How many IEP meetings have you been in where you receive push back after push back and excuse after excuse as to why your child can't be included?

Do you share research articles showing the benefits of inclusive and you see blank stares?  Do you remind people of what IDEA says about the Least Restrictive Environment and you see the eye rolls?

Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, my recent guests on our weekly live show shared a Secret you'll want to know!

We need to differentiate our why to overcome resistance. 

If the people we are talking to don't care about reading any more research we need to look at a different way we can have them understand the need for inclusion.  Besides sharing research we could:

* Appeal to their sense of social justice

* Share the legal presumption of inclusion

* Connect to a personal story

* Use persuasive advocacy

* Share the impact of belonging or being excluded

 

The 9 minute video below is a clip from the full length broadcast. You'll be intrigues by the discussion.  Click here or on the image below.

 

The second Secret Julie Causton and Kristi Prett-Frontcazak discussed was to Align IEPs With Inclusive Practices.  They shared a short video of Otto Lana a self-advocate, motivational speaker, and person who types to communicate explaining how we need to be mindful of :

Respecting the whole person
Individualize IEP goals

Growth, are students making growth 

Helpful, are the goals helpful for the student's future

Translatable, can the student transfer skills to another setting

 

Julie and Kristie also shared 4 common Yeahbuts that are often said at IEP meetings AND they give you examples of what you can say when you hear the Yeahbuts. 

 

Watch the video below to learn more about aligning IEPs with inclusive practices.  Click here or on the image below.

 

 

 

Is one of your biggest dreams that more educators and administrators understood the Why, What, and How of inclusion?

You're in luck because Secret #3 is all about a fabulous and affordable way that school districts can receive top-notch professional development.  The virtual Summer Leadership Institute this August is the perfect place staff and families to connect and learn with and from each other.

School districts that purchase a district license will have 12 seats for the virtual event and unlimited district-wide access to ALL recorded sessions for the entire 22/23 school year. 

Can you imagine the difference it will make in your school district to have staffed trained in best practices of inclusive education?

Get a sample email you can send to the superintendent explaining the benefits of purchasing a district license to the Summer Leadership Institute!  Click here.

Watch the short video below to also find out about the BONUS Secret #4!  Click here or click the image below.

 

If you rather bing watch the broadcast of all four Secrets of Creating Inclusive schools, we've got you covered.  Click here or on the image below.

 

 

All the resources shared in the video are available for you.  Just Click Here.

 

DON'T MISS THE BONUS RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES!  CLICK HERE.

 

This was a value packed show with Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak!  I hope you'll take advantage of all the excellent resources they have made available for you!

Take care,