Transcript [pdf]

SHOW NOTES

Key Takeaways

• “They need a resource room” is often a myth. Most students don’t need a different room— they need better support in the room they’re already in.
  
• What’s promised in resource rooms often isn’t delivered. Small group, intensive instruction sounds great— but in reality, it rarely happens with fidelity or equity.
  
• Segregated support leads to real harm. From missed peer learning to lower expectations and social isolation, resource rooms create more barriers than benefits.
  
• Inclusion doesn’t mean no support— it means smarter support. Students can still work on targeted goals (like phonics or blending) within the context of general education content.
  
• The solution starts with a closer look. If you’re unsure, walk into a resource room and observe what’s actually happening— not what you think is happening.

Episode Download/Handout

This free handout breaks down 10 powerful, research-backed reasons why resource rooms often do more harm than good. From lowered expectations to missed opportunities for inclusion, it’s a must-read for anyone rethinking segregated supports. You’ll also get practical talking points to use in team meetings, IEP discussions, or staff development sessions. Download it now at inclusiveschooling.com/download46.

Highlights from the Handout – Put it into Practice

• Have a clear response when someone says, “This student needs pull-out support.”
• Use data and research to back your shift toward inclusion.
• Share this with your team to start rethinking current service models.

Practical Tips

1️. Observe What’s Really Happening
Don’t assume a resource room is working. Visit. Watch. Ask: Is this the best use of time for this student?

2️. Layer Goals Into General Education Content and Curriculum
Students can work on skills like blending while reading grade-level texts like The Giver— in context, not in isolation.

3️. Look for Inclusive Alternatives
Explore co-teaching, peer supports, UDL, and in-class scaffolds that allow students to access learning alongside their peers.

4️. Challenge “We’ve Always Done It This Way”
Resource rooms are a legacy practice. We now have better, more inclusive tools for supporting all learners.

Additional Resources

• SWIFT Center Homepage: The SWIFT Center is a national technical assistance initiative devoted to transforming education through inclusive practices that support academic and behavioral success for all students, including those with the most significant support needs. By bridging general and special education, SWIFT fosters equity, collaboration, and innovation within schools and communities. Backed by the U.S. Department of Education and supported by TASH, the center promotes systemic change through evidence-based strategies and policy alignment. It’s a vital resource for educators committed to creating inclusive, high-performing learning environments.                                                                                                                
• Inclusion in Schools: Stop Asking ‘Where’ and Start Asking ‘How’: If you’re leading school change, you’ve heard everything in the book when it comes to inclusive education: 
  • “But what about kids who need quiet?”
  • “But what about the gifted students?”
  • “But how are we meeting individual needs if we're just making all kids go to the general ed room?”

This 15-minute video explains why these questions keep popping up— and what they reveal about a deeper confusion around inclusive education. 

• Does Self-Contained Special Education Deliver on Its Promises? A Critical Inquiry into Research and Practice:  In this compelling research article, Dr. Julie Causton and colleagues investigate the effectiveness of self-contained classrooms by comparing theoretical justifications to actual classroom practices across six schools. Their findings reveal that these environments often fall short— failing to offer the academic rigor, individualized support, and inclusive community that they promise. Instead, issues such as social isolation, poor instructional quality, and a lack of meaningful engagement were commonly observed. This evidence-based critique provides a powerful case for rethinking separate settings in favor of inclusive educational practices that truly meet the needs of all learners.

• Inclusion Research Fast Facts: Dive into a comprehensive resource that highlights the transformative benefits of inclusive education for students, peers, staff, and the broader community. This downloadable PDF compiles key research findings and actionable insights, making it an essential tool for educators, advocates, and policymakers.