Welcome back to the Collaborative IEP podcast! I’m Ashley Barlow, your host, and today’s special episode is all about building and sustaining inclusive educational practices. We dive into the 52-page joint policy guidance from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitated Services (OSERS) and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. This comprehensive document highlights where inclusive practices fit into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. We explore key concepts, practical strategies for schools to adopt, and the importance of policy documents in advocacy. Through quotes, historical context, and breakdowns of the laws, I aim to make this guidance accessible and actionable for you. Don't miss this episode, and be sure to save and print the document for future reference!

• 00:56 Understanding Key Laws: IDEA and ESEA
• 02:37 Document Breakdown and Practical Tips
• 03:27 The Importance of Policy Documents
• 04:13 Roadmap and Themes
• 05:26 Diving into the Introduction
• 10:03 ESEA and Inclusive Education
• 11:16 Title I: Systems and Funding
• 16:53 Title I: Teaching and Learning
• 21:01 School Wide Programs and Inclusion
• 31:19 Using IDEA for Inclusion
• 40:29 Collaboration and Professional Development
• 42:37 School Climate and LRE
• 48:29 Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources

Building and Sustaining Inclusive Educational Practices