About the Guest(s):

Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). He is also the founder of Think Inclusive, which is the blog, podcast, and social media handle of MCIE. He has 16 years of experience in public education as a teacher and district support specialist. His focus now is on how media and communications can promote inclusive education for all learners.

Episode Summary:

Dive into the compelling discussion led by Tim Villegas on the prevalent issue of segregated special education classrooms and the significant need for inclusive education. In this inaugural episode of the 12th season of Think Inclusive, Tim reflects on his experiences as a special education teacher and district support specialist, offering profound insights into why segregated classrooms persist and how we can evolve beyond them. He questions the rationale behind segregated education and champions the cause of inclusive practices for all learners, especially those with complex support needs.

Tim dismantles prevalent myths around the safety, specialized support, and individualized attention that segregated classrooms purportedly offer. He also introduces effective strategies and frameworks that underline the benefits of inclusive settings for students' academic and social development. This episode serves as a rich resource for educators, parents, and policymakers committed to fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments.

Complete show notes + transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/the-harsh-realities-of-segregated-classrooms/

Key Takeaways:

• The Inadequacy of Segregated Classrooms: Segregated special education classrooms often fail to provide the individualized, specialized support they promise, leading to a divided attention on students' needs.
• The Importance of Inclusive Vision: Effective inclusion requires strong leadership from school principals and district administrators, emphasizing a collaborative approach between general and special education teachers.
• Natural Proportions: Distributing students with complex support needs across various classrooms in natural proportions can significantly enhance inclusive practices and provide balanced support.
• Role of School Leadership: School principals play a critical role in shaping inclusive culture and driving systemic change within the education system.
• Effective Collaboration: Success in inclusive education comes from the joint efforts of general and special education teachers, ensuring that services are delivered effectively and equitably without siloing student needs.

Resources:

Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE)

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL! Learn more: https://www.ixl.com/inclusive

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About the Guest(s):

Margo Gross: Margo serves as the Supervisor of Equity for Calvert County Public Schools. Her work focuses on identifying and dismantling barriers to inclusion within educational environments, advocating for equity, and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to thrive.

Lisa Quinn: A former special education teacher, Lisa is now the owner and executive director of Reach Every Voice. Her organization focuses on integrating inclusive educational practices and supports that enhance the learning experiences of students with diverse needs.

Jennifer Ayers: Jennifer is an instructional coordinator for special education with Cecil County Public Schools. Her role involves coordinating and implementing inclusive education strategies and supporting educators in providing high-quality education to all students.

Jennifer Sommerness: Jen is a researcher at the Ties Center at the University of Minnesota. She specializes in inclusive education practices and collaborates with educators to develop strategies that support the inclusion of all students in general education settings.

Episode Summary:

In this special live episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with a distinguished panel about the intricacies and importance of inclusive education. Recorded at the Crown Plaza in Annapolis, the discussion features insights from Margo Gross, Lisa Quinn, Jennifer Ayers, and Jennifer Sommerness, each bringing their extensive experience and expertise in the field.

The panelists delve into what it means to be an inclusionist, exploring the roles and responsibilities involved in advocating for inclusive education. Using personal stories and professional experiences, they provide a holistic view of the challenges and triumphs associated with implementing inclusive practices in educational systems. From identifying and removing barriers to actively listening and engaging in meaningful conversations, the episode emphasizes the collaborative effort needed to foster an inclusive environment.

Listeners will learn about the practical steps and strategies that can be employed to advocate for and achieve inclusive education. The conversation highlights both the successes and ongoing challenges, providing a nuanced perspective on why inclusion is not just the right thing to do, but an essential practice for educational equity and social justice. The episode concludes with a discussion on how to maintain resilience and motivation in the face of setbacks and the importance of community and support in continuing this vital work.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/jOZJVcZxL6G

Key Takeaways:

• Definition and Role of an Inclusionist: Understanding the responsibilities and attributes of those who advocate for inclusive practices in education.
• Importance of Listening: The significance of listening to others' perspectives and experiences in promoting and implementing inclusive education.
• Personal Stories of Inclusion Benefits: Real-life examples of how inclusive education has positively impacted students and educators.
• Challenges and Resilience: Strategies for staying motivated and effective in the fight for inclusion, despite facing resistance and setbacks.
• Collaboration and Continuous Learning: Emphasizing the need for ongoing conversations and efforts to adapt and improve inclusive practices.

