Lesson Plan
IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Lesson Plan
School leaders will identify key components of an inclusive school culture for students with IEPs in general education and commit to at least one actionable step to promote this culture within their school.
Fostering an inclusive culture ensures all students, including those with IEPs, feel valued, supported, and have equitable opportunities to succeed academically and socially. Strong leadership is essential in shaping this environment.
Audience
School Leaders
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Discussion-based exploration of inclusive practices.
Materials
IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck
Prep
Review Materials
5 minutes
- Review the IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content and discussion points.
- Ensure a projector and computer are available for the slide deck.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
2 minutes
- Greet school leaders and introduce the session: "IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way."
- Ask: "When you think about 'inclusion' in your school, what immediately comes to mind?" Allow for a few brief responses to gauge initial understanding.
- Transition: "Today, we'll focus specifically on creating a truly inclusive culture for our students with IEPs in general education classrooms."
Step 2
Understanding Inclusive Culture
5 minutes
- Display IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck - Slide 2 (What is an Inclusive Culture?).
- Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts: "What does this look like, sound like, and feel like in a general education classroom?"
- Display IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck - Slide 3 (Why is it important?). Discuss the benefits for all students, not just those with IEPs.
Step 3
Leader's Role in Inclusion
5 minutes
- Display IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck - Slide 4 (Your Role in Leading Inclusion).
- Lead a discussion using questions like: "What specific actions can school leaders take to model and champion inclusive practices?" and "How can we support our general education teachers in feeling confident and competent in working with students with IEPs?"
- Encourage leaders to share existing successful strategies from their schools.
Step 4
Commitment & Wrap-Up
3 minutes
- Display IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck - Slide 5 (Next Steps: Your Commitment).
- Ask each leader to reflect and commit to one actionable step they will take in the next week to promote an inclusive culture for students with IEPs in their school.
- Have a few leaders briefly share their commitments.
- Thank them for their participation and emphasize the collective impact of their leadership.
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Slide Deck
IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way
Creating an Inclusive Culture for Students with IEPs in General Education Settings
For School Leaders
Welcome school leaders. Briefly introduce the topic and the purpose of the 15-minute session: discussing how to create inclusive cultures for students with IEPs in general education. You can use the hook question from the lesson plan: "When you think about 'inclusion' in your school, what immediately comes to mind?"
What is an Inclusive Culture?
- Belonging: Every student feels valued and accepted.
- Access: All students have the support needed to participate meaningfully.
- Equity: Fair opportunities for learning and growth.
- Collaboration: General and special education staff work together seamlessly.
- Differentiation: Instruction is adapted to meet diverse needs.
Facilitate a discussion: "What does an inclusive culture look like, sound like, and feel like in a general education classroom for students with IEPs?" Encourage leaders to share specific examples or observations. Guide them to think beyond just physical presence to genuine belonging and access.
Why Is it Important?
- Improved Academic Outcomes: Students with and without IEPs often show greater academic gains.
- Enhanced Social-Emotional Development: Fosters empathy, acceptance, and social skills for all.
- Positive School Climate: Creates a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
- Legal & Ethical Responsibility: Ensures compliance with IDEA and promotes educational equity.
- Prepares Students for Diverse World: Teaches students to navigate and appreciate differences.
Discuss the importance of inclusion. Ask: "Why is fostering an inclusive culture so vital, not just for students with IEPs, but for all students in our general education classrooms?" Highlight the benefits of diversity and varied perspectives for the entire student body.
Your Role in Leading Inclusion
- Vision & Communication: Clearly articulate the vision for inclusive education.
- Professional Development: Provide targeted training and ongoing support for staff.
- Resource Allocation: Ensure teachers have necessary materials and personnel.
- Collaborative Planning: Create structures for general and special educators to plan together.
- Celebrate Successes: Recognize and share examples of effective inclusive practices.
- Advocacy: Champion the needs of students with IEPs within the school community.
This slide focuses on actionable leadership. Ask: "What specific actions can school leaders take to model and champion inclusive practices?" and "How can we support our general education teachers in feeling confident and competent in working with students with IEPs?" Prompt them to think about resource allocation, professional development, and communication strategies.
Next Steps: Your Commitment
What is one actionable step you will take this week to foster a more inclusive culture for students with IEPs in your school's general education settings?
Conclude the session by asking each leader to commit to one actionable step they will take. "What is one concrete action you will take in the next week to further an inclusive culture for students with IEPs in your school?" Ask a few leaders to share their commitments to build accountability and share ideas.
Script
IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Script
Introduction & Hook (2 minutes)
(Teacher says): "Good morning, everyone! Thank you for joining me today. We're here to talk about something incredibly important: creating a truly inclusive culture for all our students, especially those with Individualized Education Programs, right in our general education classrooms. We'll be focusing on how we, as school leaders, can champion this."
"To kick us off, when you think about 'inclusion' in your school, what immediately comes to mind? Just a quick thought or a word."
(Allow for 2-3 brief responses. Acknowledge and affirm their input.)
"Excellent points. Today, we'll dive deeper into what that means specifically for our students with IEPs and how we can ensure their experience in general education is truly enriching."
Understanding Inclusive Culture (5 minutes)
(Teacher says): "Let's start by defining what an inclusive culture truly entails. Take a look at this slide."
(Display IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck - Slide 2: What is an Inclusive Culture?)
"Based on these points – belonging, access, equity, collaboration, and differentiation – what does this look like, sound like, and feel like in a general education classroom? How do these elements play out in the daily lives of students and teachers?"
(Facilitate a short discussion, encouraging leaders to connect the concepts to concrete classroom scenarios.)
"Now, let's consider why this isn't just a 'nice to have,' but an essential part of our educational mission."
(Display IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck - Slide 3: Why is it Important?)
"Beyond the legal mandates, what are the tangible benefits you've seen, or anticipate seeing, when inclusion is genuinely embraced in a school? Think about benefits for all students, not just those with IEPs."
(Allow for discussion, emphasizing that inclusion benefits the entire school community.)
Leader's Role in Inclusion (5 minutes)
(Teacher says): "Our role as leaders is absolutely pivotal in shaping this culture. Let's explore how we can actively lead this charge."
(Display IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck - Slide 4: Your Role in Leading Inclusion)
"Looking at these areas – vision, professional development, resources, collaboration, celebration, and advocacy – what specific actions can each of us, as school leaders, take to model and champion inclusive practices in our buildings? And critically, how can we best support our general education teachers so they feel confident, competent, and empowered to work effectively with students with IEPs?"
(Encourage sharing of best practices and challenges, facilitating a solution-oriented conversation.)
Commitment & Wrap-Up (3 minutes)
(Teacher says): "As we wrap up, I want us to think about moving from discussion to action. Our commitment today will drive real change."
(Display IEP Inclusion: Leading the Way Slide Deck - Slide 5: Next Steps: Your Commitment)
"I'd like each of you to silently reflect for a moment and commit to one actionable step you will take in the next week to promote an inclusive culture for students with IEPs in your school's general education settings. It could be small, but it should be concrete."
(Pause for reflection.)
"Would anyone like to briefly share their commitment? This can inspire others and create a sense of collective purpose."
(Allow 2-3 leaders to share.)
"Thank you all for your thoughtful participation and your dedication to our students. Your leadership in fostering an inclusive environment is invaluable, and together, we can ensure every student feels they belong and can thrive. Have a great day!"