Professional Learning Network
Inclusionary Practices
AESD Inclusionary Practices (IP) supports coordinated professional learning for school leadership teams. Its 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 (IP) 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).
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Results 2019-2022
| LRE 1 (80-100% in general education) | Data Group | 2019 Baseline | 2021 Data | 2022 Data | % Change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All WA State Schools | All Students with Disabilities | 57.70% | 62.40% | 63.41% | +5.71% |
| AESD IP Engaged School Teams | All Students with Disabilities | 57.78% | 67.17% | 73.00% | +15.22% |
Source: OSPI Least Restrictive Environment Requirement – IDEA-B (2021-22 and 2022-23)
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.
What We’re Doing
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 IP 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 IP 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
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.
MTSS Inclusionary Practices Community of Practice Sessions at a Glance
AESD IP Coordinators worked closely with MTSS Regional Implementation Coordinators to design and deliver a community of practice to network and support school leaders in identifying and implementing Tier 1 non-negotiables in inclusive settings. Explore the professional learning materials by session to find new resources, ideas, and guidance for improving the accessibility and effectiveness of Tier 1 instruction.
Regional Coordinators
AESD Network 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 your regional coordinator or Cassie Stevens, Project Director.