Inclusive education isn't a one-time initiative—it’s a daily commitment. And for folx leading schools, PD, or systemic change, that daily work can feel overwhelming. What should I focus on? Where do I even begin? How can I support teachers without triggering resistance?
Enter: the 13 Support Moves Wheel—your go-to for weaving inclusion into everyday practice. With just one spin, you’ll land on a practical, evidence-informed support you can model, coach, or co-implement with educators. No more guessing. Just real change, one inclusive move at a time.
Let’s break it down.
- Environmental Supports
Create spaces where all kids feel calm, safe, and ready to learn. That means sensory-friendly zones, flexible seating, and accessible layouts. Think: quiet corners, natural lighting, and visual cues that guide students without singling anyone out.
- Instructional Pacing & Delivery
Fast isn't always fair. Slow things down or chunk steps to meet learners where they are. Offer rehearsal, preview, and reflection time to build comprehension and confidence—especially for students with executive functioning or processing needs.
- Presentation of Subject Matter
Swap the lecture for layered learning. Combine visuals, storytelling, movement, and hands-on materials. When subject matter is experienced, it becomes accessible.
- Materials & Assistive Technology
Think audiobooks, text-to-speech tools, and multiple formats for content delivery. Whether it's a tablet or tactile object, access matters—and it's our job to ensure every student has it.
- Assignment Adaptations
Offer multiple ways to show what they know. A podcast, a photo essay, a diagram—student voice and choice are the ultimate equity tools. Scaffold tasks to build success without watering down expectations.
- Social Interaction Supports
Design learning that sparks friendship and collaboration. Peer buddies, structured sharing, and social scripts create opportunities for connection that go way beyond the classroom.
- Self-Management & Organizational Skills
Teach the tools of learning: checklists, visual schedules, and goal-setting routines. When kids know how to manage their time and tasks, they gain agency—and that's empowering.
- Testing Adaptations
Equity during assessment isn’t optional. Adjust format, timing, and delivery so every learner has a fair shot. That might mean reading aloud directions or offering breaks.
- Cognitive Supports & Executive Functioning
Use visual reminders, task cards, and coaching prompts to support memory, attention, and planning. Helping students “think about their thinking” is a game-changer.
- Predictability & Emotional Safety
Build routines that feel solid and predictable. Include emotional check-ins and provide “reset” spaces to support regulation. Safety is the foundation of learning.
- Behavioral Supports & Positive Reinforcement
Celebrate effort, not just achievement. Offer choices, build on strengths, and restore rather than punish. Relationships are your best behavior tool.
- Cultural & Linguistic Responsiveness
Honor home languages, family stories, and cultural identities. Inclusion is only real when every learner feels seen, valued, and respected for who they are.
- Family & Community Supportive Strategies
Inclusion thrives when families are partners. Offer updates, invite them in, and co-create learning goals. Strong relationships with caregivers strengthen student success.
Why This “Wheel” Matters
For school leaders navigating outdated practices, resistance, and low LRE data, this isn’t just a list. It’s a lifeline.
Each support move reflects a practical answer to your biggest challenges:
- “How do I shift adult mindsets around inclusive practices?”
- “What strategies actually move us beyond compliance?”
- “How can we create PD that changes hearts and habits?”
The 13 Support Moves Wheel helps you model the inclusive practices you want to see—without triggering eye rolls or overload. Use it to spark coaching conversations, plan PD sessions, or support teachers one move at a time.
Ready to Spin?
We know how hard it is to lead change—especially when it feels like you’re the only one who “gets it.” This wheel isn’t just for your teachers—it’s for you, too. Try one move today. You’ve got this.
Still thinking support = more staff?
Download this free guide with 130 practical, evidence-informed strategies that show what real inclusion looks like—without adding more humans to the room.
