In a world where inclusion often feels like an uphill battle, this edition of the Weeklyish offers 21 practical ways to move inclusive education forward—starting today.
Hello inclusionists,
We live in a time when it’s easier to criticize than to collaborate. The world feels like it is upside-down. Conversations about education are often hijacked by ideology. And when it comes to inclusion, it can feel like we’re shouting into the void.
But what if we stopped asking, “How do I convince people who don’t believe in inclusion?” and started asking, “What can I do today to move inclusion forward?”
Inspired by recent Think Inclusive podcast episodes with Cathi Davis and Jennifer Gonzalez, here are 21 things you can do right now to make inclusive education more than just a talking point.
Tim Villegas
Director of Communications
Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education
P.S. Forward this edition to someone who needs some concrete steps on how to keep going.
1. Start with belonging
Create spaces where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Inclusion begins with relationships.
To learn more about belonging, check out the episode of Think Inclusive with Dr. Erik Carter who explores how cultivating a deep sense of belonging in schools transforms inclusive education from a placement to a powerful, relationship-driven practice that benefits all students.
2. Use student-centered planning tools
Plan for participation by mapping student goals across the general education schedule. It’s not just about access—it’s about engagement.
The MAPs (Making Action Plans) process is a structured, student-centered planning tool that brings together educators, families, and students to collaboratively design inclusive supports and transitions.
3. Ask better questions
Instead of asking “What will this student get out of this classroom” ask “How can we support this student to thrive in this setting?”
Check out this panel episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast where a group of passionate inclusionists share personal stories and practical strategies for advancing inclusive education in schools and communities.
4. Stop waiting for consensus
Start small. Start with your allies. Start now.
Check out this episode of Think Inclusive with inclusive education expert Cheryl Jorgensen who explore the systemic barriers that have slowed the progress of inclusion in U.S. schools, drawing parallels to civil rights movements and advocating for a unified education system that supports all learners.
5. Read together
Start a book club with colleagues. Recommended reads: Try Your Students, My Students, Our Students and Leading for All.
Your Students, My Students, Our Students explores the hard truths of current special education practice and outlines five essential disruptions to the status quo. Get the book here.
Leading for All is a practical guide that provides a clear pathway for educators to develop a more inclusive school community from start to finish. Get the book here.
6. Listen to stories
Share episodes from Inclusion Stories or the Think Inclusive podcast. Stories change hearts faster than data.
7. Challenge myths
Use MCIE’s “7 Myths About Inclusive Education” blog post as a conversation starter.
8. Use plain language
Speak clearly and simply about inclusion. Avoid jargon. Make it accessible.
Check out the Center for Plain Language’s post ‘Five Steps to Plain Language,’ which outlines a practical checklist to help writers create clear, accessible content that enables readers to easily find, understand, and use the information presented.
9. Schedule inclusively
Inclusive education doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built into the schedule. Instead of defaulting to separate classes or “co-taught classrooms” for every student with a disability, think about how to use natural proportions to guide placement.
This post from our Podcast Learning Pathways breaks down how to rethink your master schedule with intention so that inclusion isn’t just a value, it’s a visible part of the school day.
10. Celebrate small wins
Start your meeting by sharing something good that happened—at work or in life. It helps everyone feel positive and connected. Celebrating small wins keeps the team motivated and reminds us that progress matters, even when it’s small.
Check out our Collaborative Teams Planning resource for educators to be effective and efficient when working as a team
11. Create inclusive routines
Creative inclusive routines help every student take part in class in ways that matter. Routines are clear, practiced often, and flexible so all learners—including those with extensive support needs—can join in.
Example: For a learner who uses a communication device, start each day with a group greeting. Give extra time and support so they can use their device to say hello, just like everyone else. This way, every student is included and their participation is meaningful.
Have an example of how you create inclusive routines? Email me: tvillegas@mcie.org. I’d love to know about it.
12. Be politically savvy
As Jennifer Gonzalez shared, even in restrictive environments, you can promote DEI principles. Know your district’s policies and work within them.
Check out the episode here.
13. Build coalitions
Find allies—parents, administrators, community members—who support inclusion. You’re not alone.
Connect with us on social media to join a coalition of inclusionists.
14. Utilize true co-teaching practices
Make co-teaching a true partnership. Plan together. Reflect together. Teach together.
This brief discusses the types of collaboration that educators may experience and defines co-teaching models and how they are used.
15. Push back with purpose
When you hear “inclusion isn’t fair,” respond with facts and empathy. Inclusion isn’t about favoring one group over another; it’s about creating an equitable learning environment where all students benefit.
Check out this podcast episode from our friends at Inclusive Schooling for more.
16. Focus on strengths
Shift the narrative from deficits to strengths. Every student brings something valuable.
In this episode of Think Inclusive, April Rehrig shares how strengths-based IEPs shift the narrative from deficits to possibilities—making inclusion not just a placement, but a practice.
17. Support LGBTQ+ learners
Being an ally to LGBTQ+ students means showing up, speaking up, and staying educated.
Check out the episode where Tim Villegas interviews LGBTQ+ advocate and author Jeannie Gainsburg about the importance of allyship and inclusive education. They explore practical strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ students, including respectful conversations, pronoun usage, and the evolving nature of LGBTQ+ language and identity.
18. Use inclusive tech
There is no one right way to communicate.
Discover the powerful stories of individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to express themselves, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for inclusion. These ten videos offer a compelling look into the lives of nonspeaking people and their fight for visibility, dignity, and belonging.
19. Be reflective
Ask yourself: “What am I doing to make my classroom more inclusive today?”
Discover how intentional reflection helped one school district shift from exclusion to inclusion, transforming the educational experience for every learner. This episode is a powerful reminder that change begins with asking the right questions—listen now to be inspired by what’s possible.
20. Don’t segregate
Segregation is a choice. Inclusion is a commitment.
21. Stay curious
Keep learning. Attend webinars. Read blogs. Listen to podcasts. Inclusion evolves.
A great way to stay in the know about what is happening in the world of inclusive education is join our email list.
Final Thought
Inclusion isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about building bridges. In a polarized world, the most radical thing you can do is choose connection over conflict.
So let’s stop waiting for the perfect conditions. Let’s start doing the work.
Tim Villegas is an internationally recognized expert in inclusive education who joined MCIE as the Director of Communications in 2020. He has appeared on over 20 podcasts, presented at numerous conferences, and launched the Think Inclusive blog and podcast. Tim founded the newsletter The Weeklyish in 2020 and produced the audio documentary series Inclusion Stories in 2023. Since joining MCIE in 2020, he has led their communications and marketing efforts, drawing on his 16 years of experience as a special education teacher and program specialist.