Think Inclusive

MCIE
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Think Inclusive

Think Inclusive brings you conversations about inclusive education and what inclusion looks like in the real world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Building Bridges: How Leaders Can Truly Connect and Cultivate Belonging with Alida Miranda-Wolff

    7 HR. AGO

    Building Bridges: How Leaders Can Truly Connect and Cultivate Belonging with Alida Miranda-Wolff

    About the Guest(s): Alida Miranda-Wolff is an accomplished diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) practitioner. She is a three-time guest on the Think Inclusive podcast, showcasing her expertise in cultivating inclusive cultures. Alida is the founder and CEO of Ethos, a full-service DEIB and employee advocacy firm, serving a multitude of clients worldwide. She is also the host of the podcast "Care Work with Alida Miranda Wolff" and has written two bestselling books with HarperCollins: "Cultures of Belonging: Building Inclusive Organizations that Last" and "The First Time Manager: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion." Episode Summary: In this episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Alida Miranda-Wolff, focusing on creating inclusive environments within educational systems. Alida's seasoned knowledge as a DEIB practitioner provides valuable insights into the necessity of having diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront of leadership strategies in schools. This episode is tailored for those in educational leadership, offering tangible actions for fostering inclusivity and belonging among teachers, students, and administrators. The discussion traverses the strategic application of DEIB principles aimed at empowering school leaders and managers, defining the nuanced difference between leadership and management, and addressing potential resistance to inclusive practices in contemporary educational settings. By weaving Alida's experiences and actionable insights into the narrative, the episode creates a robust framework for educational leaders to build a culture of belonging and address the recent controversies around DEIB practices. Filled with enlightening reflections and actionable strategies, the episode is essential listening for anyone involved in organizational leadership or educational management. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/O2TB1lIc3jb6l2xqhiasZ1NJDbw Key Takeaways: Leaders and managers have distinct roles; understanding the difference is crucial in fostering school inclusivity.Modeling growth-oriented behaviors and offering employees care are essential habits for building inclusive school environments.Challenging conversations and transparency in leadership pave the way for effective inclusivity practices.Understanding and addressing resistance to DEIB initiatives involve acknowledging underlying fears in change and loss of status or autonomy.Achieving true inclusivity in schools means focusing primarily on the needs of students and then accommodating teachers and staff accordingly. Resources: Alida Miranda-Wolff: https://alidamirandawolff.com/Ethos: https://www.ethostalent.com/Alida's books: "Cultures of Belonging: Building Inclusive Organizations that Last" and "The First Time Manager: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" (available where books are sold)MCIE: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/alida-miranda-wolff-belonging-leadership/ (find Alida's previous appearances on the podcast here) Thank you to our sponsor, IXL: https://ixl.com/inclusive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  2. Inclusion Stories ~ Chapter Five: An Experiment in Hope

    12/26/2024

    Inclusion Stories ~ Chapter Five: An Experiment in Hope

    Tim Villegas shares his experiences with inclusive education and the obstacles he faced while attempting to implement it in non-inclusive school systems. He shares the story of Damian, a student with multiple disabilities who was included with the assistance of a paraprofessional. However, Tim realizes that this approach was not true inclusion and failed to address the systemic issues that resulted in segregation in the first place. Tim has a conversation with a former colleague about the impact one teacher can have on changing a system from within. He also discusses the progress and challenges faced by Sevi, Harper, and Natalia, three students with disabilities whose families have been advocating for inclusive education. Finally, Tim concludes with some hopeful discussions with future educators and the real question everyone should be asking themselves. This is part five of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Listen to the entire series on your favorite podcast player or go to https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/inclusion-stories/. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/JM-lQu_nfi6qoaJ3BAQkvvoH2rc Thank you to our sponsors! Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/ Roots of Inclusion: https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/ Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: https://www.copaa.org/ Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx iSecurePrivacy The White Family The Teague Family Support by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Club 21 in Pasadena, CA. Music Theme & End Credits: The Light by Greg Drews and The Truth Donate https://secure.givelively.org/donate/maryland-coalition-for-inclusive-education-inc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m
  3. 'The Other Kids': A Conversation about Inclusion, Trauma, and Behavior with Alex Shevrin Venet

    12/05/2024

    'The Other Kids': A Conversation about Inclusion, Trauma, and Behavior with Alex Shevrin Venet

