Together We Can!
The Washington Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) is offering professional learning opportunities for educators, leaders, and school leadership teams via Inclusionary Practices courses. The purpose is to support educators with developing and implementing sustainable systems, structures, and practices that support all students with meaningful access and engagement in inclusive learning environments.
Inclusionary Practices (IP) utilizes Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as an approach to inclusive education and a framework for instructional design.
Professional Learning Opportunities
Our team has collaborated with others around the nation to design professional learning courses that will allow school and district teams to begin and/or continue their journey with inclusive practices and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
These courses aim to support school and district leaders in increasing inclusionary practices, especially for two groups of students experiencing the high rates of exclusion from general education settings:
- Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and
- Black students with disabilities
Asynchronous Learning Modules
These courses are geared towards school leaders who are working to build a more inclusive system.
Courses available currently include (click the name of the course if you would like additional information):
Fees & Clock Hours
Courses are $25 each; Clock hours are available!
The Case for UDL: Equality, Equity and Inclusive Practice
2 Clock Hours Available
Many terms in education are misunderstood, or misused. This course establishes a much needed common vocabulary and understanding for improving inclusive practices in your school.
Learner Variability and Barriers to Learning
2 Clock Hours Available
In this course participants will understand that diverse learners are actually the norm, not the exception. Educators will learn how the concept of Universal Design should be embraced in the classroom just as it is in society.
Student Voice Improves Inclusive Education
2 Clock Hours Available
In this course educators will understand the importance of cultivating student voice as a means to improving instruction as well as inclusion.
Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
2 Clock Hours Available
This course introduces educators to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, principles, and guidelines and connects UDL to the three networks of the brain.
Implementing Inclusive Practices: What Leaders Can Expect
3 Clock Hours Available
This course supports leaders with the why and how of implementing inclusionary practices.
Shifting Teacher Mindsets
2 Clock Hours Available
In this course educators will learn about identifying and shifting staff mindset as a part of implementing inclusionary practices.
Effective Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Using UDL Principles
2 Clock Hours Available
In this course educators will learn why PLCs using UDL principles are important and vital for student and staff learning.
Overcoming Implementation Barriers: Inclusive Practices
2 Clock Hours Available
This course will help educators identify and overcome barriers when implementing inclusionary practices in a school or district setting.
Creating and Facilitating a School Culture of Observation & Data Usage
2 Clock Hours Available
In this course educators will consider the variability of data and evidence and the importance of classroom observations and using data to improve inclusion.
Social Emotional Learning for Inclusive Practice
2 Clock Hours Available
In this course educators will explore the many ways Universal Design for Learning supports Social Emotional Learning.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
2 Clock Hours Available
In this course educators will make connections between inclusion and equity through understanding what it means to be a culturally responsive teacher.
Family & Community Involvement at the School Level
2 Clock Hours Available
In this course educators will consider ways to improve inclusion through increased family engagement.
Embedding Culturally Responsive Pedagogy into Our Instructional Design and Practice
40 Clock Hours Available
In this series, participants will access materials in an 8 module asynchronous Canvas course.
Educating the Whole Child with UDL and SEL
40 Clock Hours Available
Throughout this course, you will learn how to apply the best practices of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks alongside one another to improve student outcomes.
Moving from UDL Theory to UDL Practice
40 Clock Hours Available
In this course, you will unpack UDL lesson design and provide you with tools, scaffolds, and exemplars to start building universally designed lesson plans and units that honor student variability and break down barriers to learning.
Resources for Inclusive Practices
Self Assessment Toolkit
Inclusive practices work starts with self-assessment! Here is a toolkit with choices for self-assessment to determine strengths and needs in regard to inclusive practices at the building and district levels. In using this toolkit you will be on your way to identifying areas that could be supported by your strategic plan at the district level.
Classroom Observation Toolkit
AESD Inclusionary Practices is working to support the development of a culture of observation, data use, and continuous improvement in buildings. Leveraging the power of asset-based practice, using classroom observation tool, helps teachers work smarter, not harder, by building on strengths while closing gaps. In this toolkit there are options for selecting the tools, resources, and processes that support your needs as well as strategic plans.
Regional Coordinators
Inclusionary Practices is supported by a group of dedicated ESD leaders committed to a more inclusive future. If your district is interested in participating, or for more information, please contact Sandra Gessner or complete the Request Information form below.