Think Inclusive

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In this final episode of Season 7, host Tim Villegas explores the challenges and strategies surrounding the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in special education. Amy Langerman shares her personal and professional experiences advocating for inclusive placements, highlighting stark differences between Arizona and California’s approaches. She discusses how systemic barriers and lack of support often push families toward private education, and how legal action can sometimes be the only path to inclusion.

Later, Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett join the conversation to break down how IEP teams often mishandle placement discussions. They emphasize the importance of starting with general education as the default and encourage families to ask critical questions about existing inclusion practices. Their insights offer practical strategies for parents advocating for their children, even later in their educational journey.

This episode is a powerful call to action for educators, families, and advocates to push for meaningful inclusion and challenge outdated assumptions about disability and education.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/amy-langerman-amanda-selogie-vickie-brett-lre/

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In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas speaks with Carol Quirk, an advocate for inclusive education and CEO of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. This meaningful discussion reveals the intricacies involved in promoting inclusive education for children with disabilities across the country. Tim and Carol delve deeply into the practices that bring educators, parents, and disability rights advocates together to create a more inclusive environment for all students.

Carol explains the role of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education in transforming school districts from exclusive to inclusive systems. The podcast highlights how school districts can systematically change their approach to educating students with disabilities by focusing on the entire school environment, rather than treating special education as an isolated endeavor. Carol makes a compelling case for the involvement of superintendents and other district-level leaders in propagating these inclusive practices. She addresses common misconceptions regarding the cost of inclusion and shares insights about overcoming barriers at the administrative and educational levels to ensure long-term sustainability.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/carol-quirk-systems-change-and-inclusive-education/

About the Guest(s):

Denise Marshall serves as the executive director of the Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys (COPPA), a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the civil and legal rights of students with disabilities. With extensive experience in disability advocacy, Denise leads COPPA to help parents and legal representatives navigate disputes with educational systems.

Jennifer Lesh is the 2020 President of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), an association devoted to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities. Her leadership at CEC encompasses a wide range of educational advocacy, standards-setting, and professional development initiatives, reflecting over 98 years of organizational history and impact.

Episode Summary:

In this bonus episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas dives into the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic for inclusive education, specifically concerning students with disabilities. Tim interviews two prominent figures in the field: Denise Marshall of COPPA and Jennifer Lesh of CEC, to explore their insights and recommendations amidst evolving educational landscapes and policy changes.

This episode zeroes in on the implications of potential IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) waivers proposed during the pandemic. Denise Marshall highlights COPPA’s stance against blanket waivers, emphasizing that the IDEA already allows flexibility where necessary, thus preserving the rights of students with disabilities. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lesh underscores the importance of collaboration among educational stakeholders and advocates for emergency funding to better support educators and students during these unprecedented times. Through their conversations, the episode sheds light on how institutions, educators, and families can creatively and collaboratively navigate current challenges.

Transcript: https://c80acee1-5663-46ff-a2d6-b4cf328e0b7f.usrfiles.com/ugd/c80ace_83634a330e54405a8e62efb9a558deba.pdf

Key Takeaways:

• COPPA is resolute that the potential IDEA waivers discussed during the pandemic are unnecessary due to inherent flexibility already present in the law.
• Jennifer Lesh from CEC emphasizes the need for strong collaboration between educators and parents, maintaining the ethos of inclusion and advocacy for students with disabilities.
• Both guests stress the critical need for additional funding to equip educators with resources and tools to effectively transition to remote or flexible learning models.
• The discussions highlight varied responses from school districts across the country and underline the importance of equitable access to educational resources.
• The episode presents a united stand from major advocacy groups against eroding IDEA rights, pushing for temporary, narrow, and targeted adjustments without compromising student benefits.

Resources:

Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys (COPPA): copaa.org

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): cec.sped.org

MCIE: https://mcie.org/

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In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, Tim Villegas dives into the vital topic of inclusive education, underscoring its importance for all students, regardless of disability. Through a comprehensive discussion with Juanita Pritchard, an expert in intellectual disabilities, this episode unravels the intricacies of inclusion within the educational system. Tim shares his personal journey from skepticism to advocacy for inclusion, ignited by a powerful classroom experience that taught him the unbounded potentials of inclusive education. This episode illuminates why inclusion isn't just about integration but about crafting learning environments that respect and leverage every student's potential.

