Think Inclusive

About the Guest(s): Christina Kasprzak and Dr. Megan Vinh are the Co-Directors of the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA). Christina brings her expertise in leading initiatives to develop equitable and sustainable state systems for children with disabilities and their families. Her personal connection to the cause comes from a family that valued community and respect for all, emphasizing the importance of education in life. Dr. Megan Vinh's drive is equally personal, vaulting from family experiences into a professional passion for inclusion as a human right. She co-directs not just ECTA, but also the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE) center, championing proactive and inclusive STEM learning for young children.Episode Summary: In a candid conversation with Tim Villegas, Christina Kasprzak and Megan Vinh discuss their role in shaping inclusive educational systems for early childhood. The episode begins with an exploration into the work ECTA does in supporting state administrators and educators. With a heartwarming emphasis on equitable access, these leaders exemplify the importance of building an all-embracing infrastructure from policy to practice.Christina and Megan delve into the tools and resources provided by ECTA that supports practitioners and families directly, such as the DEC recommended practices guides and family-friendly video materials. As they reveal challenges in creating inclusive systems, including the need for de-siloing state departments, they reaffirm the proven benefits of inclusion for children both with and without disabilities.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/Vz2ZPx3GpJO_iB8HGeqX51SI9e4Key Takeaways:ECTA predominantly supports state administrators in improving early intervention and preschool special education programs, advocating for all-encompassing and effective practices.Both guests emphasize the profound personal and professional belief in the power and necessity of inclusive education for every child.Christina and Megan discuss the practical tools ECTA offers, which are popular with professionals and families.Inclusion benefits all children, and dismantling myths around it is essential to its advocacy and implementation.The guests point out that everyone has a role to play in advocating for inclusion, and change is possible when people at every level of the system lead from their positions.Resources:ECTA Center: https://ectacenter.org/Practice Improvement Tools: https://ectacenter.org/decrp/Indicators of High-Quality Inclusion: https://ectacenter.org/topics/inclusion/indicators.aspState Examples for Inclusion: https://ectacenter.org/topics/inclusion/stateexamples.aspMCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

About the Guest(s): Allie Tasche is an advocate and leader in the field of inclusive education. With over a decade of experience that includes six years as a classroom educator followed by various coaching and administrative leadership roles, Allie has specialized in systems-level practices for educational equity. Her background includes working in summer camps, group homes, classrooms, and school districts, all with a focus on disability justice and inclusion. Allie has also served as a board member of her local Autism Society, Greater Wisconsin, and currently plays a crucial role within the national team of the Autism Society as the leader of national programs for an affiliate network.Episode Summary: This episode of the Think Inclusive podcast features a fascinating conversation with Allie Tasche, an impassioned advocate for inclusive education and a key player at the Autism Society. The episode delves into Allie's personal journey, the significance of inclusion in education, and the Autism Society's effort to empower communities. Tim Villegas, the host, and Allie discuss her formative experiences and dedication to creating an inclusive environment, stemming from her family background and firsthand encounters with disability service fields. Allie highlights key insights on the Autism Society's initiatives and strategies for promoting acceptance over awareness.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/IVFhGZyI4mI53yBCPUyR74pLyNAKey Takeaways:Inclusive education is deeply personal and vital for Allie Tasche, inspired by her family's history and experiences that sparked a commitment to disability justice.The Autism Society has progressed from an old brand that no longer represented its values to a new interconnected threads logo symbolizing the autism community's diversity and strength.Inclusive practices in schools are crucial for building a foundation for a more inclusive society across various community settings.Educators play an essential role in modeling and implementing inclusive practices beyond the classroom environment, influencing other sectors of the community.The Autism Society's National Programs team, led by Allie, is dedicated to filling community gaps by highlighting intersectionality and creating connections through programs, resources, and services.Resources:The Autism Society: https://autismsociety.org/Eric Carter's Ten Dimensions of Belonging: https://promotingprogress.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/Fostering_Belonging_Handout.pdfShelly Moore's Five P's: https://youtu.be/u7FWSMekshcPaul Gorski's Fix Injustice Not Kids Principle: https://www.ascd.org/books/fix-injustice-not-kidsMCIE: https://www.mcie.org

