#miched Archive
The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. We’re trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.
Wednesday October 5, 2016
Hi everyone! Welcome to the chat on INCLUSION. Please introduce yourself, tell us where you are from, and what you teach.
Happy Fall Y'all! Beautiful fall evening over here. Anne Thorp from OAISD/REMC 7, Holland!
Welcome Tara! Thanks for joining us. Hope your kids sleep tight. :)
Hello Rachelle from St. Clair. Sec Instruction & PD for . Tonight's topic has me missing formerSpec ed library science Ss
Jeremy from Waverly HS in Lansing. Special service teacher attached to the math department.
Heather Gauck 22nd year teaching special education resource for Grand Rapids Public Schools. This topic is near & dear to my heart
Welcome Jeremy! Can't wait to hear about the changes that are coming to your school. :)
Welcome glad you are with us!
From - HS teacher, Nick Gregory
Andrew from and ... Good evening everyone.
From - HS Social Studies teacher, Nick Gregory
Allison from Lansing - Tech Integration Specialist.
Melody Arabo, 3rd grade gen ed teacher of 15 years in Walled Lake. Mom to twins with disabilities. It's been quite a learning curve.
So good to see you Allison!
Hi Nick! Great to see you on tonight!
Hello! Angela from Homer Community Schools. Great topic tonight.
aka best teacher in the world
Hi Andrew! Hope your year has been off to a great start!
So glad you could make it tonight. I hope to talk about your situation which is very common. I want to know too!
REMC 7 Director; OAISD Instructional Technologist. Gramma to the best babes on Earth!
Cory Timmer, Creekside MS in Zeeland. Excited to hear thoughts and ideas about a near and dear topic!
Thanks for joining us Allison!
So happy to have you with us. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Welcome to I teach math so I'll be watching for all your great ideas!
Welcome looking forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas
Q1: What do you wish you knew more about to help you prepare for inclusion?
Hi Cory! Can't wait to hear your thoughts as well. So important to talk about this.
Excited for you to share all your awesome ideas that you use with tonight! https://t.co/CP649xl2hw
Cory Timmer, Creekside MS in Zeeland. Excited to hear thoughts and ideas about a near and dear topic!
Josh Bio and Tech Teacher joining from a plane at Metro
Is everyone familiar with the term inclusion? If we use terms that aren't clear, ask us! https://t.co/V5onQsR3U1
Q1: What do you wish you knew more about to help you prepare for inclusion?
Hey ! David from Spring Lake, HS ELA including IB. Any IB teachers out there? Anyone heading to Friday?
If you're looking for a great chat about inclusion in schools come join & for the next hour.
A1- I wish I knew more about ways to fit in planning with gen ed teachers into our already insanely busy days!
Thrilled to have you with us! Safe travels!
A1: I wish I knew more about special education law. What should schools provide, what parents can advocate for.
A1: Wish I knew more about how to support ALL Ss without making anyone feel singled out or frustrated, esp w/o help of SpED T
Wow! Thanks so much for joining us even on a plane!
A1: inclusion from a "parents perspective" could help educators understand what's at stake. Inclusion is at heart of
A1 so little training to support inclusion. Would like strategies for meeting the multiple needs of learners. Ongoing support
A1: I wish I made time with parents--just some speed information. Really, I could/should do this. But systemically would be nice.
A1: As a follow up, I want to know more about how special education law helps or hinders inclusion in classrooms
A1: I wish I had more knowledge of appropriate & different types of modifications. Need to know what Ss needs too.
We definitely need to restructure schedules. That would make all the difference if Ts could collaborate.
A1: I wish I could meet and observe all the inclusion student before they enter my classroom
Common question - even for special ed teachers! Seems to change based on admin perspectives too.
coming back from philly. I ran a PD for some science teachers
A1)Best learning environment set up for inclusion. How to best differentiate instruction to meet needs but also not lower targets
This. Yes! https://t.co/7uqjZDWpe2
A1: Wish I knew more about how to support ALL Ss without making anyone feel singled out or frustrated, esp w/o help of SpED T
I agree! Especially general ed teachers. We don't get much training at all, which creates a disconnect.
its always a tricky balance w/ having high expectations but reading the frustration level of Ss too~
yes!It is hard to collab w/ Ts w/ so little time or no time during the week to meet.
