We are at a pivotal moment in the world. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act  was signed into law on March 11, 2021. It will distribute $123 billion in additional educational funding between now and 2023 for implementation of Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA). In addition, the ARP includes another $3 billion for additional support through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA).

That’s a LOT of funding!!

I haven’t written a newsblog in nearly two months. I’ve been focused on my BIG new project. I’m tickled pink that it launched on May 12, 2021!

I’m so excited to announce that the Included by Design Mastermind Website has been published!

Let me begin by saying that teachers are my heroes (in case you didn’t already know that). Over the last year, they have repeatedly demonstrated their resilience, tenacity, and determination.

For more than two decades I’ve provided professional development and coaching support to teachers to expand their effectiveness with learner engagement in face-to-face environments. As a former special ed teacher and professor, I’m steeped in evidence-based and research-based practices.

As 2020 winds down, it’s natural to look back over a tumultuous year and look forward with hope.

Whether your school is open, operating remotely, or some sort of hybrid, one thing is certain: there’s lots of confusion. Your school leader’s job is to blaze a trail where we haven’t gone before.

Are you like me? Do you dread calling those impersonal businesses that put you on hold? I know how it will go… There will be a voice telling me to press 1 for this department and 2 for that kind of information. I listen to the options, knowing that my request doesn’t really fit any of them, but I make my choice.

I was conducting mid-year Inclusion Rounds last week with the district Special Education Director and building Principals. Getting back into classrooms keeps my perspective realistic by reminding me about issues teachers face on a daily basis and reinforcing the complex layers of systems change. There are just so many variables to consider as we transform educational systems into nurturing places for ALL students AND teachers!

Schools are in the midst of BIG questions and preparations for fall opening —

1. Face-to-face or online?

2. How do we keep everybody safe?

3. What will instruction look like?

4. What do families want?

5. How do we assess learning?

6. How can we build a resilient school community?