Diverse Learners Cooperative

Behavior Support Specialists from KIPP Nashville Public Schools recently participated in an interactive DLC "scavenger hunt." The Behavior Support Specialists paired off and visited each other's schools to conduct student observations together and practice tasks related to their role, all while earning points for prizes! In the afternoon, we met as a group to reflect on the morning activities and identify new ways BSSs could leverage adult learning theories to train their fellow staff members on behavior-specific plans for students. We're excited to repeat this activity at additional KIPP sites next semester! Be sure to follow us so you don't miss out on how our educators are making their schools more inclusive. #DiverseLearners #BehaviorIntervention #NashvilleNonprofit

Cohort 3 of our Coaching Collaborative convened in Nashville on November 4! We spent the morning unpacking the process of Student Work Analysis procedures, including applying a diverse learners lens to Instruction Partners' existing data sources and asset-based framing resources. In the afternoon, we learned about reframing "difficult" coaching conversations as "open-to-learning" conversations. We then had an opportunity to pre-plan and rehearse a conversation, receive feedback from our peers, and refine our approaches. It's always awesome to witness how a single day of cooperative learning and reflection translates into the mindsets and practices these leaders take back to their schools ... not to mention how much we are constantly learning from them! Coaching Collaborative is designed to amplify the impact of special education and English learner leaders in schools, districts, and networks by creating a shared professional learning community. The 2024-25 Coaching Collaborative is full, but you can join our 2025-26 interest list here: https://lnkd.in/exJTzWSA

Shifting Practice to Support Every Learner → Inclusive leadership goes beyond vision and mindset—it requires intentional practice. Creating inclusive environments means embedding "all means all" into daily actions and decisions. This shift in practice empowers leaders and educators to foster classrooms where every student, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. By embracing growth-oriented practices, we can: - Prioritize collaborative learning for all students - Regularly reflect on our impact and adapt strategies - Build a school culture where inclusivity isn’t just a goal—it’s the norm Let’s turn inclusive vision and mindset into action. Together, we can transform education to serve every learner! Sign the pledge: https://lnkd.in/gwVaNxWh #InclusiveEducation #ActNow #DisabilityInclusion #EducationEquity

“All means all" – why inclusive vision, awareness, and mindset matter ↓ Focus Area 1 of Inclusion Today's Inclusive Practices Starter Kit emphasizes the need for school leaders to adopt an inclusive vision that brings 100% of students into general education classrooms. This isn't just a goal—it’s a commitment to equity and belonging for all students. When leaders believe that every student deserves to learn alongside their peers, they set a powerful foundation for an inclusive school culture. Inclusive classrooms benefit everyone: students with disabilities gain access to a broader curriculum and community, while their peers develop empathy, collaboration skills, and a stronger sense of understanding. Creating an inclusive mindset means shifting away from segregated settings that often isolate students with disabilities and limit opportunities. Instead, we’re building a school community where every student is valued, engaged, and empowered to learn and grow. Let's work together to make sure *all* truly means *all.* ???????? Sign the pledge: https://lnkd.in/gwVaNxWh #InclusiveEducation #ActNow #DisabilityInclusion #EducationEquity #AllMeansAll

Shoutout to one of our stellar DLC Fellows and recent National Blue Ribbon Award winner, Madeline Frohrip! Here she is leading a dynamic math lesson at Valor Voyager Academy, with each student receiving tailored, one-on-one support from the amazing paraprofessional team. In this classroom, every student’s unique needs are met seamlessly, thanks to Madeline's dedication and expertise. This is what we want EVERY classroom to look like! Way to go, Ms. Frohrip! #DiverseLearners #DiverseLearnersCoop #NashvilleNonprofit #EducationEquity

Did You Know? While over two-thirds of school-age students served under IDEA spent 80% or more of their time in general education classrooms in 2022, students with disabilities are still nearly twice as likely to experience exclusionary practices. Inclusion is progressing, but we still have work to do to create fully empowering learning environments for every student. Here’s where you come in... Sign our pledge to show your commitment to inclusive education and gain access to our Inclusive Leadership Practice Toolkit & Companion Guide. These resources provide actionable insights to help leaders and educators make impactful shifts in classrooms, supporting equitable opportunities and fostering true belonging for all students. → Take the pledge today and join us in shaping a future where every student can thrive in a learning environment that embraces and uplifts their unique strengths. Together, let’s make inclusion a reality! https://lnkd.in/gwVaNxWh #InclusiveEducation #ActNow #DisabilityInclusion #EducationEquity

At the heart of meaningful change are the dedicated people who champion inclusive practices every day. To make meaningful change, they invite you to sign the pledge for equitable, accessible education—and in doing so, gain access to the Inclusive Leadership Practice Toolkit and Companion Guide. These resources are crafted to help you deepen your practice and transform educational spaces for all learners. ?? MCIE: Brittni Sammons (Professional Learning Coordinator) and Tim Villegas (Director of Communications) are at the forefront of building inclusive school communities with the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). ?? DCMP: Cindy Camp (Marketing and Communications Specialist) from the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) is working to promote equal access to learning. DCMP, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all students have access to captioned and described educational media—critical tools in today’s inclusive classrooms. ?? DLC: Brooke Allen (Executive Director) and Justine Katzenbach (Director of Organizational Strategy) lead the Diverse Learners Cooperative (DLC). They focus on building networks of educators equipped with resources and collaborative opportunities that drive effective strategies for supporting diverse learners—and increasing teacher retention along the way. ?? Blue Engine: Jessi Brunken (CEO) and Sergio Jara Arroyos (Senior Director of Marketing and Communications) are passionate about transforming education for all students. At Blue Engine, we’re committed to ending disproportionate outcomes by shifting how teaching happens—ensuring that all students, particularly those historically marginalized, can thrive in inclusive classrooms. Get involved: https://lnkd.in/gwVaNxWh #InclusiveEducation #ActNow #DisabilityInclusion #EducationEquity

Sage enjoyed seeing our superstar fellow, Ms. Cowie, in action at Whitsitt Elementary School. Ms. Cowie taught an engaging phonics lesson with planned differentiation! Planned differentiation helps teachers ★ tailor lesson content to the unique needs of each student ★ make lessons more engaging for all ability and interest levels ★ foster student agency by giving them a choice in how they learn What are some ways you incorporate planned differentiation in your lessons? Share in the comments below! #ITeachSPED #DiverseLearners #EducationEquity #PlannedDifferentiation #Accessibility

We’re excited to highlight the powerful collaboration between organizations driving transformative change and building collective will to support inclusive education: Blue Engine, Described and Captioned Media Program, Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, and Diverse Learners Cooperative. Thanks to the support of Educating All Learners Alliance (EALA) and their Community of Action (CoA), these partners came together to advance our shared mission of creating equitable learning environments for all students. Their collective expertise and dedication have been pivotal in making a lasting impact. Sign our pledge and gain access to these resources! https://lnkd.in/gwVaNxWh #InclusiveEducation #Collaboration #EquityInAction #LearnerSuccess

Mary and Sage attended the annual conference of Tennessee’s Association for Behavior Analysis (TABA) at the end of October. They learned about evidence-based practices for behavior interventions and are looking forward to bringing their knowledge back to our schools and partners! What behavior interventions have been successful in your school? Share in the comments below. #BehaviorIntervention #PositiveReinforcement #NashvilleNonprofit #EquitableEducation