Professional Learning Network

Inclusionary Practices Project

The AESD Inclusionary Practices Project (IPP) supports coordinated professional learning for school leadership teams. The project’s purpose is to support educators and school leaders with developing and implementing sustainable systems, structures, and practices that support all students with meaningful access and engagement in inclusive learning environments.

Inclusion in the classroom

Currently, Washington is one of the nation’s least inclusive states, ranking 44 out of 50 for inclusivity. Inclusion is the belief and practice that all students have the right to meaningfully access academic and social opportunities in general education settings. It’s also a vision and philosophy based on the fundamental belief that all children are competent, capable, and should be held to high expectations.

Students with disabilities, especially those with an individual education plan (IEP) are often excluded from core instruction.

AESD’s Inclusionary Practices Project (IPP) seeks to address educational inequities experienced by students with an IEP by supporting professional learning for school leadership teams that focus on creating more inclusive education environments using the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

This video interview highlights the journey school teams in Washington State are taking to improve and increase inclusionary practices. Educators and parents share the importance of inclusive education and the impact it is having on their students, families, and staff.

Project Goals

More students in general ed classrooms for more time.

More effective teacher instruction.

Improved student engagement & increased opportunity for social/emotional skill building.

Increased statewide support for inclusive practices.

About the Project

Regional coordinators provide professional learning, coaching and implementation support for leadership teams, using the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

In partnership with Novak Educational Consulting, national experts in UDL, the regional coordinators can share access to over 180 clock hours of professional learning, providing options and choices that best meet the learning needs of school teams across the state. The courses highlight key elements necessary to improving inclusionary practices and implementing Universal Design for Learning.

Regional coordinator services to school teams include but are not limited to:

  • Access to professional coaching and mentoring grounded in implementation science, including:
    • Identifying barriers and solutions to implementation
    • Action planning
    • Using inclusionary practices classroom observation tools and processes
    • Applying equity analysis tool(s) to inform leadership decision making
    • Leading professional development (train the trainer)
    • Support with engaging students and families as partners in decision making
    • Developing and refining systems of data collection and data informed decision making
  • Synchronous and asynchronous IPP professional learning opportunities including: Universal Design for Learning in classroom application and as a means to culturally responsive teaching, trauma informed practice, and family engagement
  • Networking with other IPP cadre members to support inclusive practices including AWSP and WASA
  • Access to the full library of continually updated and vetted resources and materials
  • Assistance with understanding and using LRE data, the LRE Self-Assessment, and classroom observation tools

The professional learning opportunities will support building leaders with developing a common language and vision for identifying and removing barriers, while supporting their school staff with providing options for engagement, representation and action and expression.

Learning options for engaged school teams include:

  • Support: Our regional coordinators are available to help school leaders support their staff in inclusionary practices professional learning, including both synchronous and asynchronous options.
  • Professional Learning: Up to 180 clock hours of UDL based professional learning available to engaged school teams. Professional learning was co-designed with Novak Education and the options available provide school teams with choices that best meet their needs and context.
  • Access: Participants will have access to a digital repository of materials for the next five years.
  • Engage: Increase your school team’s engagement with personalized learning opportunities.

Enroll in live and self-directed professional learning courses

Educators statewide have access to our courses and can sign up for one or multiple courses via pdEnroller. 

Additional Resources & Information

Inclusionary Practices Toolkit

Inclusionary Practices Toolkit

AESD is working closely with AWSP and WASA to develop an Inclusionary Practices Toolkit for school and district leaders across the state of Washington. We encourage you to check back frequently as tools will be continually added.

Visit Toolkit >

Regional Coordinators

The AESD Network Inclusionary Practices Project is supported by a group of dedicated ESD leaders committed to a more inclusive future. If your district is interested in participating in this project, or for more information, please contact your regional coordinator or Cassie Stevens, Project Director.

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