How to raise the achievement of all kids, from gifted to those with severe disabilities This book presents lessons learned from in-depth case studies of some of our most effective inclusive public schools. The authors conclusively demonstrate that schools can educate students with mild and severe disabilities in general education classrooms by providing special education services that link to and bolster general education instruction. This goes beyond complying with Special Education law; having a truly inclusive environment raises the achievement level for all students and results in more committed and satisfied teachers. Insights shared from teachers, school leaders, parents, and the students themselves provide a path forward for anyone striving to Improve special education services. The authors reveal what these exemplary schools do that makes them so successful, and provide advice for readers who want to incorporate these practices themselves. Hehir, former U.S. Office of Special Education (OSEP) Director, is a leading name in Special Education Highlights the important relationships between administrators, teachers, and parents to foster maximum collaboration between general and special education Includes information on committing to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Positive Behavior Supports This vital resource zeroes in on what excellent public schools do differently to ensure all students succeed.

Richard A. Villa and Jacqueline S. Thousand provide an in-depth, research-based guide for ensuring that your school provides the federally guaranteed "least restrictive environment" for students no matter the severity of the challenges they face. Leading an Inclusive School: Access and Success for ALL Students offers administrators, teachers, and other educators working to promote inclusion a wealth of information about the history and research base of inclusive education in the United States, including pivotal amendments to and reauthorizations of the EHCA, landmark court cases, and the philosophical underpinnings of the movement; essential curricular and instructional practices for inclusive schools, such as heterogeneous grouping, creative problem solving, and co-teaching; powerful organizational structures such as Multitiered System of Support and Schoolwide Positive Behavior Supports to help optimize the benefits of differentiation for all students; and a conceptual framework for coordinating educational initiatives and best practices for educating all students in general education. Also included are vivid personal stories of students with disabilities that illustrate how these students flourish when they learn alongside their general education peers. Educators who are serious about committing to the success of learners at all levels of perceived physical, intellectual, communication, and social/emotional ability will find the examples, advice, and tools in this book indispensable for planning, implementing, and promoting inclusion in their schools.

This book is a guide for ensuring that your school provides the federally guaranteed "least restrictive environment" for students no matter the severity of the challenges they face.

Over the last decade, the educational context for students with disabilities has significantly changed primarily as a result of mandates contained in NCLB and IDEA. The purpose of this book is to summarize the research literature regarding how students might be provided classrooms and schools that are both inclusive and effective. Inclusive schools are defined as places where students with disabilities are valued and active participants in academic and social activities and are given supports that help them succeed. Effectiveness is addressed within the current movement toward multi-tiered systems of support and evidence-based practices that meet the demands of high-stakes accountability.

How to raise the achievement of all kids, from gifted to those with severe disabilities This book presents lessons learned from in-depth case studies of some of our most effective inclusive public schools. The authors conclusively demonstrate that schools can educate students with mild and severe disabilities in general education classrooms by providing special education services that link to and bolster general education instruction. This goes beyond complying with Special Education law; having a truly inclusive environment raises the achievement level for all students and results in more committed and satisfied teachers. Insights shared from teachers, school leaders, parents, and the students themselves provide a path forward for anyone striving to Improve special education services. The authors reveal what these exemplary schools do that makes them so successful, and provide advice for readers who want to incorporate these practices themselves. Hehir, former U.S. Office of Special Education (OSEP) Director, is a leading name in Special Education Highlights the important relationships between administrators, teachers, and parents to foster maximum collaboration between general and special education Includes information on committing to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Positive Behavior Supports This vital resource zeroes in on what excellent public schools do differently to ensure all students succeed.

The nuts and bolts of creating an inclusive school is here, in Inclusive Schools in Action: Making Differences Ordinary. The authors share their wisdom and practical advice after successfully integrating inclusion into 50 schools. Use their framework, developed from their experiences in the field, to better meet the academic and social needs of all your students. Authors James McLeskey and Nancy Waldron present a framework that enables teachers and administrators to collaborate as they discuss, experience, reflect, and apply information on school change and inclusion to their own schools. The change process is based on the authors' belief that inclusive schools cannot be developed from a prescribed model; instead the school must reflect its own beliefs, attitudes, culture, and skills. The result of this process is that schools that are more responsive to the individual needs of all students. The framework and collaborative reform that McLeskey and Waldron propose * Considers the attitudes and beliefs of school professionals * Clarifies the goals of a local inclusive program * Recognizes barriers to reorganizing special and general education instruction * Addresses the reasonable concerns of school personnel and parents Inclusive Schools in Action contains many examples and perspectives from classroom teachers, along with figures that present strategies, adaptations, and other practical information. By weaving together their experiences with the research, the authors provide educators with comprehensive information and tools for developing or improving inclusive schools. Note: This product listing is for the Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version of the book.

Now in its Second Edition, this seminal handbook offers a comprehensive exploration of how students with disabilities might be provided classrooms and schools that are both inclusive and effective. With an enhanced focus on the elementary level, this new edition provides readers with a richer, more holistic understanding of how inclusive settings operate in K-5, featuring expanded chapters on principal engagement, teacher preparation, district-level support, school-based improvement practices, and more. Fully revised and updated to reflect changes in the field, each chapter synthesizes the research, explores if and how this knowledge is currently used in schools, and addresses the implications for practice and directions for future research.