What were you thinking - before school starts, after you get to know the students? What/when would be most helpful?
A1: I needed to know the expectations Ss were given. Some were told they only had to be in my class a semester. Wasn't shared w/me
There are so many laws but it is important to have an understanding of them.
I've been learning about Universal Design for Learning. Makes learning differences invisible to others.
I'm wondering if Ts have lots of knowledge about this, just need "permission" or encouragement to use acc/mod??
UDL supports all of our learners.
Yes! Parents want the best for their kids & we should trust their vision just like they trust us to help achieve it.
Universal Design for Learning is the way to go! Love it~ needs to be taught to all Ts
A1 - I needed to scrub my mind of "should". They should know this. They should be able to do that. Just breeds frustration.
We definitely need more training and resources. When those are in place, inclusion is beneficial for everyone.
Q2: What are practical ways to build a culture of inclusion in the classroom?
Good point. Tchs may know how to modify, but not feel they can. Some don't think it's fair in front of reg ed Ss too.
Yes! THIS! https://t.co/So0VbNhOw8
A1 - I needed to scrub my mind of "should". They should know this. They should be able to do that. Just breeds frustration.
A1: I would like to know what to do with our aggressive kiddos that do not qualify for special classrooms. I want to reach them!
Great idea! Do you think that could/should happen in the spring before the end of the school year for incoming Ss?
Not a fully formed idea, but--yes!--something before school starts. Info direct from closest source is best: T, Par, Stu
Joining late! Teacher from Royal Oak, teaching Biology, Algebra 1 & Algebra 2
I agree. So many talented Ts differentiate already, need to maybe know these are often appropriate accommods.
How do we make this happen? Seems so important in building a relationship of understanding. https://t.co/tgOKqc6gxN
A1: I wish I could meet and observe all the inclusion student before they enter my classroom
De-escalation training from PBIS is excellent. And important that we remember not all challenges are "identified"
I'm sure it is. I wish there was one master list that just had groups. (sped, ELL, 504's, etc.) I can get details later.
A2: I would like say offer choic and variety on how they choose to learn and display what they have learned. Give them the power.
Universal Design? More, please. Or a link you like? Thanks!
A2 Have all tools available to all students so they can select & use the tools that works best for their learning brain.
A2: create a building culture where all kids are everyone's share responsibility, staff feels ownership for all
A parent gave me some info on her child from her perspective. So helpful and insightful. Instantly felt more prepared.
Joe from St. Joe - thanks for 'including me' in tonight (though I'm late!)
It could happen but with subbing issues, very hard for districts to make it happen
The laws are fully in favor of inclusion. If followed correctly, the laws help districts move toward it.
Don't forget Joe " - is you" ! You're not a day late, so it's all good ;)
A2: Many first 2-wks activities aren't academic based, but "group" or "team" based. We learn to work with everyone & get all ideas.
A2 - A culture of inclusion begins with valuing all opinions and listening to Ss - provide them meaningful ways to contribute
Ss placed in groups so they know who to discuss the topic with. Ss aren't seeking out people to talk with then!
Every. Single. Time. Seriously, when I have meetings with parents at the start of the year, it always goes better.
time with parents is a key to understand how the student tick and what motivates
A2: A culture of inclusion begins in the Ts heart, mindset & building positive rlshps. Talent, mentor & training next
I agree. Very subjective and dependent on the attitude toward special needs community.
A2) Make sure everything includes"options" to show understanding instead of the "one size fits all" mindset.
That would actually be amazing to do with all of our students! Hi Todd! Miss you tons!