About the Guest(s): Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke is an esteemed figure in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) community, particularly in the realm of game-based learning. With a background enriched by working on the space shuttle program for its first 25 missions, she has been pivotal in linking computational thinking and neurodiversity, offering unique insights into the talents that neurodivergent learners bring to STEM problem-solving. Asbell-Clarke holds a wealth of experience and has dedicated her career to advancing equity and opportunities in STEM education through innovative methods such as educational gaming. She is a key member of the Educational Gaming Environments group (Edge) at TERC, a non-profit dedicated to STEM education.Episode Summary: Join us on the Think Inclusive Podcast as we delve into the fascinating intersection of STEM education, game-based learning, and neurodiversity with our guest, Jodi Asbell-Clarke. With an intriguing blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode offers a deep dive into the ways educators can foster inclusive STEM classrooms that empower all learners, including those who are neurodivergent.Asbell-Clarke shares her journey from being a student with a keen interest in math, thanks to a dedicated teacher, to her work on groundbreaking educational games that unlock the potential of neurodivergent learners. This conversation traverses topics from computational thinking to the transformative educational power of project-based learning, presenting novel approaches to teaching that emphasize inclusivity, differentiation, and executive function support.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/YwCjtk2WqRqgjOS9E-llrBEiskcKey Takeaways:The link between computational thinking skills and the natural talents of neurodivergent learners can create strong competencies in STEM fields.Game-based learning can serve as a gateway to STEM for students who may not traditionally engage with these subjects, leading to improved learning outcomes.Including neurodiversity in STEM education is not about remediation but rather about leveraging individual strengths to foster a community of skilled problem-solvers.Differentiated instruction and multiple entry points into learning activities can help address the diverse needs of students in a STEM classroom.Project-based learning and games like Portal offer powerful frameworks for engrossing students in STEM education while nurturing critical thinking skills.Resources:Educational Gaming Environments group (Edge): https://www.terc.edu/edge/Zoombinis game: Available in the App StoreJodi Asbell-Clarke's book: https://www.routledge.com/Reaching-and-Teaching-Neurodivergent-Learners-in-STEM-Strategies-for-Embracing-Uniquely-Talented-Problem-Solvers/Asbell-Clarke/p/book/9781032562476Education Week Article: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/inside-a-school-that-doesnt-single-out-students-with-special-needs/2024/04Thank you to our sponsor for this week and the month of April: https://autismsociety.org/MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

About the Guest(s): Savitha Sundar, an Occupational Therpaist and Ph.D. candidate, specializes in inclusive practices for students with Extensive Support Needs. With over 15 years in public schools, she’s a champion for inclusive education, leveraging her OT expertise to foster access and participation. At Texas Woman’s University, she mentors future OTs and teaches as an adjunct faculty member. Savitha also serves as the Partnerships Officer at Changing Perspectives, promoting social-emotional learning. She also hosts the podcast “Inclusive Occupations,” inspiring the creation of inclusive communities for children and youth with disabilities.Episode Summary: In this episode of Think Inclusive, Savitha and Tim discuss the nuances of including students with extensive support needs in general education. Savitha unpacks her transition from a traditional understanding of educational practices to pioneering inclusive education methodologies. Her commitment to nurturing social contexts that facilitate the engagement and growth of children with disabilities shines through as she retells experiences that reshaped her professional trajectory. Leveraging her background as an occupational therapist, Savitha passionately argues for a system-wide approach, where therapists go beyond addressing motor skills to facilitate comprehensive participation and inclusion within educational settings—making her a vital voice in the call for an educational paradigm shift. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/WDLWvC8bUiQyl5cXpSDydSh9ag4Key Takeaways:Occupational therapy can play a significant role in inclusive education, especially when focusing on social contexts.True social inclusion cannot be separated from academic inclusion, as interpersonal relationships entail community participation within an educational environment.Participation specialists, a role occupational therapists can embody, actively work against exclusion and for authentic inclusion in education.Utilizing occupational therapists as supplementary services in schools can open pathways for more effective universal design learning and inclusive practices.Hands-on examples demonstrate the potential impact of occupational therapy beyond traditional applications, enhancing engagement for students with extensive support needs in general education.Resources:Inclusive Occupations: https://pod.link/15400741358 Ways Your School Might Be Doing Inclusion Wrong: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/8-ways-your-school-might-be-doing-inclusion-wrong/Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, the Autism Society: https://autismsociety.org/MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

