The Way to Inclusion: How Leaders Create Schools Where Every Student Belongs

The research is clear: Including students with disabilities in general education classrooms is the most effective way for all students to learn.

If you are working toward greater inclusivity in your school or system, this book from educators and inclusion experts Julie Causton, Kate MacLeod, Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Jenna Mancini Rufo, and Paul Gordon is an invaluable guide for you and your leadership team.

Chock-full of research, resources, and seasoned advice, The Way to Inclusion walks you step-by-step through the inclusivity change process, from envisioning your path to reimagining the roles of existing staff and everything in between. The book outlines seven clearly defined milestones tied to an Action Plan that will help you stay the course with so vital an initiative. In addition to milestones and leadership questions, you'll find

* Instructions for conducting an equity review of your system with a focus on special education.
* Guidance for creating and analyzing service-delivery maps, including before-and-after examples from systems that have successfully shifted to greater inclusivity.
* Classroom observation and staff survey tools.
* First-person accounts from educators who have undergone the change process.
* Best practices for developing an inclusivity-focused vision statement.
* Downloadable forms and templates to help you move forward with implementation.

There is no excuse for segregating our students with disabilities from the rest of the student body. This indispensable guide will help you make certain that all students in your system not only learn but also thrive in the least restrictive environment possible.

Dr. Julie Causton is a bestselling author, inspiring speaker, and inclusive education advocate. The founder and CEO of Inclusive Schooling, she is a former tenured professor in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University, where she headed the Inclusive Elementary Education Program. A former elementary, middle, and high school special education teacher, she has conducted presentations focusing on engaging ways to educate all students within the context of general education that have inspired and uplifted educators and families throughout the United States and helped them learn the most cutting-edge inclusive practices. Julie is the author of a dozen books about inclusive education and has published articles in over 30 educational research and practitioner journals.

Dr. Kate MacLeod is an innovative inclusive educator, researcher, and author. She began her career as a high school special education teacher in New York City and now works as faculty in the college of education at the University of Maine Farmington and as an education consultant with Inclusive Schooling. She has spent 15 years studying inclusive practices and supporting school leaders and educators to feel prepared and inspired to include all learners.

Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak is a highly sought-after speaker and accomplished author. With nearly three decades of educational experience, including 16 years as faculty at Kent State University, Kristie cultivates real change within educational systems, creating inclusive educational practices and empowering teachers and leaders to spread wellness within and beyond the classroom walls. At Inclusive Schooling, Kristie designs and delivers professional development to help leaders create school cultures that ensure all children experience a sense of belonging. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and is an author of over 10 books and monographs. She has accumulated over 50,000 hours of helping educators and leaders in locations from Cincinnati to Singapore.

Dr. Jenna Mancini Rufo is an experienced public-school leader turned inclusive education consultant. She is the founder and owner of empowerED School Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in equity and inclusion. Having served as an assistant superintendent, director of special education, state policy specialist, special education teacher, and inclusion facilitator, Jenna has practical experience in leading systems change for inclusion. She has shared her knowledge at numerous events, including The Atlantic's Education Summit, and recently launched a blog and video series. Jenna was inspired to enter the field of education by her sister, Nina, who has multiple disabilities. She views education as her calling and is passionate about providing high-quality programs for all students.

Dr. Paul Gordon has spent much of his education career working for the Adams 12 Five Star School District outside Denver, Colorado, where he served as a classroom teacher, a middle school principal, the director of professional development, and the chief academic officer. During the last 10 years, Paul has served as the superintendent of three school districts. Early in his career, he worked with students with significant reading challenges, which forged his path toward creating inclusive environments for each student and understanding the impact this has on the overall system. As a practitioner, Paul continues to learn from students, teachers, parents, and others working in inclusive classrooms about the challenges and the incredible opportunities that inclusion offers each student.