inclusive education

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Shifting Focus from Compliance to Outcomes in Education with Glenna Wright-Gallo ~ 1336

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In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas speaks with Glenna Wright-Gallo about the pressing need to shift from a compliance-focused model to outcomes-focused education within special education systems. Glenna brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive career in education advocacy, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational practices with the intent of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to create systems that genuinely serve all learners. This episode delves into how educational structures, often hampered by outdated schedules and siloed learning environments, can truly realize the promise of inclusive education by focusing on system-wide solutions rather than ad-hoc heroics.

Shifting Focus from Compliance to Outcomes in Education with Glenna Wright-Gallo ~ 1336 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 

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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 »

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Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee ~ 1329

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In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a compelling conversation with Sandra McElwee, a pioneering advocate for inclusive education. As the mother of Sean, famously known from the TV show “Born This Way,” Sandra shares her journey of challenging educational norms to ensure her son had an inclusive education from the 1990s onwards. This episode explores the transformative power of inclusion in schools and the uphill battle families often face within the educational system.

Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee ~ 1329 Read More »

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Building Inclusive Schools: From Belief to Practice with Michele Gardner ~ 1328

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In this insightful episode of “Think Inclusive,” Tim Villegas hosts Michelle Gardner, interim CEO of All In for Inclusive Education, to discuss the intricacies of systemic change towards inclusive education. Tim and Michelle delve into how schools and districts can transform inclusive education from a mere belief to a practice embraced in every classroom. They explore core themes of systems change, capacity building, and mindset shift in educational environments, spotlighting the journey from exclusionary practices to inclusive excellence.

Building Inclusive Schools: From Belief to Practice with Michele Gardner ~ 1328 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

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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 »

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Building Inclusive Schools Through Community and Universal Design with Andratesha Fritzgerald ~ 1324

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In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening conversation with Andratesha Fritzgerald about cultivating inclusion within schools and communities. Andratesha shares her insights on how educators can maintain hope and purpose amidst the challenges of pursuing equity, citing the pressing need to blend humanity and systemic changes into educational practices. Reflecting on her own work, she explains the benefits of involving diverse voices in crafting inclusive educational policies and emphasizes the significance of storytelling in building understanding and connection among students and educators.

Building Inclusive Schools Through Community and Universal Design with Andratesha Fritzgerald ~ 1324 Read More »

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Inclusive Education in Faith-Based Schools: Practical Strategies for Supporting All Learners ~ 1323

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In this episode, the conversation focuses on what it really means for faith-based schools to say yes to inclusion. Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks talk about how inclusion is often misunderstood and how definitions of inclusion can unintentionally lead to separation instead of belonging.

Inclusive Education in Faith-Based Schools: Practical Strategies for Supporting All Learners ~ 1323 Read More »

District 109’s Approach to Inclusive Instructional Planning

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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 »

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Inclusive Systems Change in Secondary Schools with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams ~ 1322

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In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams in an insightful discussion about the journey towards authentic inclusion in school systems. As a leading advocate for inclusive education, Dr. Spencer-Iiams dismantles the myth that inclusion is a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, she underscores the necessity for schools to anticipate variability in classrooms and promote collaboration among educators to cater to diverse educational needs.

Inclusive Systems Change in Secondary Schools with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams ~ 1322 Read More »

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Decolonizing Education: What It Means for K-12 Teachers and Students ~ 1321

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In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Emily Affolter about what it really means to teach in ways that honor students as whole people, especially during a time when equity work is being questioned and challenged. The conversation moves between big-picture ideas—like power, history, and schooling—and the everyday decisions educators make in classrooms and systems.

Decolonizing Education: What It Means for K-12 Teachers and Students ~ 1321 Read More »

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