“There are so many reasons for inclusive education: the basic human need for belonging, improved outcomes for students with and without learning differences, improving instructional practices for all students, consistently implementing ideas of social justice and civil rights. Thinking through these powerful reasons, the question shifts from why we should create inclusive schools to why wouldn’t we do this.”
 -- Leading for All: Creating Truly Inclusive & Excellent Schools

Most special education leaders believe wholeheartedly in these tenets. Yet the SPECIFICS of how to move systems and mindsets that are deeply embedded in our school systems can be extremely challenging.

This session is the opportunity to go deeper into specific strategies and tools:

• Cultivating the MINDSET of inclusion in general education
• Improving INSTRUCTION so every student has access
• Understanding BEHAVIOR in the context of inclusive schools
• Partnering with PARENTS to support inclusive practices

You will leave this session with a roadmap for your next steps in creating more inclusive & excellent schools.

Presenters:
 

• Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, West-Lynn Wilsonville SD - Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams is an educational leader focused on leading collaboratively for transformational change. Her co-authored book, Leading for All: Creating Truly Inclusive and Excellent Schools (Corwin, 2020), documents the significant work she led in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, honoring students’ rightful presence. Jennifer has been featured on Peter DeWitt’s Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast, The Think Inclusive Podcast, and more. Her writing appeared in Paula Kluth’s edited work, #All In (2021) and in School Administrator Magazine (June 2024).She provided the keynote address at state conferences in Washington and New Jersey. Dr. Spencer-Iiams was awarded FACT Community Partner Award for her partnership with families. Jennifer has served as an adjunct professor in Educational Leadership and Special Education. Jennifer is a triple Duck, earning her bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees from the University of Oregon.
• Lauren Brigsby, MEd, Director of Student Services, West-Lynn Wilsonville SD - Lauren Brigsby is the Director of Student Service for the West Linn-Wilsonville School District and a former Assistant Director for Portland Public Schools. Lauren’s deep expertise in student learning, building capacity and inspiring change continues to push the practices and beliefs in the district. Lauren is currently leading work that expands the district’s inclusive vision beyond K-12 into preschool and early learning environments as well as inclusive college options. She is a frequent presenter at state conferences for administrators and teachers on the topic of inclusion.