Resources:

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

Reach Every Voice: https://www.reacheveryvoice.org/

TIES Center at University of Minnesota: https://tiescenter.org/

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This week, we bring you a feed drop by our friends at the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE), the Inclusion Think Tank Podcast with Arthur Aston. In this episode, Vikas, a parent advocate, shares his family's journey toward inclusive education for his daughter with Down syndrome, emphasizing the importance of effective communication between parents and educators, the need for tailored resources to support diverse learning styles, and the belief that inclusion benefits all students in the classroom.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/tZHg3VNf54z

To learn more about NJCIE, go to https://www.njcie.org/

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Think Inclusive is off for the summer, but in the meantime, enjoy this feed drop from our friend Savitha Sundar.

Host Savita Sundar, a school-based occupational therapist, welcomes guest Dr. Debbie Taub to discuss the Inclusive Education Roadmap. They delve into the benefits of starting students in general education, the importance of inclusive practices, and strategies to support sustainable systemic change. Dr. Taub shares her extensive experience in education and the impact of inclusivity across school systems. They also explore the future of inclusive education and advocate for necessary changes to achieve greater equity and opportunity for all students.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ESXIBxEtmP-J1iqN5nTN4bzfSoA

This feed drop is Part 2 of 2. 

Check out Inclusive Occupations wherever you get your podcasts.

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Think Inclusive is off for the summer, but we have feed drops from some of our podcasting friends in the meantime!

In this episode of Inclusive Occupations, host Savitha Sundar engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Diane Ryndak, an esteemed scholar and advocate for inclusive education. Dr. Ryndak discusses her personal journey and the experiences that fueled her commitment to creating inclusive educational environments. The discussion covers the Inclusive Education Roadmap developed by the TIES Center, focusing on sustainable systemic change for students with significant disabilities. Listeners will gain valuable insights into best practices, systemic change strategies, and the importance of context in inclusive education.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/UALQNmsWcLsPclvZJ4rnpY-c698?

This feed drop is Part 1 of 2. 

Check out Inclusive Occupations wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About the Guest(s):

Ashlynn Rich: Ashlynn Rich is a recent high school graduate with Down syndrome. She graduated with honors and earned the title of scholar-athlete for her involvement in the school’s swim team. She also owns her own small business, Pop Queen Baked Goods. Ashlynn advocates for including students with disabilities in school and the community.

Linda Ramirez: Linda is the mother of Ashlynn Rich. She has tirelessly advocated for inclusive education and has fought for her daughter to be fully included in general education classrooms.

Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas delves into the bittersweet experience of Ashlynn Rich, a high school graduate with Down syndrome, and her struggle for inclusion in everyday school life and her graduation ceremony. Despite her numerous achievements, Ashlynn faced exclusion during this milestone event, highlighting systemic issues within the education system regarding inclusivity.

Ashlynn and her mother, Linda Ramirez, share their emotional journey and the ongoing fight for a truly inclusive education system. The episode covers the immediate and long-term impacts of Ashlynn’s exclusion during her graduation, a school board meeting addressing the incident, and the broader implications of segregating students with disabilities. Through their story, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and importance of creating an inclusive educational environment for all students.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/Mv0TTx788S3qKBPvfhtAvLvw0Gg

Key Takeaways:

• Exclusion at Graduation: Ashlynn was separated from her peers during her graduation ceremony, which caused her to feel hurt and disappointed.
• Lifelong Advocacy: Linda Ramirez has fought for years across multiple school districts to ensure Ashlyn receives an inclusive education.
• Systemic Issues: The incident underscores the broader problem of systemic exclusion of students with disabilities in education.
• Public Apology: Following their speeches at a school board meeting, the superintendent publicly apologized for Ashlynn’s exclusion, admitting it should have been a parental decision.
• Call for Action: Linda continues to advocate for better training for educators on inclusive practices to prevent such incidents in the future.

