The main ideas of the book:
- The research is clear: to provide equitable learning opportunities for all, schools must actively include students with disabilities alongside their peers in general education settings.
- School leaders don’t need a degree in special education to lead their school toward more equitable and inclusive education for all, but they do need to watch, listen, ask questions, and learn all they can about the law and research-backed practices.
Why I chose this book:
The school leaders I engage with in my work believe deeply in the principles of equity and inclusion. They became educators to serve all students, and they strive to live this out in their schools each day. They don’t lack commitment to their students or the desire to make their schools the best they can be for each and every child. But one thing many of them do lack is a strong background in special education. They want school to be an equitable and inclusive place for every kid, including those with disabilities, but they never got much explicit instruction in how to make that a reality.
If you find yourself wondering how you can make your school an environment where all students with special needs are included and supported, then this book is for you. It’s got the what you need to know, the how you need to act on that knowledge, and the research to back it up. I believe it will inspire you and give you the tools you need to lead your school in the direction of full inclusion.
