The Ticking Clock: Is Your School Creating Space for All Students?

July is Disability Pride Month so let's talk about something that's really heating up in U.S. schools right now - diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. It's a hot topic that is stirring up some controversy!

Schools have been working hard to make everyone feel welcome and represented. Sounds great, right?

Well, not everyone thinks so. Some states are actually trying to pump the brakes on these efforts, claiming they're too political or might make some folks feel left out. Talk about a plot twist!

Driving Change

In my first leadership role, I led efforts to promote inclusion in a high school district. The state had sanctioned the school district for exclusionary practices towards students with disabilities and students of color. We were given two years to bring about meaningful change.

The first year was all about changing mindsets. You wouldn't believe the pushback I received! One outspoken teacher even took public offense (during a board meeting) to my deeply held belief that "all children can learn." Can you believe it? Fast forward a decade, and that same teacher is a special education advocate. I guess you really can teach an old dog new tricks!

After that first tough year, things started looking up. We put new policies in place, and before long, we were seeing inspiring results.

I also developed programs within the district to support student success and enhance our continuum of services. As a result, test scores improved, the district saved millions, and our students were even doing better after graduation.

But get this - the superintendent shot one down because he thought it looked like it was "only for the black kids." Talk about missing the point! That program which was thoughtfully designed, based on my dissertation research, to help at-risk students graduate high school became the iCan Dream Center.

Making Schools More Inclusive:

• Start Small: Begin with manageable changes and gradually expand your efforts.
• Build Awareness: Educate the entire school community about the benefits and importance of inclusive education.
• Collaborate: Work together with teachers, parents, students, and external experts to create a comprehensive inclusion strategy.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Inclusion is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research and best practices in inclusive education to ensure your approach is effective and up-to-date.

So, what's the takeaway here? Making schools more inclusive isn't easy, but it's so worth it. Start small, build awareness, work together, and don't give up. It's a marathon, not a sprint!

The bottom line is, we can't afford to drag our feet on this. Our world is getting more diverse by the day, and our schools need to keep up. If we don't act now, we're letting down a tons of children who deserve better.

Now is the time for decisive action to ensure that our schools truly reflect the diverse and inclusive world we aspire to build so that individuals can truly take pride in their disabilities.