The conversation expands to cover pragmatic strategies and challenges around fostering inclusive classrooms, with a special focus on modifying curriculum for intellectual disabilities. Juanita reflects on her extensive experience, emphasizing the need for adaptive teaching methods and collaboration among educators. This episode provides educators, parents, and advocates with actionable insights on how to ensure inclusion is meaningful and effective. Keywords such as inclusive education, modifying curriculum, and intellectual disabilities weave through the discussion, promising valuable strategies and advice for those eager to push the boundaries of educational accessibility and equality.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/including-students-with-intellectual-disabilities-in-general-education/

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The Think Inclusive Podcast, hosted by Tim Villegas, dives into the pressing challenges faced by educators when teaching in inclusive classrooms. In this episode, education journalists Jackie Mader and Christina Samuels offer their unique perspectives on the preparedness of general education teachers to support students with disabilities. Through recounting field studies and personal experiences, Jackie Mader highlights how some teacher preparation programs strive for better inclusivity and the ongoing obstacles they confront.

This episode sheds light on the ongoing national shortfall of special education teachers, as discussed by Christina Samuels. She explores the reasons behind the persistent shortage and potential solutions, including the role of co-teaching and more inclusive training for general educators. Their discussions highlight educators’ struggles, legal obligations, pedagogical challenges, and a crucial need to elevate expectations and practices in inclusive education.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/christina-samuels-jackie-mader-unprepared-teachers-and-the-special-educator-shortage/

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In this thought-provoking episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas delves deep into the complexities of inclusion, especially for LGBTQ individuals and those with disabilities, within the context of Christian educational institutions. The conversation begins with a look at Azusa Pacific University's fluctuating policies regarding same-sex relationships, highlighting the challenges and isolation faced by LGBTQ students. Erin Green of Brave Commons elaborates on these struggles, emphasizing the profound emotional and psychological impact of non-affirming environments.

The narrative transitions to a compelling dialogue with Mike McHargue, who shares his journey of being diagnosed with autism as an adult. He reflects on how this late diagnosis has shaped his understanding of his own behaviors and the broader societal implications of inclusion. Mike’s discussion touches on his early experiences in special education, the significant barriers he faced, and how the integration of technology, such as typing tools, was a game-changer for him. The episode wraps up with a hopeful vision for a future where all individuals—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability—are fully included and accommodated in society.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/mike-mchargue-erin-green-same-sex-relationships-autism-inclusion/

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In this eye-opening episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas discusses the transformative power of inclusive education for students with disabilities. Through an in-depth look at a King 5 News investigation titled Back of the Class, the episode emphasizes the positive impact of integrating students like Sam, who has Down syndrome, into general education classrooms. The story illustrates how inclusion fosters social interaction, boosts confidence, and enhances academic skills, changing not only the lives of the students but also benefiting their peers.

Dr. Julie Causton, a stalwart advocate for inclusive education, shares practical strategies for parents and educators to ensure that children with disabilities are educated alongside their peers in general education settings. Highlighting the legal rights, the importance of a clear vision, and effective collaboration with school teams, Julie provides a roadmap for families navigating the challenging terrain of special education. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspirational stories, underscoring the importance of inclusive schooling.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/julie-causton-inclusive-schooling/

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Join Tim Villegas as he takes you on an immersive tour of Chime Charter School in Woodland Hills, California, where inclusive education isn’t just a goal—it's a reality. With insightful commentary from Dr. Erin Studer, the principal of Chime, and Amy Hanreddy, a seasoned professor at California State University Northridge, this episode dives deep into the mechanisms that make inclusive education work.

Dr. Studer highlights Chime's commitment to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), flexible grouping, and differentiation, which ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, can participate and learn effectively. Tim explores how co-teaching and co-planning are vital to the school's inclusive model, driving home the idea that true inclusion cannot be achieved without these collaborative practices.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/erin-studer-chime-institute/

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In this eye-opening episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, Tim Villegas discusses the ongoing challenges and progress in inclusive education with Lou Brown, a formidable advocate for disability rights and inclusion and co-found of TASH. Tim highlights a personal experience that encapsulates society's resistance to inclusive education, emphasizing the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how educational systems treat students with disabilities.

The discussion with Lou Brown dives deep into the historical context, from the institutionalization era to the fight for these students' rights to an inclusive education. The episode elaborates on various systemic barriers, emphasizing the persistent segregation and homogeneous grouping of students with disabilities. Lou shares his vision and strategies for genuine inclusion, emphasizing the necessity of increasing environments where people with disabilities can function and the critical need for heterogeneous groupings in educational settings. This profound conversation sheds light on the crucial changes necessary to foster a truly inclusive educational system.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/lou-brown-progress/

On this, our 7th season of the Think Inclusive Podcast, we will explore why, despite three decades of research that inclusive education produces better outcomes for people with and without disabilities, and a rich history of case law that interprets inclusion as a right, not a privilege for a select few, the promise of inclusion continues to be a struggle for students and their families.

We will hear from school administrators, researchers, editors, and many more voices from disabled advocates, educators, parents and other stakeholders who desire to see a more inclusive world.

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