The Inclusion Toolbox

Jennifer A. Kurth, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas. Her academic interests include methods of implementing inclusive education, including methods of embedding critical instruction within the context and routines of general education while providing appropriate supports and services for individual learners. She also studies how teacher candidates develop their dispositions and skills in inclusive practices. Jennifer's research interests in inclusive education also include examining outcomes of inclusion in terms of skill development and quality of life indicators for students with disabilities. Prior to coming to the university, Jennifer was an inclusion facilitator for students with mild to severe disabilities at both the elementary and secondary levels. Megan Gross is a special education teacher in San Diego, California. She has taught and facilitated inclusion for students at both the elementary and secondary level. Her professional interests include developing curricular modifications to increase student access to general education and facilitating professional development for paraprofessionals. Megan has presented at regional and national conferences and has previously published an article in The Journal of the International Association of Special Education.

List of Pictures Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Part I: Setting Up Inclusive Education 1. Introduction to Inclusion What is inclusive education? What is successful inclusion? How do I start an inclusion program? How do I maintain an inclusion program? What are the tools in this book? Why is this book divided into three parts? 2. Leadership for Inclusive Schools What Inclusive Education Leadership Looks Like Advocating for Students and Inclusion Demonstrating Excellence Developing a Vision for Students and Inclusive Education Conclusion 3. Supporting Paraeducators to Facilitate Inclusive Education Hiring New Paraeducators Preparing a Newly Hired Paraeducator Creating Staff Binders Staff Binder Organization Communicating With Paraeducators Evaluating Paraeducators Conclusion 4. Scheduling for Successful Inclusion Strategies for Scheduling the IEP Meeting Developing Student Schedules Developing Comprehensive Student Schedules Developing Staff Schedules Substitute Schedules Conclusion Part II: Implementing Inclusive Education 5. Implementing Inclusive Instruction Collaboration Strategies to Implement the IEP Grading Students in Inclusive Settings Embedded Instruction Inclusive Instructional Plans Data Collection and Progress Monitoring Conclusion 6. Engaging Students and Families Introduction Person-Centered Planning Family Involvement Home-School Communication Engaging Families in Preparing for the IEP Ability Awareness Conclusion 7. Collaborating With General Educators and Related Services Providers Communicating IEP Information Determining Team Member Roles Identifying Roles in the Classroom Communicating About Curriculum Communicating About a Student's Day Troubleshooting Collaboration Conclusion 8. Social Facilitation Strategies for Inclusive Settings Peer Involvement and Age-Appropriateness Social Inclusion Strategies (Elementary) Social Inclusion Strategies (Secondary) What to Do If the School Doesn't Offer an Activity That Is Accessible or Interesting to a Student Strategies for Accommodating Student Involvement Conclusion 9. Academic Access and Participation General Adaptations and Universal Design Creating Specific Adaptations Develop a List of Common Needs: Adaptations Checklist In-Advance Adaptations What About "On-the-Fly" Adaptations? So What Is a "Good" Adaptation? Conclusion 10. Supporting Positive Behavior in Inclusive Settings Functional Behavior Analysis Behavior Intervention Plan Reinforcement Token Economy Systems Behavior Support Strategies Self-Monitoring Conclusion 11. Transition Planning Transitioning to a New Teacher or School Transitioning to Elementary School Transitioning to Middle School Transitioning to High School Inclusive Community-Based Instruction What does IDEA say? Developing an ITP Educating Parents Implementing ITPs Conclusion Part III: Expanding Inclusive Practices 12. Co-Teaching Co-Teaching Models Starting a Co-Teaching Relationship Day-to-Day Implementation of Co-Teaching Plans for Problem Solving Conclusion 13. Peer Supports What Are Peer Supports? Cross-Age Tutors Peer Tutors Matching Tutors and Tutees Conclusion 14. Student-Led IEPs Rationales for Student-Led IEPs Strategies for Parents Strategies for Educators Strategies to Prepare for the Meeting Strategies During the Meeting Strategies After the Meeting Conclusion Rationales for Inclusive Related Services 15. Inclusive Related Services Strategies for Related Service Providers Strategies for Educators Strategies for Parents Conclusion 16. Concluding Thoughts Fuel for the Journey Food for Thought References Index Tools Appendix Resources Appendix

"Planning an IEP? Need to provide more support for your paraeducators? Unsure of how to get everyone on the same page when it comes to adaptations and modifications? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need this book. All of these topics and more are covered in the pages of this practical, resource-rich text. The Inclusion Toolkit will undoubtedly be the new go-to manual for any stakeholder interested in creating high-quality schools for all students. If you are looking to for answers beyond the "why" and the "what" of teaching diverse learners, look no further than this powerful how-to guide written by two savvy educators who clearly understand the research and the practices associated with inclusive education in today's K-12 schools." -- Paula Kluth, Educational Consultant "Jennifer and Megan have managed to take more than thirty years of research on effective inclusive practices and put it into a practical and engaging format. Their "can-do" spirit is sure to motivate those new to these practices. This is an amazingly comprehensive toolbox for those with and without experience in implementing inclusive practices!" -- Susan Unok Marks, Professor "For schools looking to implement inclusion or improve the way students are served, The Inclusion Toolbox is a must read. The strategies and real-life ideas are great tools for helping teachers and kids become their best." -- Pam Wall, Guidance Counselor "New teachers as well as seasoned teachers can learn from this book. Seasoned teachers might be using some of these practices outlined in the book. but might not have the organizational tools provided. This book offers excellent "hands-on" tools. It also offers many practical suggestions to deal with "road blocks" along the way. I see these as workable no matter the school district or school one finds oneself working in." -- Gretchen Gall, Instructor & Instructional Assistant/Paraeducator Program "This is a text that is ALL about steps and what comes first and then what next. No one could read this and not understand how to plan and implement inclusion in a classroom. The previous experiences of the authors giving workshops has impacted the design and writing to ensure a smooth transition into practice." -- Sherry Markel, Associate Professor "This book provides a great blend of resources, practical experience, and best research in the field in an easily understood format. This is an area that I have been immersed in for over thirty years. It is impressive to see such a well written and valuable resource that can be used by a wide audience of users to better meet the needs of so many learners." -- Barb Keating, Educational Consultant "I am so impressed with this book. It is loaded with information and practical tools that are valuable for all professionals. This is a must-have resource for educators." -- Margie DeLong, Special Education Specialist