    About the Guest(s): Alex Shevrin Venet: Alex is an educator, consultant, and author known for her work in trauma-informed and equity-centered education. She has authored "Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education" and "Becoming an Everyday Change Maker." With a background in therapeutic school settings, Alex now focuses on teacher development, school consulting, and writing. She is dedicated to empowering educators to create inclusive and equitable learning environments. Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, host Tim Villegas welcomes Alex Shevrin Venet to discuss pressing issues in education surrounding inclusive and trauma-informed practices. Tim and Alex delve into the ramifications of exclusionary classroom settings, the role of educators as change makers, and the imperative to place equity at the center of educational approaches. This engaging conversation provides valuable insights for educators seeking to foster inclusive environments. Throughout the discussion, Alex shares her experiences and insights about the challenges and opportunities within the education system. They highlight the systemic issues stemming from segregated special education settings and how educators can empower themselves to become everyday change makers. Alex emphasizes the importance of stepping into one's role within the educational system, acknowledging individual strengths and areas for influence while advocating for systemic change. Her discussion on trauma-informed education suggests a shift away from behaviorism to a more holistic and equity-centered approach. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/F4rhCJCaeQUg8FBAo0DUMy7FlBg Key Takeaways: Becoming a Change Maker: Educators can create change within their spheres of influence, starting small and building momentum for inclusive education.Equity-Centered Approaches: Alex emphasizes the need to integrate equity into trauma-informed educational practices.Challenges of Behaviorism: The systemic reliance on behaviorist approaches needs reevaluation, with a focus on empowering students rather than just managing behavior.Building Inclusive Communities: Segregated systems often prevent authentic community building; all students benefit when differences are embraced.Strategic Change Advocacy: In politically charged environments, educators need to be strategic about advocating for equity and inclusive practices. Resources: What about the other kids in the room? https://www.unconditionallearning.org/blog/the-other-kids-in-the-room Unconditional Learning: https://www.unconditionallearning.org/ Donate to MCIE: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Donate Thank you to our sponsor, IXL: https://www.ixl.com/inclusive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  4. Inclusion Stories ~ Chapter One: It Is a Long Story

    11/25/2024 · BONUS

    Inclusion Stories ~ Chapter One: It Is a Long Story

    Carolina and Jaiker share their journey of advocating for inclusive education for their daughter Natalia, who has Down syndrome. They discuss the challenges they faced in navigating the special education system and their decision to remove Natalia from special education services. They highlight the importance of inclusive education and the positive impact it has had on Natalia's development and happiness. The episode also features insights from Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland, where inclusive practices are the norm. This is part one of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Listen to the rest of Inclusion Stories: https://shows.acast.com/inclusion-stories Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/I61Kqa0ABSDbl7RMgbVGFOfwMHA Resources: The Segregation of Students with Disabilities (National Council on Disability): https://ncd.gov/sites/default/files/NCD_Segregation-SWD_508.pdf Cecil County Public Schools: https://www.ccps.org/ Thank you to our sponsors! Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/ Roots of Inclusion: https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/ Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: https://www.copaa.org/ Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx iSecurePrivacy The White Family The Teague Family Support was provided by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Club 21 in Pasadena, California. Music Theme: The Light by Greg Drews and The Truth End Credits: Stella's Rhumba by Marcus Gerakos MCIE: Website: https://www.mcie.org/ Since 1988, MCIE has equipped over 200 schools in 25 school districts across the country to include children and youth who are at the greatest risk of exclusion. Your gift directly impacts our ability to develop resources and support educators and families as they work to create authentic inclusive experiences for all learners that result in a sense of belonging, engagement with peers, friendships, and learning grade level content. Donate: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/maryland-coalition-for-inclusive-education-inc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  5. Sonic Rebels: How Reynols Shatters Stereotypes with Every Note