Good point! Allowing Ss the ability to show what they know in a variety of ways is a good way to value all! https://t.co/UC0nXc6TIT
A2) Make sure everything includes"options" to show understanding instead of the "one size fits all" mindset.
A2 Accepting them where they 'are' and working from there.
A2- become really comfortable with your learning outcomes and flexible with the different ways student could demonstrate learning.
ownership is great for all Ta and Ss in the school it gives them the power and makes it a strong community.
Indeed. But my current practice does not have me meeting all Ps. Hard to do. Possible? Maybe in a speed meeting format.
Great point - anything to get Ts in other classrooms is important, this is a great example of a purposeful visitation
Yes - build culture first, build safe environment, then we can move forward.
Using technology that allows this to happen has opened a whole new world in my setting! Including push in & pull out
High expectations is so important. Too often the bar is set low for kids with disabilities & they are capable of so much.
A2: this is a 5D+ area of focus for me this year. SE4&5: getting Ss to group/partner on own but w/ helpful peers not always friends
Q3: What are the biggest barriers to meeting the needs of all students in your classroom?
You hit everything that is key . at https://t.co/kQEbQaekHu
A2: A culture of inclusion begins in the Ts heart, mindset & building positive rlshps. Talent, mentor & training next
A3 - Biggest challenge for me when I was 6th grade language arts was how wide the gap had become between my Ss
A3: Not knowing what they walk through the door with. What happened last night? this morning? Support at home?
Isn't it interesting, that no matter the topic, it always comes back to ?
letting go of having SAME expectations. We can still have High expectations but know there will be dif outcomes.
One size fits all never works...causes frustration and some students get bored. We need to challenge and excite them.
I finally was able to start each day with this thought, and assume behavior, etc had a reason. Changed my reaction
A3 The 'status quo' - same ole same ole - not being allowed the flexibility of choice, options, variety, meeting multiple needs
Ts should get time built in to read and understand Ss IEPs so they can know what their goals/expectations should be.
A3: Not having resources/support. One yr my 7th hr had 3 CI Ss, several others w/ IEPs and no aid or SpEd T for accommodations/help.
A3: greatest barrier: TIME: time for Ss and time for learning
Yes! But this can too often feel like a great "saying"--not enough of a working philosophy. Would love to see that change.
One goal of the MI Sp Ed Task Force is to provide PBIS training statewide. So important.
A3- what to do when severe behavior interrupts other Ss learning along w/ the child in crisis. This happens TOO much Feel helpless..
Tech is an AMAZING tool. So powerful. Fosters independence, confidence, supports UDL, & keeps Ss engaged.
Jumping in halfway! Love the topic! I'm Kelley HS ELA and leadership T. I co-teach 3 different classes
A3: Class sizes, loss of co-teacher, time, lack of AP labeled class (working on it) so high and low learners suffer.
Welcome to Glad you could join us!
UDL will totally rethink the way you teach all kids, not just special ed.
A3 Traditional school schedule
A3) Ss background knowledge. Just because they pass a class before, doesn't mean they know/remember the material.
great place to start but at a school that has had PBIS for 7 years. Still not enough..
We need to learn how to do this effectively and not stay caught up in the 'gotta get through the curric' philosophy
Love PBIS training, and I have had a ton. I still am struggling to reach one of my kiddos.First time for me.
Yes. So this makes "meeting them where they are" even more important. But how to do that best? How to just do that?
Great to have you with us!
A3: for HS students...breaking down barriers. So many obstacles to learning
Yes. But everyone needs to be on board with that. It will inevitably look like a different classroom.
Q4: What technology do you use to help meet the needs of your differently-abled students?
A3. Biggest barrier is time, and some Ss need more support than I can provide.
From what I've seen, it is all about the right mindset, especially with Ts and Admins
Q4: previously at 1:1 school, the accessability built in iPads was great. Text to speech, enlarging text were foundation
Always good to be on board - thanks for helping moderate and leading this conversation.
Sometimes I feel that there needs to be a way to get mental health workers in our schools!