Resources:

Pop Queen Baked Goods: https://www.facebook.com/PopQueenBakery

Marietta Daily Journal:

• https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/a-minimization-sprayberry-graduation-excludes-disabled-students/article_877c8ca8-1f6b-11ef-9c86-9f56b036ce0e.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1Fd0vSy1uksocDF726LtrkPk5XL3n6p4Wv6aqNLAgLwUalhbbEP7Kt62o_aem_2iJcypHHifJb1xCwyUvcdQ
• https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/cobb-superintendent-apologizes-for-graduation-exclusion/article_2b14e6f8-29da-11ef-a166-ab78ef807f2b.html

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About the Guest(s): Bari Levin is a retired special educator with over 34 years of experience, predominantly working with middle school students with learning differences. He is actively involved with the I Am Able Foundation, focusing on storytelling to remove the stigma associated with neurodiversity. Bari co-leads the We All Learn Differently campaign to foster understanding and empathy for neurodivergent students in middle schools.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas interviews Bari Levin, a seasoned special educator and advocate for neurodivergent students. The discussion dives into the We All Learn Differently campaign, an initiative that leverages storytelling to eliminate the stigma around learning differences in middle school students. Bari shares his insights on the importance of understanding and empathy in fostering a supportive learning environment for all students.

Bari Levin elaborates on the origins and objectives of the We All Learn Differently campaign, which she co-developed under the auspices of the Educating All Learners Alliance and the I Am Able Foundation. The campaign specifically targets middle school students, promoting a deeper understanding of learning differences through engaging videos, an interactive playbook, and classroom activities. Bari's extensive experience in special education is evident as she discusses the impact of recognizing diverse learning styles and providing tools for students to advocate for themselves.

Bari emphasizes the significance of creating positive dialogues around learning differences both in the classroom and at home. The campaign's playbook includes practical resources and activities designed for teachers, counselors, and parents to facilitate these crucial conversations. With the backing of the community and ongoing feedback from participants, Bari aims to expand the reach of the We All Learn Differently campaign, fostering environments where every student feels understood and valued.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ClPrq7tWRreQJ71QvtJOhpu5ImY

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Learning Differences: The campaign highlights the importance of recognizing and accommodating diverse learning styles in middle school students.
• Empowerment Through Storytelling: The campaign aims to foster empathy and reduce stigma by sharing personal stories of neurodivergent individuals.
• Parental Involvement: Resources are provided to help parents have open conversations with their children about learning differences.
• Practical Classroom Integration: The playbook offers accessible activities that can be seamlessly integrated into the existing curriculum without overwhelming educators.
• Ongoing Development: Continued feedback and data collection aim to refine and expand the campaign’s resources and impact.

Resources:

I Am Able Foundation: https://www.iamablefoundation.org/

We All Learn Differently: https://www.wealllearndifferently.com/

Thanks to our sponsor: https://dcmp.org/

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

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About the Guest(s): Sam Drazin is the founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive educational practices. A former elementary school teacher, Sam brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive school environments. His organization works with schools nationwide and internationally, providing professional development, consulting, and curriculum resources aimed at building more inclusive classrooms and communities.

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening discussion with Sam Drazin, founder of Changing Perspectives. Sam delves into his journey from being a classroom teacher to leading a nonprofit that aims to transform educational practices toward inclusion. This episode uncovers the importance of inclusive education, the structural obstacles that educators face, and actionable strategies for creating a more inclusive learning environment for all students.

Sam Drazin shares his insights on why inclusion is vital, not just as a theoretical concept but as a practical approach that mirrors the real world. Highlighting that schools often segregate based on ability, Sam argues for schools to act as microcosms of a diverse society. This ensures students learn not just academic skills, but also about empathy and collaboration, preparing them for a more inclusive future. Villages and Drazin also discuss the often-gleaned yet practical hurdles educators face, advocating for a shift in mindset from "I can't" to "How can we?" This focus on growth mindsets over fixed mindsets is central to Drazin’s philosophy and the work of Changing Perspectives.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/kMOqK-BonE7gdPEJaRZRVkI8iFI

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Inclusion as Real-World Preparation: Schools should act as mini-societies that teach students about diversity, empathy, and inclusion.
• Combat Ableistic Structures: The current education system is inadvertently ableistic, designed more to push out homogeneous groups of students rather than celebrating diversity.
• Mindset Shift: Moving from a fixed to a growth mindset is crucial for educators to address the challenges in implementing inclusive education.
• Actionable Strategies: Schools should identify specific, actionable goals for inclusion rather than vague or broad initiatives, enabling measurable progress.
• Empowerment Through Training: Customized, hands-on professional development can significantly impact teachers' ability to create inclusive classrooms.

