Effective Inclusive Schools

This book presents lessons learned from in-depth case studies of some of our most effective inclusive public schools. The authors conclusively demonstrate that schools can educate students with mild and severe disabilities in general education classrooms by providing special education services that link to and bolster general education instruction. This goes beyond complying with Special Education law; having a truly inclusive environment raises the achievement level for all students and results in more committed and satisfied teachers.

Insights shared from teachers, school leaders, parents, and the students themselves provide a path forward for anyone striving to Improve special education services. The authors reveal what these exemplary schools do that makes them so successful, and provide advice for readers who want to incorporate these practices themselves.

• Hehir, former U.S. Office of Special Education (OSEP) Director, is a leading name in Special Education
• Highlights the important relationships between administrators, teachers, and parents to foster maximum collaboration between general and special education
• Includes information on committing to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Positive Behavior Supports

This vital resource zeroes in on what excellent public schools do differently to ensure all students succeed.

Preface: On Ableism ix

Acknowledgments xv

Introduction xvii

PART ONE THE SCHOOLS AND THEIR LEADERS 1

Chapter 1 The Schools 3

Chapter 2 The Leaders 23

PART TWO WHAT THEY DO DIFFERENTLY 55

Chapter 3 Collaborative Problem-Solving Organizations 57

Chapter 4 Relationships, School Culture, and Accountability 77

Chapter 5 Universally Designed Schools 99

PART THREE HOW TO CREATE MORE INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS 125

Chapter 6 Making Schools More Inclusive: Lessons for Educators and Parents 127

PART FOUR THE BIG PICTURE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION 157

Chapter 7 How Education Policy Affects Our Schools 159

Chapter 8 Where Special Education Needs to Go 179

Afterword Transitioning to a Full Adult Life 201

Appendix A Questions for Discussion 205

Appendix B Information on the Research Study 209

Notes 225

Index 237

To Dr. William Henderson: Teacher, mentor, and friend

THOMAS HEHIR, Ed.D., professor of Practice at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, is a leading scholar and advocate for children with disabilities. He served as director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs under President Clinton from 1993–1999.

LAUREN I. KATZMAN, Ed.D., is executive director of Special Education for the New York City Department of Education. Previously, she served as associate professor of Special Education at Boston University and as a special educator in New York, New Jersey, and Missouri.

EFFECTIVE INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS

A rich, rewarding education is often hard to find for children with disabilities. In the words of one parent, “If you have a typically developing kid, you have a litany of choices; if you have a specially developing child, then you’re presented with an option.” In some schools an anti-disability ethos inadvertently permeates the culture, while other schools hold low expectations for disabled kids by excessively modifying curriculum or segregating students with special needs. These (often unconscious) practices reinforce the view that children with disabilities are inferior and undeserving of an equal education, causing them to leave school unprepared for employment and a rewarding adult life. They also harm nondisabled peers, who often develop negative prejudices about people with disabilities.

In this groundbreaking book, Hehir and Katzman focus on the positive: What are our most effective inclusive schools doing? How do their leaders and teachers work together to ensure success for all kids, with or without disabilities? What can other schools do to replicate their success? These portraits of exemplary schools provide a path forward for anyone striving to improve special education services in their classroom, school, or district. Insights shared from teachers, school leaders, parents, and the students themselves will inspire readers to improve education not only for kids with disabilities, but all children.

Praise for Effective Inclusive Schools

“Finally, a book that cuts to the heart of leadership in schools. Every principal and would-be educational leader in America should read this book.”
—TERRENCE E. DEAL, coauthor, Reframing Organizations and Shaping School Culture