Sounds great. Let's get to work. :)
A4: for my students I love Google classroom! I can help edit and provide feedback as they are writing. So helpful for them!
I'm in! That's what I do ~ my PD models this; thus supports Ts with implementation as well. Quite exciting.
A4) The online textbook works great for my Ss! Reads text aloud to Ss, interactive activities, links to learn/clarify more.
A4: science techbook has lots of great options built in, interactive vocab, text to speech, reading levels
A4 Whatever they bring in their hands/pockets. Work beyond the tool. Use is as a frame for learning.
A4 iPads help me individualize most of my teaching per student! In resource room . Can use text, speech, voice, video. Seesaw app
A3) Such a diverse difference in the "needs" of my students. It takes too long to get an understanding. x2.5 problem in gen ed.
Yes. To me, a major component is allowing the flexibility for classroom success. That diff expectations for all is NOT bad.
A4: Any device that allows students to type writing, whether its ELA asgnmts or even answers to essay ?s on Social Studies tests.
A4: I am a fan of the Read and Write for Google text-to-speech add-on, but believe ALL students should learn how to use.
The I is the most important part of the IEP
A4: iPads and chromebooks are a great way to support my Ss. Google has so many great extensions.
A4: Being in a 1:1 iPad district - lots of accessibility features used by various Tchs. Making an has diff options too.
A3 found an awesome keyboard app Keydogo for students with LD- had so many features
teaching Ss the accessibility tools so they can use them when I am not there is crucial! I start with my youngest Ss
- TOMORROW at 8pm = "Family Engagement: A Critical Component"
RETWEET, all educators invited.
A4: Use technology to offer choice when demonstrating knowledge. Video, Audio, voice-to-text, digital images. Mult. means of exp.
proper supports are critical. Inclusion can't work for anyone without those in place.
Agreed, but must have admin support and be able to explain to parents - sometimes a tough sell!
Q5: What benefits have you seen from inclusion, both for students with IEPs and general education students?
I think S choice can come in to play here, allow choice of bks, wtgs to publish, etc. Ss work at their levels.
A4) I'm as strong believer in formative assessment tools to track progress is my absolute favorite.
A5 when I can use my Ss as examples when teaching lesson in Gen ed room, magical seeing their pride & excitement when they succeed
A5 So much more success for all students. Greater learning community. Frankly, I think it's a lot more fun to teach, too!
A5 - Empathy! Having all Ss understand their view isn't the only view.
text to voice, QR code reader extension, and to help Ss highlight and organize important info.
Hi Kelly! Great to see your smile!
A5: Can't say enough about how gen ed Ss learn to work w/sped Ss in a respectful, loving way.
A5 a sense of belonging. Must be modeled and encouraged at times, but can happen naturally in a climate of acceptance for all
A5: The social piece alone is benefit. Learn patience, learn to see from another's perspective, learn to explain diff. ways, etc.
A5: Empathy, inclusion, cooperation were not forced. Ss took lead working together, helping when necessary, supporting when capable
Matingaaaaaaa!!!!! Hope you are doing well dear friend. :)
Had to stop by and say hi. Mike from MD, formerly from Kalamazoo.
Late to ! A5: since my school doesn't have trad classrooms, the benefit is that we provide extra supports to all.
And I totally agree. Our schedule system is archaic.
A5 - Not all resource room Ts are comfortable with HS math. Inclusion helped the Ss get instruction from a comfortable math teacher.
A5) Ss are encouraged to use vocabulary and become familiar/comfortable with it-essential and helpful for Ss writing too!
Love seeing the patience & care they have in them! Just today, 1st hr, I saw it! Both Ss gained! https://t.co/r2s6dHUx2s
A5: Can't say enough about how gen ed Ss learn to work w/sped Ss in a respectful, loving way.
A5) Just like my awesome diverse school building, inclusion helps all kids learn together. Isn't that how the real world works?
Yes. I'm fortunate to have worked my classroom toward this philosophy. It takes time and clarity of purpose.