Resources:

Changing Perspectives Website: https://changingperspectivesnow.org/

Thanks to our sponsor for the month of June: https://dcmp.org/

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

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About the Guest(s): Loui Lord Nelson, an internationally recognized expert in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), is the author of the bestselling book, "Design and Deliver." A former special education teacher, Loui is renowned for her work on UDL at various levels, including district, national, and international stages. She has been awarded her postdoc by CAST, influenced policies, and educational practices in the US and abroad, including work with the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Loui also hosts the "UDL in 15 Minutes" podcast, where she shares global insights into UDL implementation.

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas delves into the intricate aspects of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with Loui Lord Nelson, a globally recognized UDL leader. Loui shares her fascinating journey, from being a special education teacher to becoming a thought leader in educational practices that promote inclusivity. The episode is a cornucopia of practical advice, transformative insights, and real-world examples of UDL in action.

Throughout the conversation, Loui elaborates on the UDL guidelines, emphasizing their role as a strategic framework to help educators design flexible learning environments and engagement strategies. The discussion explores the importance of creating a "buffet" of learning opportunities tailored to diverse learners and debunks the myth that UDL is just an overwhelming collection of tasks. Louie underscores the significance of reflecting on teaching practices and remaining adaptable, encouraging teachers to integrate UDL gradually and purposefully into their planning.

In addition to practical tips for classroom implementation, the episode also navigates through the challenges of time management and collaboration among educators. Loui provides valuable guidance on utilizing tight communication structures and carving out collaborative planning time. The episode wraps up with an inspiring "mystery question" that reveals personal anecdotes from Loui and Tim, highlighting small victories and the joys of lifelong learning.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/IB4Xa2pMR1GsXEsF58giaP-72IU?

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding UDL Guidelines: Viewing UDL as a supportive framework rather than an add-on can transform teaching practices.
• Reflective Teaching: Reflection and intent in teaching are critical for effective UDL implementation.
• Collaboration: Structured, reliable communication platforms are essential for keeping educators synchronized, especially in schools with limited planning time.
• Time Management: Focus on one guideline at a time for a semester to deepen understanding without feeling overwhelmed.
• Environmental Design: Effective UDL practices often stem from well-planned learning environments that anticipate learner variability.

Resources:

The UDL Approach - https://theudlapproach.com/

CAST UDL Guidelines - https://udlguidelines.cast.org/

Design and Deliver - https://products.brookespublishing.com/Design-and-Deliver-P1237.aspx

UDL in 15 Minutes - https://theudlapproach.com/podcasts/

Sponsor: https://dcmp.org/

Website: https://mcie.org

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About the Guest(s): April Rehrig is the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. With over 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and school psychologist in Los Angeles, April is a licensed educational psychologist and a board-certified special education advocate. She has attended the prestigious COPAA SEAT 2.0 and 3.0 programs and is a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and Master IEP Coach. Her services include parent advocacy, IEP coaching, and DIY IEP workshops.

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas speaks with April Rehrig, founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC, who shares her profound insights on writing strengths-based IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). They discuss the complications of IEP documents and the importance of reframing special education to focus on students' strengths instead of deficits.

Rehrig elaborates on the systemic issues causing confusion around IEPs, including the medical model traditionally used to write them, and offers strategic advice on how parents and teachers can structure IEPs to genuinely benefit students. The conversation touches on practical aspects like the importance of effective IEP training, using person-centered language, and the role of negotiation within IEP meetings. This episode is essential listening for anyone invested in special education and striving for better educational outcomes for all students.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/G4kZrOPQzj9e1ewoTFhUN6kYNow?utm_source=copy_url

Key Takeaways:

• Reframing Special Education: Shift from a deficit-based to a strengths-based approach in IEPs to better support students.
• The Importance of Language: Utilize person-centered language to write effective and empowering IEPs.
• Strategic Questions: Asking the right questions and focusing on students' needs can lead to better negotiation outcomes in IEP meetings.
• Effective Training: Teachers need robust and practical training to write and implement strengths-based IEPs.
• Collaboration over Competition: Encouraging teachers, parents, and advocates to work together rather than viewing the process as adversarial.

Resources:

• Website: Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC
• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: Rise Educational Advocacy on TPT
• Instagram: @RiseEdAdvocacy
• MCIE Summer Insititute 2024: https://secure.givelively.org/event/maryland-coalition-for-inclusive-education-inc/mcie-summer-institute-2024

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

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