The REACH Manual

In 2007, the North American Division assembled the Inclusion Commission to develop a comprehensive plan to address the needs of students with learning differences in general Adventist classrooms. The REACH (Reaching to Educate All Children for Heaven) Manual was written to provide teachers with resources to better meet those needs.

Inclusion

Most students can be served by dedicated teachers without specialized degrees. Inclusion simply requires a heart for service, problem solving skills, and above all a willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to lead.

Inclusive education means educating all students in a general classroom, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses in any area. Inclusion offers some unique opportunities to students with and without learning differences.

For students without documented learning differences, inclusive education:

• Creates a caring, interdependent community of learners.
• Enhances social competence.
• Provides models of perseverance as students with learning differences strive to succeed.
• Fosters academic growth through peer tutoring.
• Reduces the stigma of disability.
• Teaches students to embrace differences, preparing them for a fully inclusive adult life.
• Creates a caring Adventist Church.

For students with documented learning differences, inclusive education:

• Creates a supportive and caring environment where spiritual growth and eternal salvation may become a reality.
• Provides positive social and communication role models which are unavailable in a homogenous grouping.
• Helps students learn to develop positive relationships with peers.
• Fosters academic growth through peer tutoring.
• Reduces the stigma of disability while increasing self-worth and resilience.
• Enhances social competence.
• Prepares students for full engagement and self-advocacy as adults in the church and community.

The REACH Resource Manual is your source for explanations, examples, definitions, methods, tools, worksheets, tests, and forms to assist you in working with students with learning differences. The most current manual can be downloaded from the North American Division website. 

Screening tools in the REACH manual will assist in identifying strengths and weaknesses while also helping to determine what modifications or accommodations you may choose to use. The REACH process should not be used to diagnose disabilities in students; only a licensed psychologist is qualified to diagnose. Before initiating assessment, check the student's cumulative folder to see if they have been previously tested or if they have a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) from a previous school. If so, follow the recommendations outlined there.

Philosophy

The ultimate purpose of Seventh-day Adventist education is to teach students to love and serve God and others. All instruction and learning must be directed toward this goal. This can be best achieved by a proactive K-12 strategic plan, motivated by an inclusive spirit of accommodation, modification, and support intended to meet the needs of all students. Students desiring a Seventh-day Adventist education deserve this opportunity. It is expected that teachers, supported by parents, pastors, church members, and administrators, with Divine guidance, will make every effort to meet the students' physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. This is consistent with the ministry of Jesus and the ideals of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. (pp. 8-9)*

"Success depends primarily upon two necessary attributes: A passionate belief in the value of every human being and basic problem-solving skills". (p. 7)*

*REACH Resource Manual, North American Division Office of Education, 2011.

If attempts to accommodate a student using the resources in the REACH manual show insufficient results, you may want to recommend that parents consider further evaluation. In many jurisdictions, such evaluation is available through the local public school or district or county office. In Canada, assessment services may be available through provincial health plans. Contact the REACH leaders in your local conference or union for further information and assistance regarding the testing services available in your area.