Inclusionary Practices Hub
Special Education
Special education in Washington state refers to the education provided to students with disabilities or special needs, as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
In Washington state, special education services are available to students aged 3 to 21 who have been identified as having a disability and who require specialized instruction to make progress in their education. The state defines “disability” as a physical, mental, or sensory impairment that affects a student’s ability to learn and requires special education and related services to address.
Best Practices
Shifting the Paradigm: Medical Model of Disability to Social Model
Presented by Shelley Moore and Katie Novak, this video advocate for the need to shift our perception of students with a disabilities from the Medical
The Importance of Providing Special Education Students Access to General Education Classrooms
In this video a parent discusses the importance of including her son, who receives special education services, in classrooms with general education students. While you
Inclusive IEP Tip Sheet Video
Learn about best practices for writing and implementing IEPs in schools. This video specifically focuses on the basics of IEPs, how to develop a quality
Accommodations and Modification Collaboration Tools and Tips for Students with Disabilities
Everyday students with disabilities in Washington are supported by general education and special education teachers to provide an the most inclusive and least restrictive learning environment. One part of
Co-Teaching
How to increase collaboration between Co-Teachers
Presented by Shelley Moore and Katie Novak, this video talks about some strategies to potentially increase collaboration between special and general education teachers. Watch the
Interview of collaboration between general educator and para educator in an inclusive classroom.
In this video, fourth-grade teacher Suzie Carter and paraprofessional Jessica Laycock from Mark Twain Elementary School in the Lake Washington School District discuss their collaboration
Co-Teaching Tip Sheet Video
Learn about the inclusionary practice of co-teaching in classrooms. This video covers (1) basics of co-teaching, (2) the six models of co-teaching, (3) why co-teaching
Co-teaching at Evergreen High School
Learn about how Evergreen High School is implementing co-teaching among general education and special education teachers to provide students with inclusive learning environments. This video
Families
5 Steps to Great Family Communication
In special education, facilitating meaningful communication with families is one of our top job priorities. After my 1st year teaching in elementary special education, I’ve
Disability Teaches Us: Meaningful Inclusion Series
Families have an opportunity to learn about how children with disabilities can be included meaningfully and successfully in classrooms with their non-disabled peers. A three-part
PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment) Website Walkthrough Video
Learn about the PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment) organization and how to interact with their website. In this video, Jen Chong Jewell describes
Transition
Recommendations to High School Teachers as Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Transition to Higher Education
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA, 2008) was enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress in
Strategies for Supporting People with Disabilities in the Workplace
Engaging in meaningful employment allows individuals to support themselves and live independently. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) report that working is a significant
What is Transition & Person-Centered Planning? Making Own Decisions
This video provides an overview of Transition and Person-Centered Planning for families of the youth with disabilities. This video was created by Open Doors for
Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors Changing The Culture of Schools
How We Increase Inclusion and Acceptance All I wanted in my middle school years was to be heard and accepted for just being me. I