Welcome to our podcast learning pathway, designed for educators and stakeholders interested in fostering an inclusive mindset; here, you’ll find thought-provoking clips to help create a shared understanding of inclusive practices with your school team.
These clips are part of series of blog posts that align with our Mindset & Beliefs Podcast Learning Pathway.
See, Think, Wonder
See: When observing school systems that promote inclusive practices, we notice that all learners are educated alongside their age-appropriate peers.
Think: Reflecting on this, we understand that changing the mindsets of stakeholders—educators, parents, leaders, and staff—is crucial for the success of these inclusive practices.
Wonder: How we can foster a shared understanding of these mindsets and practices. What questions can we pose to school teams or any group to encourage deeper exploration and authentic inclusion of all learners?
Prior to viewing each video clip, preview the discussion questions for each video. Each video is intended to develop a shared understanding of the mindsets and beliefs needed for inclusion.
Sam Drazin Discusses Building Inclusive Schools with Changing Perspectives
Sam Drazin is the founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive educational practices. In this episode, Sam, drawing from personal experiences as a teacher and student, explores why segregating students by ability or disability does a disservice to their preparation for real-world interactions.
What does inclusion mean to you?
Segregating students based on ability or disability is counterproductive and propose that inclusive education better prepares students to engage with diverse communities.
Discussion Questions:
- How can schools be designed to better reflect the diversity of our communities? Discuss how inclusion is a microcosm of what we hope to see in our communities.
- What are the long-term benefits of inclusive education for all students? Discuss why excluding some learners is a disservice to all students.
Working in an ableist educational system
In this clip Sam Drazin talks about the challenges and necessary mindset changes in creating inclusive environments within the public education system.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it necessary to acknowledge the ableist nature of our schools to change mindsets?
- Sam Drazin says that we need to spend more time changing mindsets before being reactive. Discuss this with the group.
Reflection: What, So What, Now What?
What? Inclusive education practices focus on valuing learner variability and adopting strengths-based approaches.
So What? Addressing barriers to inclusion is crucial for creating supportive environments where all students can thrive.
Now What? Schools can promote changes in mindsets by implementing inclusive practices to transform education for all learners.
What is your biggest takeaway from these video clips? How can the insights you’ve gained move inclusive practices forward in your context?