    11/21/2024

    Sonic Rebels: How Reynols Shatters Stereotypes with Every Note

    About the Guest(s): Alan Courtis is an Argentine experimental musician known for his work with the band Reynols. Founded in 1993, the band is distinctive in the experimental rock scene, especially since its lead singer, Miguel Tomasin, has Down syndrome. Courtis has collaborated broadly in the music industry, contributing significantly to avant-garde and noise music. He continues to challenge conventional boundaries by creating innovative musical experiences and focusing on inclusivity within the music world. Episode Summary: In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas navigates us through a fascinating conversation with Alan Courtis from the groundbreaking Argentine band Reynolds. Broadcasting from Marietta, Georgia, while on a vinyl hunting expedition, Tim introduces us to the profound and inspiring story of Miguel Tomasin, a musician with Down syndrome leading a band renowned for its experimental sounds. Courtis dives into the journey and evolution of Reynols, shedding light on how this unique band rose to prominence and discusses the nuances of creating art that transcends conventional expectations. Focusing on inclusivity and diversity in music, the discussion uncovers the band's philosophy of allowing Miguel to drive their creative pursuits. Despite initial skepticism from critics, Reynols has sustained a remarkable 30-year career by creating music that defies typical categorization, enabling audiences to indulge in an unparalleled auditory experience. Alan highlights the importance of embracing the unpredictability of their music-making process and the artistic value this brings. Listeners are encouraged to not only appreciate but also learn from the inclusivity and innovation championed by Reynols. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/HEU8KnWUGSpDbnvPY7g20fu_uWc Key Takeaways: Reynols band, led by a musician with Down syndrome, creates experimental rock music that defies conventions and embraces unpredictability.The band values Miguel's unique contributions, emphasizing creativity and innovation gained from letting him guide their musical journey.Inclusive art forms can drive significant cultural change and challenge societal norms surrounding disability.Despite facing criticism, Reynols has sustained a 30-year career due to their commitment to breaking musical barriers.Alan Courtis emphasizes living in the present and leveraging individual talents to enrich artistic expression. Resources: Reynols on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minecxio/ Reynols on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reynols_oficial/ New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/world/americas/argentina-miguel-tomasin-drummer.html?unlocked_article_code=1.bU4.V4Mi.IOKr7TTILPry&smid=url-share Reynols “Manorla Acuplemo”: https://youtu.be/XqHzgU9czQM?si=yAMwFLffe3kpJLaj Thanks to our sponsor, IXL: https://ixl.com/inclusive MCIE: https://mcie.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  6. Exploring Virtual Education's Potential for Inclusive Learning Environments

    11/14/2024

    Exploring Virtual Education's Potential for Inclusive Learning Environments

    About the Guest(s): Alexis Thomason is an accomplished virtual art instructor at the Pearson Georgia Connections Academy. She has a robust background in teaching, having spent 25 years in various educational roles. Initially starting her career in middle school education with certifications in K-12 art and language arts for grades 4 through 8, Alexis transitioned to the virtual teaching sphere following her enriching experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is known for her dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging educational environment that benefits all learners, including those with disabilities. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, host Tim Villegas explores the realm of virtual education alongside guest Alexis Thomason from the Georgia Connections Academy. This episode dives deep into the possibilities and challenges of providing inclusive education in an entirely virtual setup. With the rapid transition to online schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, many educators faced the challenge of adapting their teaching methods. Alexis shares her journey from traditional classroom teaching to becoming a virtual art educator and discusses how online education can be a viable and inclusive option for students, especially those with disabilities. As virtual education becomes a more prominent fixture in the educational landscape, Alexis outlines how Pearson Georgia Connections Academy operates as a tuition-free online public school, serving K-12 students. Emphasizing flexible learning and accessibility, Alexis explains how virtual schooling can uniquely support learners with disabilities, allowing for personalized and differentiated instruction. With insights on how virtual environments foster self-driven learning and teaching, Alexis provides a compelling case for educators and parents to consider virtual schooling as a potential avenue for their educational needs. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/12q3Th8cahLWUnBULlKfYnN34so Key Takeaways: Virtual education can be an inclusive and accommodating environment for students, including those with disabilities, by offering personalized learning options.Pearson Georgia Connections Academy provides a flexible, 100% online schooling option that caters to K-12 students across multiple states.Differentiation in teaching methods is crucial in a virtual setting to cater to diverse learning styles and needs, helping ensure that each student receives the appropriate support.The transition to virtual education offers flexibility not just for students but for educators too, allowing them to find a teaching style that suits their personal needs and professional goals.Students can thrive in a virtual learning environment by receiving individualized support and having access to recorded lessons and flexible learning schedules. Resources: Pearson Connections Academy: https://www.connectionsacademy.com/ Thank you to our sponsor, IXL! Learn more: https://www.ixl.com/inclusive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  7. Breaking Down Myths: The True Cost of Inclusive Education

