Essential Bytes
EB 1 – Inclusion Illuminated: The Benefits of Together
EB2 – Inclusive by Design: Crafting Lessons to Reach the Range of Learners Together
EB 3 – Inclusive Academic Supports: Supporting Student Success
EB 4 – Designing Inclusive IEPs: Best Practices and Practical Strategies
EB 5 – Our Students with IEPs: Supporting All Educators to Understand their Role in Implementing Inclusive Education
EB 1 – Inclusion Illuminated
Inclusion Illuminated: The Benefits of Together
Byte Description
This Byte provides a common understanding of inclusive education and sheds light on the numerous advantages of inclusion, emphasizing the positive impact it has on all students, educators, families, and the larger community.
Byte Handouts and Resources
Key PPT slides [pdf]
Research on Inclusion
- SWIFT Education Center website hub where research is summarized [link]
- SWIFT Education Center Benefits of Inclusion summary [pdf]
- Summary of research on inclusive education – fast facts [DRIVE doc]
- What Does the Research Say About Inclusive Education Wrightslaw blog [link]
- Does Self-Contained SPED Deliver on its Promises [article]
- A Landmark Study Strikes a Resounding Note for Inclusion Edutopia blog [link]
- The Oxford Encyclopedia of Inclusive and Special Education [link]
- Article for families about research and law [pdf]
EB 2 – Inclusive by Design
Inclusive by Design: Crafting Lessons to Reach the Range of Learners Together
Byte Description
This Byte provides an important lesson design checklist for teams to use as they plan inclusive lessons. The checklist includes opportunities to identify: 1) the range of students, 2) the content of the lesson, 3) differentiation strategies, 4) co-teaching models, and 5) the writing of action steps. Strategies for taking existing lessons and/or adopted curriculum, and redesigning to address the diverse needs and learning styles of students, is also addressed. Lastly, how to create engaging hooks and lesson closures are described with a very useful resource.
Byte Handouts and Resources
Key PPT slides [pdf]
EB 3 – Inclusive Academic Supports
Inclusive Academic Supports: Supporting Student Success
Byte Description
This Byte provides educators with key insights into effective academic supports and ways to promote student success and address individual learning challenges within an inclusive setting. Specifically we address 9 ways to make any lesson inclusive. We also give several examples of academic-based support (regardless of subject, grade, or student ability) and finish with an interesting discussion activity.
Byte Handouts and Resources
Key PPT slides [pdf]
- 9 Practices to Make Any Lesson Inclusive [pdf]
- Strategies for Presuming Competence [pdf]
- 101 Ways to Incorporate Choice in Learning [pdf]
- Access Points for Common Activities [pdf]
- 100 Ways to Adapt Anything [pdf]
- Top 12 Ways to Shake Up a Lecture [pdf]
- 45 Ways to Inclusively Group Students [pdf]
- Academic Supports on the Fly [pdf]
EB 4 – Designing Inclusive IEPs
Designing Inclusive IEPs: Best Practices and Practical Strategies
Byte Description
This Byte offers educators practical strategies for designing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that promote inclusivity and meet the unique needs of students. We work through common issues with IEPS, hear from self-advocate Otto Lana, and delve into the key components of IEPs. We also get clear on what makes an “IEP worthy” goal. We end with an individual reflection asking participants to identify their new learning and to take action.
Byte Handouts and Resources
Key PPT slides [pdf]
- Otto's IEP Advice [video– 4:38]
- Otto's IEP Advice [transcript]
- See Ya Later S.M.A.R.T Goals [video– 6:33]
EB 5 – Our Students with IEPs
Our Students with IEPs: Supporting All Educators to Understand their Role in Implementing Inclusive Education
Byte Description
This Byte covers a brief legal history of special education laws so all educators understand their role in a larger legal context. We delve into the Federal special education law, least restrictive environment, the Roncker Portability test, and cover several special education myths related to inclusion. We also discuss the roles and responsibilities of people in IEP meetings and how everyone can and should embed IEP goals into lessons. We conclude with a very useful embedding schedule and IEP planning matrix.
Byte Handouts and Resources
Key PPT slides [pdf]
Reflection
Who's at the IEP Table? A Quick Guide to Roles and Responsibilities [blog]