Instead of dwelling on the numerous challenges our world faces, we choose to spotlight small (and big) acts of rebellion.
Hello Inclusionists,
Everywhere you look, there are reasons for despair.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of things I’ve read or watched that are keeping me hopeful.
- Parents reimagining what is possible for schools (The North Star and Compass)
…imagine what it would be like if half or even a quarter of Americans were constantly talking about every disabled kid being meaningfully included in school together, and what that would look like? Imagine how powerful we would be. It starts with you.
Teddy told the school board the Princeton school district already recognizes Autism Awareness Month in April. But he said students should be taught more about the spectrum of autism and more lessons about disabilities should be included in the curriculum.
“I want everyone to know that people with autism and other disabilities are not tragedies, but just different, like all people,” Teddy said.
- Neurodivergent students advocating for what they need (Inner East Review)
…Charlie wrote a letter addressed to principals and decision makers… “We’re writing to let you know that many students have been struggling with whole body listening expectations in schools,” the letter says. “These expectations are hurting our well-being and making it harder to learn. The truth is, our brains and bodies don’t all work the same way – and that’s okay. We need accessible listening practices that help us learn, not ones that leave us out or make us feel wrong.”
As you may have heard, the Trump Administration has singled out Harrisonburg City Public Schools in a fact sheet accompanying an executive order banning what it calls “gender ideology” in schools. The claims in their statement are false. We do not have a policy that violates anyone’s rights or indoctrinates children. What we do have is a culture of respect—one that honors the dignity and diversity of all students, families, and educators. Naming specific school divisions is using fear as a weapon. Fear to silence educators. Fear to divide communities. Fear to force compliance with an ideology that deliberately targets the most vulnerable. Let me be clear: I will not be intimidated. I stand firm in my commitment to ensuring that HCPS remains a safe, welcoming place for all.
And that’s just what I can write about publicly. There are countless other little acts of rebellion that I’m so grateful for.
In a recent episode of the TV show Andor (Star Wars), a character named Mon Mothma delivers a speech in the Imperial Senate that rings so true that it could be heard on the floor of the United States Senate and understood as relevant.
I believe we are in crisis. The distance between what is said and what is known to be true has become an abyss. Of all the things at risk, the loss of an objective reality is perhaps the most dangerous. The death of truth is the ultimate victory of evil. When truth leaves us, when we let it slip away, when it is ripped from our hands, we become vulnerable to the appetite of whatever monster screams the loudest.
Thank you to each and every one of you that continues to move inclusive practices forward, especially to those who are experiencing pushback.
Don’t give up being hopeful. Rebellions are built on hope.
Tim Villegas
Director of Communications
Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education
P.S. If you have a story of a little act (or big) act of rebellion, I’d love to hear about it.
Why we need to blend general and special education teacher training
In this episode of Think Inclusive, I chat with Dr. Jen Newton, an associate professor at Ohio University who knows a lot about inclusive education. We dive into the challenges of getting teachers ready to include students with diverse learning needs in regular classrooms. Jen talks about the big gaps between the ideal of inclusive education and the current reality, which is often shaped by strict teaching practices and laws. We also touch on the political side of education, the need for better teacher training, and the importance of teamwork between general and special educators. Jen shares some great tips for teachers, talks about how political decisions affect teacher prep, and stresses the need for inclusive licensing. Plus, we throw in some book recommendations and reflect on the role of the Department of Education, giving listeners some valuable insights on pushing inclusive education forward.
Unlocking inclusive strategies: Empower every child to fly
In this episode of Think Inclusive, I sit down with Jani Kozlowski, an early childhood professional with over 30 years of experience. We talk about the importance of early childhood inclusion and how it positively impacts a child’s educational journey in the long run. Jani shares insights from her books, “Every Child Can Fly” and “Empowering Your Child to Fly,” which offer strategies for parents to advocate for inclusive education. We also discuss the importance of building strong relationships between families and educators, and Jani highlights useful resources like parent centers and legal assistance organizations. We explore the challenges families face when advocating for inclusive placements and offer strategies to overcome these obstacles. Finally, we wrap up with a discussion on the vital role educators play in nurturing inclusive environments and fostering positive family partnerships.
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Since 1988, MCIE has equipped more than 200 schools in 25 school districts across the country to include children and youth who are at the greatest risk of exclusion.
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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.