities (and from other marginalized groups) in regular schools. Yet, such inclusion is vital for achieving Education for All goals and bringing the millions of currently excluded children into education.

In order to develop the skills, experience and confidence to be inclusion of all children, teachers need to learn about and practice inclusion education during pre-service and in-service training, and they need to be given opportunities for continuing professional development.

The Board Certification in Inclusion in Special Education (BCISE) program provides you with many different areas of study. Upon completion, you will understand how to:

  • Provide direct support to students in a classroom by delivering instruction and ensuring learning through a variety of co-teaching models and strategies.
  • Develop Individualized Student Programs (IEP) for students; maintain compliance with all federal regulations and state policies regarding the education of students with disabilities.
  • Ensure appropriate accommodations and modifications to the curriculum, lessons and learning environment.
  • Design engaging classroom activities and differentiated lessons so that all students may access the curriculum and benefit from the educational experience.
  • Formally and informally assess the student learning (rather than relying solely on standardized curriculum) to create a comprehensive learning program.
  • Set high expectations that are appropriate for students.
  • Work collaboratively in the co-taught classroom.
  • Build a partnership with families, encouraging their active participation in students’ learning.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the principal and Director of Special Services.
  • And much, much more

The NASET and AASEP Board Certification in Inclusion in Special Education (BCISE) program is comprised of a comprehensive compilation of 30 Units of study broken down into 5 specific Modules. Each Unit contains video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, supplemental videos and supplemental readings. At the end of each Module, there is a multiple-choice examination which must be successfully completed to move on to the next Module.  Upon successful completion of each Module exam, you will immediately be able view/save or print a professional certificate of completion.

Clearly, having Board Certification in Inclusion in Special Education (BCISE) brings attention to a level of expertise you have compared to other teachers in the field and also allows for the designation of a highly qualified specialist in the field of special education and inclusion teaching. The NASET and AASEP Board Certification program for becoming an Inclusion Education Specialist (BCISE) offers you all the materials to be an effective, articulate, and qualified specialist in the field of inclusion education. In the end, completion of the BCISE program will provide you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to confidently work in inclusion settings with students, parents, and administrators.


Inclusion Specialist Links

BCISE Application - Click here  

BCISE Module/Unit Summaries - Click here

BCISE Requirements and Cost - Click here

BCISE FAQ - Click here

BCISE Handbook - Click Here

BCISE Forms - Click Here

Go To Module Access Portal