the way to inclusion

The Way to Inclusion: How Leaders Create Schools Where Every Student Belongs, by inclusion experts Dr. Julie Causton, Dr. Kate MacLeod, Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Dr. Jenna Mancini Rufo, and Dr. Paul Gordon, is an an essential and invaluable guide to the important and courageous work of creating an inclusive school system.  

The Way to Inclusion is filled with research, practical resources and tools, and advice from leaders. This book will take you step-by-step through the inclusive change process— from crafting your inclusive vision to reimagining the roles of existing staff and everything in between. The book outlines seven defined milestones in an Inclusive System Change Path, including key leadership questions, action steps, and skills to help you develop the inclusive school system that you desire and your students deserve.

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PRAISE FOR THE WAY TO INCLUSION

The Way provides a powerful intersection of values-driven leadership, visioning for equity, strategic support and learning, data-driven decision making, and, most important, understanding and believing in the strengths and possibilities of both your staff and your students.

Heather Greicius, Executive Director of Special Populations, Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Colorado

This is a book that every leader should read... it offers leaders a path to success with powerful strategies to develop vision, reimagine school structures, and promote effective collaboration among educators.

Marcia Blum, Preschool Special Education Specialist, Exceptional Student Services, Colorado Department of Education

The Way to Inclusion provides a practical, adaptable, and inclusive approach to creating more inclusive schools... a must-read for anyone learning about, leading, or participating in inclusive systems change.

Jaylee Swanson, Director of Special Education, East Moline School District, Illinois

The pages should be read, highlighted, dog-eared, and riddled with handwritten comments in the margins as leaders roll up their sleeves and apply what is written to change hearts and minds and create equitable, inclusive systems for every student.

Jennifer Sommerness, EdS, TIES Center, University of Minnesota

Meet the Authors

MEET DR. CAUSTON

A best-selling author, inspiring speaker, and passionate inclusion advocate, Dr. Julie Causton began her career as an educator and went on to spend 14 years as a tenured professor at Syracuse University. In 2012, she founded Inclusive Schooling, a premier company devoted exclusively to delivering professional development that transforms schools and lives. For more than 25 years, Julie has been joyfully obsessed with discovering innovative practices and teaching others how to create truly inclusive schools through her wildly engaging presentations.

MEET DR. PRETTI-FRONTCZAK

An accomplished author, sought-after speaker, and beloved educator’s educator, Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak began her career as an early interventionist before spending 16 years as a tenured professor at Kent State University. Since 2013, she has followed her true passion—designing and delivering transformative professional development that nurtures compassion, connection, and joy. With over 50,000 hours dedicated to helping educators and leaders work from a place of love and hope, Kristie brings her wisdom and warmth to audiences everywhere—from Cincinnati to Singapore.

Dr. Kate MacLeod

Dr. Kate MacLeod is an innovative inclusive educator, researcher, and author. She began her career as a high school special education teacher in New York City and now works as faculty in the college of education at the University of Maine Farmington and as an education consultant with Inclusive Schooling. She has spent 15 years studying inclusive practices and supporting school leaders and educators to feel prepared and inspired to include all learners.

Dr. Paul Gordon

Dr. Paul Gordon has spent much of his education career working for the Adams 12 Five Star School District outside Denver, Colorado, where he served as a classroom teacher, a middle school principal, the director of professional development, and the chief academic officer. During the last 10 years, Paul has served as the superintendent of three school districts.

Dr. Jenna Mancini Rufo

Dr. Jenna Mancini Rufo is an experienced public-school leader turned inclusive education consultant. She is the founder and owner of empowerED School Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in equity and inclusion. Having served as an assistant superintendent, director of special education, state policy specialist, special education teacher, and inclusion facilitator, Jenna has practical experience in leading systems change for inclusion.

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The research is clear: students with disabilities do better academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally, and experience better post-secondary outcomes when educated in inclusive settings. 

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More PRAISE FOR
THE WAY TO INCLUSION

The Way is a much-needed call to action. It is an engaging, accessible book that provides a systematic, practical path to help educators build inclusive schools, overcome obstacles, and reach the results that the law, research, and conscience demand for all learners.

Patrick G. Radel, Esq., attorney, advocate, and parent

The Way to Inclusion is a comprehensive and practical guide for leadership teams working toward systems-level inclusive change. This book provides research to address the why of inclusion alongside steps and strategies that explain how.

Danielle Nahorney, Director of Academic Services and Accountability, Baldwinsville Central School District, New York

This book provides the knowledge and tools needed to develop and implement an inclusive plan while sharing guidance to avoid common missteps. It's a must-read roadmap for current and future educators, leaders, and change makers.

Dr. Joyce A. Carr, Supervisor of Special Education, upstate New York

This is a brilliant tool for all school leaders who want to improve service delivery for all students who have been historically marginalized in our schools while simultaneously meeting the standard of IDEA. The authors have constructed a roadmap with milestones to guide schools and districts toward providing a liberated education for all of their stakeholders

Deborah Hoffman, PhD, Associate Superintendent, Madison Metropolitan School District, Wisconsin

The Way provides a clear and thoughtful roadmap for districts who want to create an inclusive system that emphasizes belonging, collaboration and a deeper understanding of WHY working, learning, and being together yields greater results.

John S.Jones, Director of Special Services, RSU9, ME

GEt the book for your whole team

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