    11/07/2024

    Breaking Down Myths: The True Cost of Inclusive Education

    About the Guest(s): Jamie Sowers: Jaime is a dedicated special education director focused on teacher retention and hiring. As Clinical Advisory Team Director at BlazerWorks, he aids school districts in recruitment and retention, emphasizing post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. With 20 years of experience, Jaime has been a teacher, coordinator, and principal. He holds a Doctor of Education from Wilmington University and a Master of Education from Mansfield University. Jaime is active in professional organizations and serves on two volunteer school boards. Jessica Bowman: Jessica is the co-Principal Investigator of the TIES Center and a researcher with the National Center on Educational Outcomes. She enhances the inclusion of students with significant cognitive disabilities in general education by creating resources and providing technical assistance. Starting as a teacher, she has extensive experience in professional development at the state level. Her research focuses on inclusion in mathematics for these students. Dr. Bowman holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Utah. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, hosted by Tim Villegas, we dive deeply into the conversation about the cost and logistics of inclusive education. Jamie Sowers from BlazerWorks joins Tim to debunk myths about the funding required for inclusive practices and to discuss the efficient utilization of school resources. Next, Tim is joined by Jessica Bowman from the University of Minnesota to break down her recent research on separate school placements for students with extensive support needs. This dialogue sheds light on how geographical locale and charter school enrollment influence educational outcomes. Throughout the episode, key topics revolve around optimizing educational resources and innovative solutions to staffing challenges. Jamie Sowers emphasizes that while special education funding has historically fallen short, inclusive education doesn't inherently require more resources; rather, it calls for smarter use of available funds and staff. The discussion with Jessica Bowman highlights her research findings that suggest alarming discrepancies in separate school placements across different states and regions, raising questions about equitable access to education for all students. Their shared insights advocate for a continuous commitment to developing inclusive environments where all students can thrive. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ohPZW9go9tpraqmN5c9v5UUYMAQ Resources: BlazerWorks: https://blazerworks.com/ TIES Center: https://tiescenter.org/. Separate School Placement for Students With Extensive Support Needs and the Potential Impact of Locale and Charter School Enrollment: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00224669241231546?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.4 Inclusion Stories: https://pod.link/1633672526 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@think_inclusive Thank you to our sponsor, IXL! Learn more: https://ixl.com/inclusive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m
  8. Unlocking Inclusive Education: Master Scheduling with Natural Proportions

    10/31/2024

    Unlocking Inclusive Education: Master Scheduling with Natural Proportions

    About the Guest(s): Brittni Sammons is a Professional Learning Coordinator with the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), bringing a wealth of experience from her past roles as a special educator, assistant principal, and inclusive education facilitator. Before joining MCIE, she served the Calvert County Public Schools, where she played a pivotal role in partnership with MCIE to further inclusive practices. Later, she became a supervisor of instructional performance, focusing on culturally responsive instruction. Brittany’s dedication is driven by a belief in every student's need to develop a sense of belonging within inclusive educational communities. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas, joined by his colleague Brittni Sammons, delves into one of the most frequently asked questions in inclusive education: scheduling. The podcast promises a practical exploration of how inclusive education can function effectively within the framework of school scheduling, emphasizing the concept of "natural proportions." The conversation unravels common misconceptions about inclusion, such as the over-reliance on "co-taught" classrooms. Brittni and Tim advocate for spreading resources evenly across classrooms, ensuring students with disabilities are included naturally within the school community. They highlight the importance of understanding students’ strengths, services, and the supports needed, discussing strategies like "targeted" co-teaching which allow for dynamic support based on evolving needs. This detailed exploration aims to dispel myths and demonstrate a more efficient, community-integrated model for special education. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/Xd3227PaT2hlVORApnZR56ghv5E?utm_source=copy_url Key Takeaways: The principle of "natural proportions" ensures students with disabilities are naturally included in classrooms based on the proportion of students with disabilities in the general population.Effective inclusive education requires strategic and collaborative planning among general and special educators to meet individual student needs.Different models like "co-targeted" and "consultative" relationships offer flexible, collaborative ways to deliver special education services without relying solely on co-taught classrooms.Educators can adapt the inclusion model through phases—grouping students, assigning support roles, and building master schedules tailored to the school’s needs.Reflective practices and adaptive measures can lead to more significant educational advances and a stronger sense of community belonging for students. Resources: MCIE: https://mcie.org/resources/ Lou Brown on Natural Proportions: https://youtu.be/Cq5TiGbWAK0?si=JPzYoY5us1SXJTzB Thank you to our sponsor, IXL. Learn more: https://ixl.com/inclusive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
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About

Think Inclusive brings you conversations about inclusive education and what inclusion looks like in the real world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    MCIE
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2025
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MCIE
  • Show Website
    Think Inclusive

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