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Leading Systems-Change Efforts toward Inclusive Schools

Workshop Description:

Participants will hear about and discuss two approaches to facilitating systemic school reform focused on inclusive education for all students, including students with extensive and pervasive support needs. First, Diane Ryndak will describe a 5 year experience of a school district as they moved toward increasingly inclusive education services for all students. This description will include both evidence-based practices that were implemented in classes throughout the experience, and the processes used to change practice in all classes, in all schools, and in policies and procedures across the district, leading to better outcomes for all students. Second, Bill Hussey from NC Department of Public Instruction will describe the efforts underway in North Carolina to support the use of evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for all students, including students with extensive and pervasive support needs, across the state. Both approaches focus on increases access to and progress in the general education academic standards, within general education contexts with same-age general education peers.

Four Workshop Objectives:
1) Participants will describe the benefits of inclusive education for children and adolescents with extensive and pervasive support needs, including the desired long-term outcomes in relation to an inclusive adult life in the community.
2) Participants will explain the research that supports education in inclusive general education classes and other contexts, versus services in more restrictive contexts.
3) Participants will describe ways in which district and school personnel, parents, and adult service providers can collaborate to develop and implement evidence-based inclusive education practices and adult services.
4) Participants will list components demonstrated to be present whenever sustainable school reform has occurred.

This Workshop Is Ideal For:

  • Parents who have children with disabilities.
  • General and special education teachers.
  • Lead teachers.
  • School districts staff.
  • Curriculum specialists.
  • School administrators.