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Graphic with headline 'Inclusion Doesn't Have an Eligibility Test' above a screenshot of a Baltimore Banner article by Talia Richman titled 'Students with disabilities are getting derailed from a diploma — in kindergarten,' with the MCIE logo below.

Inclusion Doesn’t Have an Eligibility Test 

Every learner belongs with their peers and deserves high expectations. For decades, inclusion advocates have championed this message, backed by research showing that students with disabilities do better, academically and socially, when they are full members of general education classrooms.

That belief gets tested most when a student is very young, and the systems around them start narrowing their future before anyone can know what that future should look like.

A recent Baltimore Banner article by Talia Richman shines a light on this issue. The article reports that roughly 1,660 Maryland students in pre-K through second grade have been identified this year to learn using the Maryland Alternate Framework.

Inclusion Doesn’t Have an Eligibility Test  Read More »

MCIE Logo

A Message from the MCIE Board: Leadership Transition

A significant leadership transition is underway at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). As Carolyn Teigland retires as CEO, we reflect on her dedication to fostering inclusive schools. Tim Villegas has been appointed as Interim CEO, bringing six years of experience. Additionally, Brittni Sammons will enhance her leadership role to support our programs during this transition.

A Message from the MCIE Board: Leadership Transition Read More »

People in a crowd clapping during the Summer Institute

Breaking Barriers for Authentic Inclusion

Breaking Barriers for Authentic Inclusion is a two-day, in-person experience for district and school leaders who know inclusion is more than placement. It’s for the people doing the hard, structural work of building schools where students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and other historically marginalized students are valued, supported, and genuinely part of the community.

Breaking Barriers for Authentic Inclusion Read More »

Graphic image with photos of teachers working together in classrooms and text: When Schools Commit to Co-Teaching and Planning Inside W-L High School's Inclusive Practices Journey

When Schools Commit to Co-Teaching and Planning: Inside W-L High School’s Inclusive Practices Journey

The educators in District 109 are committed to including students with disabilities in general education. The district, located in Deerfield, IL, and serving students across four elementary schools and two middle schools, has been working to build the capacity to co-plan specially designed instruction (SDI) effectively.

When Schools Commit to Co-Teaching and Planning: Inside W-L High School’s Inclusive Practices Journey Read More »

District 109’s Approach to Inclusive Instructional Planning

The educators in District 109 are committed to including students with disabilities in general education. The district, located in Deerfield, IL, and serving students across four elementary schools and two middle schools, has been working to build the capacity to co-plan specially designed instruction (SDI) effectively.

District 109’s Approach to Inclusive Instructional Planning Read More »

birthday cake with the candles shaped like number 13

13 Reasons Why You Should Come to the Think Inclusive Birthday Party on Giving Tuesday

Hi friends! Think Inclusive is turning 13, and honestly, I can’t believe it. When I started this podcast, it was just an idea. A way to share stories about inclusion and belonging and connect with people who are passionate about this work. Over the years, it’s grown into a community of educators, advocates, and families

13 Reasons Why You Should Come to the Think Inclusive Birthday Party on Giving Tuesday Read More »

Tim Villegas in front of a Rode PodMic smiling and waving

All Students Belong: Reflections from My Conversation with Will Parker

School should be a place where every learner belongs. Hello inclusionists, If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a guest on a podcast, I’ll let you in on a secret: I love it. If you have a podcast (even if it’s just you and your dog listening) don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll

All Students Belong: Reflections from My Conversation with Will Parker Read More »

The world feels upside-down. Here’s how we can move forward.

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

The world feels upside-down. Here’s how we can move forward. Read More »

Dan and Samuel holding their Emmy

Don’t segregate. Could inclusion be this simple?

One film, one conversation, and one powerful reminder: belonging is the baseline. Hello inclusionists, Late-season baseball is my brain’s default setting right now. Every pitch matters, no panic, move the runner. Let’s go Dodgers. That is how my conversation with Samuel and Dan Habib felt on Think Inclusive. Except they are rooting for the Red Sox. Their new

Don’t segregate. Could inclusion be this simple? Read More »

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