About the Guest(s): Dr. Leah M. Kelley is a storyteller, writer, activist, teacher educator, education consultant, and parent who identifies as neurodivergent and otherwise disabled. She was a K-12 public school teacher for over 25 years and has extensive experience supporting inclusion. Her newly published book, “The Person Who Arrives: Connecting Disability Studies to Educational Practice for Teachers, Parents, and Others,” evolved from her doctoral research, which she completed at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. She is currently working as an adjunct professor in the faculty of education - teacher education program at UBC (University of British Columbia) and guest lecturing colleges and other programs and organizations such as CASE (The Canadian Association for Supported Employment). Dr. Kelley’s work focuses on connecting disability studies in education (DSE) to educational practice, strength-based perspectives for supporting neurodiversity, addressing ableism, inclusive practices and pedagogy, and cultivating advocacy. Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, Leah Kelley joins Tim Villegas for a profound discussion on the intersections of storytelling, education, and disability advocacy. Right from the onset, the conversation delves into Leah's unique approach to writing and her pursuit of inclusivity through narratives. The dialogue transitions into exploring the importance of whose story is being told when discussing disability and how storytelling serves as a potent tool for learning and connection.The episode further delves into Leah’s recently published book, which embodies her dedication to inclusion, her disruptive approach to traditional academic formatting, and her belief in the power of bringing diverse voices to the forefront. Touching on topics ranging from relationships being central to learning to questioning stereotypical notions of disability, Leah challenges conventional thought with her ideas of radical acceptance and the continuous process of arrival in educational and personal contexts.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/TmXEj6c9L3__xIMls4ZJ4c9gVKcKey Takeaways:Storytelling as an Invitational Tool: Leah emphasizes the power of storytelling in altering perspectives and engaging with complex ideas.Whose Story Is It Anyway: The conversation highlights the critical analysis of whose stories are being told, especially in the context of disability.Radical Acceptance and Arrival: Leah explains how radical acceptance of individuals and the concept of continuous arrival are intertwined in educational environments.Disability as Normal: The episode addresses the stigma and language surrounding disability, advocating for acceptance and understanding of disability as a natural human variation.Relational Approach to Education: The exchange reaffirms that nurturing relationships are at the core of inclusion, learning, and advocacy.Resources:Leah Kelley's Book: https://a.co/d/esG2PWKFacebook Group - Parenting Autistic Children with Love and Acceptance: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingAutisticChildrenWithLoveAcceptance30 Days of Autism: https://30daysofautism.blog/Thanks to our sponsor, the Autism Society: https://autismsociety.org/

About the Guest(s): Sharon M. Draper is an accomplished author and educator, widely recognized for her contribution to young adult literature. Her career as an English teacher spanned over 30 years, engaging with students from sixth to twelfth grade. Draper's literary portfolio includes books that address diverse and compelling topics, with "Out of My Mind" being among her most notable works. She's won awards, including the prestigious Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. With her lifelong devotion to creating profound connections with young readers through her writing, she has touched numerous lives and inspired countless individuals.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, we are joined by Sharon Draper, an exceptional voice in middle-grade literature whose books have captivated readers around the globe. Draper takes us behind the scenes of her creative process during the conversation, sharing the inspirations and challenges that shape her memorable characters and their stories. The episode begins with a deep dive into Draper's most beloved character, Melody, from the "Out of My Mind" series. The audience is given a unique window into Melody's world, exploring self-acceptance, belonging, and disability representation. Draper outlines her meticulous approach to research, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in crafting a character like Melody, who has cerebral palsy and navigates a myriad of personal and social challenges.We hear about Melody's growth and journey as she searches for acceptance both within herself and in the society around her. The conversation touches on Melody's experiences in summer camp in "Out of My Heart," her friendships, and her quest for inclusion. The episode concludes with an exciting teaser about the upcoming third book in the series, where Melody's adventures will take her out of the country, and Draper's personal stance on the critical issue of book banning.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/4OjP10FCk_IT0clQqtXndRcQ0PAKey Takeaways:Sharon Draper's long teaching career and journey into writing began with a challenge from a student and led to the publishing of numerous impactful books for young readers.Draper emphasizes the importance of realistic character development, particularly when addressing disabilities in literature.In "Out of My Heart," Melody's character faces new challenges and experiences, such as summer camp, fostering themes of friendship and acceptance.There's an exciting anticipation for the third book in the "Out of My Mind" series, where Melody will continue to break barriers and undertake new adventures.Draper strongly opposes the current trend of book banning and advocates for the freedom to read and access to diverse literature.Sharon M Draper: https://www.sharondraper.com/MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

