Inclusion in Practice: supporting students with diverse needs

By Dr. Claudia Rademaker, Co-founder, Dugga Assessment

The imperative for inclusive assessment
Modern educational research is clear; inclusive assessment is essential for student achievement and wellbeing. Assessments that acknowledge and support diversity covering language background, disabilities, and learning variations not only meet legal and ethical standards but also empower all students to reach their full potential. As the OECD and leading education researchers highlight, true quality and equity in education is inseparable from inclusion.

1. The research behind inclusive assessment
2. Practical strategies with Dugga putting research into practice

Comprehensive reviews from organizations like UNESCO and the OECD consistently show that students benefit, both academically and emotionally, when assessments are accessible, fair, and responsive to individual needs:

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles demonstrate that offering multiple ways for students to access, engage in, and demonstrate knowledge helps everyone, not only those who require special accommodations.
• Flexible timing, adaptable formats, and built-in support tools are associated with reduced stress, improved engagement, and higher learning outcomes, particularly among students with special needs.

Dugga’s assessment platform is designed to facilitate inclusion by supporting evidence-based practices. Here’s how teachers can use Dugga to promote inclusion in everyday assessments:

a) Multiple means of representation and response

• Assignments and tests can be offered in different ways audio, video, or images, enabling students to use/access content and express themselves in their preferred way.
• Students may be given choices in how they respond, such as through verbal, written, or visual formats.

b) Flexible timing and accessibility

• The platform allows for extended time or multiple attempts, accommodating students’ diverse learning profiles as needed.
• Accessibility features include compatibility with screen readers, adjustable font sizes, and color-contrast settings for visual or learning differences.

c) Support and clear instructions

• Tools for adding glossaries, step-by-step guides, and visual support help clarify instructions and minimize language or cognitive barriers.
• The ability to break larger assessments into smaller segments also supports sustained attention and reduces cognitive load.

d) Confidential, equitable accommodations

• Educators can discreetly assign special tools and support on an individual basis, ensuring both privacy and fairness.

3. Insights from educators: inclusion in action

Feedback gathered from Dugga users reflects how these inclusive features are applied in practice. Educators report that offering students options for demonstrating knowledge such as choosing between audio, video, or written responses can make assessments feel more personal and accessible. Teachers also note the usefulness of providing flexible timing and clear step-by-step instructions, especially for students who need extra support.

Users consistently share that these in-built tools help reduce test anxiety and allow students to better showcase their strengths. Many see a positive impact not only among students with identified special needs but across the entire classroom, helping to create a more supportive and engaging assessment environment.

4. The Impact: improved wellbeing, engagement and success for all

When inclusion is built into assessment:

• Student wellbeing improves due to reduced stress, anonymity and greater confidence.
• Learning gaps are narrowed because all students are given meaningful opportunities to show what they know and can do.
• Teacher satisfaction increases, knowing that they are effectively supporting the needs of every learner.

Conclusion

A shared path to inclusive assessment

Inclusive assessment is about more than compliance. It is about educational quality and the fair treatment of all students. Leveraging research-based digital tools like Dugga makes it both practical and sustainable for schools to meet diverse needs every day.

How are you working to make your assessments more inclusive? What practices have you found most effective? Join the discussion or contact us for further resources and guidance.