Push everyone to their maximum, starting from where they are.
I have never been trained, sadly. Usually only happens for special ed Ts.
It is a great tool to assess Ss understanding. Very easy for Ss to use.
Yes. Being with content expert, one that is passionate & comfortable with content is a huge benefit. https://t.co/hlPqT83D4Y
A5 - Not all resource room Ts are comfortable with HS math. Inclusion helped the Ss get instruction from a comfortable math teacher.
Right. Learners are NOT dots on a line.
Teaching Ss that their maximum is much further than believe or can see is the beauty, the art of a teacher!
I miss the mitten Especially The Lakes
A5: so much. With the rt team I am able to serve all kiddos better. Ss who struggle get help, Ss who have got it can learn patience
You bet. It's when I feel good at my job.
Yes I'll push them to where I feel comfortable bringing them. They might not believe it's possible. Must trust
A5: more collab. among Ss w/ & w/o dis. Ss don't see their peer as being extremely academically different because they are 2gether.
Q6: What is the single most important thing that has helped your special education students be successful in your classroom?
I've had better, stronger, more intense discussions w/ my Ss who have disabilities than my typical kids.
A5: Working w/ (the best 8th resc. Tch) she shares ideas w/ me for sped Ss but they help all Ss. Just changed our notes!
A6 understanding & trying to see the hidden reasons behind all behaviors..
A5: Love the high expectations sped Ss see every day - bar can be low when Ss are self contained.
A6: My Ss realizing their capability and building confidence. They amazing me often with that they are doing.
A5: A benefit can be the shift in the way Ts design new paths to "success" in their learning environment. More paths, more success
A6 Give them room to be themselves. Let them learn to trust me before I push too hard. Get them talking, listening, then push
A6: Listen & learn from them
A6 Loving & respecting them just as they are.
Love this! I wish all teachers felt the same way about inclusion.
A6 ...and sometimes that means loving & accepting their parents as they are, too!
A6) Confidence. I call on Ss when I know they have the right answer down or share an opinion. Reinforcing those great thoughts!
A6 Being thrilled with the baby steps & little accomplishments.. one moment at a time~
Relationships. Trust. A strong classroom partner, belief in Ss and letting Ss take control of discussion
Oh yes! Many have a strong passion and share it with others often.
That's what this should be all about - working together regardless of differences.
A6 when I recorded all my lessons it freed me up to work 1:1 with all kids. Also allowed then to see and hear again if needed
A6) Without a doubt it has been building a learning environment feel. Partnering together to gain success and to build upon.
My dream for all students in all schools.
Tonight on
Discussing the power of 1:1 in Special Education. We start at 8 CST.
A6) Patience! Taking deep breaths, listening, waiting & finding patience to deal w/ the unexpected & the expected!
Yes, because you can't teach those things. They have to occur naturally.
Some Ss with disability may struggle with academics but have off the chats social skills.
will be happening every Wed at 8? Would love to see cross-over w/ chat if it is. Need the Supt voices!
So true! Ss have to see and feel it as it is happening.
today I used the phrase "it's his lucky day, maybe yours will be tomorrow"
Gen ed Ss understood
Hi Sarah! We need a reunion. :)
That is why I love So much more 1-on-1 time! https://t.co/RaLRRLiKHh
A6 when I recorded all my lessons it freed me up to work 1:1 with all kids. Also allowed then to see and hear again if needed
A6 bringing maker space and genius hour created more outlets for hands on creativity and teamwork
Hi Mike! Glad you could join us.
I feel that times are changing. This is a Civil Rights issues... all Ss deserve creative solutions
Perhaps later in the year the Supt group could lead as one of the chats?
Wow, this hour flew by! I'm so proud to have so many amazing educators contribute to this important conversation.
Some, but i have the quieter ones talking too.
Noticed several of our awesome supts in the chat!
Thank you to all that have joined us or followed along. I hope you have some new insights/thoughts/ideas to move inclusion forward.
we do!! So much to chat about :)