About the Guest(s): Ken Posner is a passionate advocate for the therapeutic benefits of natural stimulation and mindfulness, particularly through the practice of going barefoot as part of the "Barefoot Autism Challenge." Although not a professional runner, Ken's fervor for barefoot running, stemming from the energy and joy it offers, has led him to adopt it as a lifestyle choice. With an awareness of neurodiversity and its intersections with physical activities, he champions the experience of going barefoot for both neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals, emphasizing the grounding and process-enhancing aspects it offers.Episode Summary: Ken Posner delves into the fascinating world of barefoot living and its unique connection to the autistic community. Ken shares the origins and experiences of the Barefoot Autism Challenge, a movement initiated by Tyler Leach that endeavors to provide sensory stimulation and support for individuals with autism.Discover how Ken's own journey into barefoot hiking and running led him to a deeper understanding of natural stimulation and its effect on processing environmental cues, a phenomenon highly valued among many within the neurodiverse population. The episode illustrates the diverse reactions people have towards going barefoot, ranging from intrigue to disconnect, and highlights the importance of breaking away from conformist behaviors and embracing individuality.Listeners will also be inspired by Ken's running experiences and his comparisons between the discipline of long-distance running and the progression towards more inclusive educational environments. Running is not just an individual sport for Ken, but a powerful metaphor for continuous improvement and the mindfulness required to tackle complex societal issues one step at a time.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/DfGaq9XImw-9ztUevoR7TAIOMDYKey Takeaways:The Barefoot Autism Challenge is a movement that encourages natural stimulation and grounding for autistic individuals, who may process sensations differently from neurotypical people.Responses to going barefoot vary widely, shedding light on societal norms and the value of accepting non-conformist practices.Neurodivergence can offer unique perspectives that benefit society by challenging the status quo and reintroducing lost natural practices like going barefoot.The full mind-body engagement offered by running and being barefoot is a critical aspect of self-management, mindfulness, and achieving a sense of personal accomplishment.Running can serve as an allegory for tackling educational and organizational challenges, emphasizing the importance of taking things one step at a time and embracing the journey toward inclusivity.Resources:Barefoot Autism Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/BarefootAutismChallengeKen Posner: https://www.barefootken.com/MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

About the Guest(s): Thomas R. Guskey, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the College of Education, University of Kentucky. A University of Chicago graduate and former middle school teacher, he served as an administrator in Chicago Public Schools and was the first Director of the Center for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning, a national educational research center. He is author/editor of twenty-eight books and over three hundred published articles and book chapters. His most recent books include Engaging Parents and Families in Grading Reforms, Implementing Mastery Learning, and Instructional Feedback.Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Dr. Thomas Guskey delves into the complexities of traditional grading systems and explores the potential of standards-based grading to revolutionize how learners are evaluated. The episode kicks off with Dr. Guskey discussing the gaps between grading knowledge and practices and how the reliance on traditional models has impacted education.The heart of the conversation centers on how existing grading practices, like grading on a curve, do not accurately reflect student learning. Dr. Guskey clarifies this with historical context and emphasizes the need for grading to be based on what students actually learn. He also critiques the reliance on percentage-based grading systems, urging for a shift towards standards-based evaluations that highlight the actual competencies of students across various subjects.Key points discussed include the prerequisites for implementing standards-based grading, the meaning and applications of grade adaptations for exceptional learners, and the necessity for transparency in learning goals. Dr. Guskey also underscores the importance of separating academic achievement from behaviors like class participation and homework completion to provide a clearer picture of student learning.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ueqeCXqwukNLCiEOW9qwRcK64DAKey Takeaways:Traditional grading systems are often misaligned with the body of research available on effective grading practices.Innovative solutions like standards-based grading can offer transparency and clarity around student competencies.Moving away from grading on a curve can reduce competitiveness while emphasizing true learning outcomes.Clearly defined learning goals and transparent practices can diminish test anxiety and guessing games in assessments.Accommodations and modifications in grading should be tailored to the individual needs of exceptional learners without stigma or value judgments.Resources:Website: https://tguskey.com/MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/Thanks to Brookes Publishing for being a sponsor this season: https://brookespublishing.com/ (Win a free book: https://bit.ly/brookes-0324)

Hi Friends. Tim Villegas here from the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. This week, we have a feed drop from a fantastic podcast, Learn with Dr. Emily. Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist and former school psychologist specializing in raising and teaching children and teens diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and/or giftedness. Each week, she shares her thoughts on a topic related to psychology, parenting, education, or parent-teacher collaboration. The episode I’m going to share with you today features Dr. Tina Payne Bryson discussing the concept of attachment and its significance in child development, emphasizing the role of parents in providing secure attachment, regulating children's emotional and physiological states, approaching discipline as a teaching process, supporting neurodivergent children, and trusting the non-linear developmental process. While this information was directed toward parents, educators can learn a lot from this conversation. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/_6P_fEb1oTNzszG_QM_sR0pfTP8Learn with Dr. Emily: https://pod.link/1639929216This episode is sponsored by Bookshare: https://www.bookshare.org/