Blog Articles

MCIE Logo

A Message from the MCIE Board: New CEO Named

Blog Articles / By /

We are pleased to announce a significant development within our organization. The MCIE Board of Directors has appointed Tim Villegas as our new Chief Executive Officer. Tim brings six years of committed service and has adeptly led our organization through a transitional phase, showcasing a strong dedication to our mission. As a prominent advocate for inclusion and the creator of the respected Think Inclusive Podcast, Tim has played a key role in advancing discussions surrounding inclusive education. We invite you to welcome this new chapter in MCIE’s journey and explore how Tim’s leadership will further our mission.

A Message from the MCIE Board: New CEO Named Read More »

Think Inclusive Logo

Think College: A Series on Changing Mindset Around Who College Is For

Blog Articles / By /

For a long time, college wasn’t part of the conversation for students with intellectual disability. Right now, only 2 percent of school-age students with intellectual disability go to college. That’s changing. Across the country, a growing number of colleges and universities are building programs where these students take classes, live in the dorms, hold jobs,

Think College: A Series on Changing Mindset Around Who College Is For Read More »

Blog header Authors and Advocates Who Have Shaped Think Inclusive

Authors and Advocates Who Have Shaped Think Inclusive

Blog Articles / By /

As we return to another school year, we’re taking a look at some of the voices that have shaped Think Inclusive. Since 2012, the podcast has featured hundreds of conversations, many with disabled authors and self-advocates. Here are just a few: Disabled authors on the podcast Eric Garcia, We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism ConversationEric

Authors and Advocates Who Have Shaped Think Inclusive Read More »

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 

Blog Articles / By /

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

Blog Articles / By /

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

Blog Articles / By /

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

Blog Articles, Newsletter / By /

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

Blog Articles, Newsletter / By /

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

Blog Articles / By /

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 »

What can we help you find?

Scroll to Top