A Change-Marker You Are

Published: Sun, 08/07/22

Creating and sustaining inclusive schools and districts that are equitable for all learners is what we want. Our country has spent millions of dollars trying to reach that goal.

If part of the progress is measured by where students with disabilities are getting their education we are flatlining.

There's too much that isn't working and we aren't moving the needle very much.

Here is one infographic from OSEP Fast Facts: Educational Environments of School Aged Children with Disabilities. See more here.

NOTE: As we know, just because students are reported as being inside a regular class does not mean they are are actively participating and learning in the general education class.

Is it past time to take action on some radical ideas of creating schools that support each and every student?

Yes, we know it's past time. We have the research, personal stories, and data to show the benefits of inclusive education.

And we know, it's not just disabled learners that benefit. All students reap the benefits of general education initiatives, e.g. Universal Design for Learning.

We can gather more allies and make systemic changes in public education when we rally all families, students, educators and community members to take collaborative action.

Michael Sheehan and many of his fans (Cheryl M. Jorgensen, Carol Quirk, Judy Bailey, Barbara McKenzie, Debbie Taub) and so many new friends were with us live and the energy was contagious!

Ready for some laughs while you're learning? Catch the replay here or click the image below.

NOTE: The replay will only be available until Thursday, August 11th.

While we like to have fun while learning we also know our work we've been doing has only produced pockets of change in schools scattered around our country. We can't be satisfied with that.

What can we do?