Inclusive Learning: #ISSedu Twitter Chat

Let's get started! Q1: “Inclusion” is a broad term that’s significant in many ways. What does it mean to you in your context?
 

A1: I feel #inclusivelearning is personalized learning… observing each student’s strengths & areas of growth through meaningful forms of assessment and INCLUDING them in their goal setting. My school rocks at that 😎 #issedu https://t.co/5ECIx1DYzy

— Mary (@teachthenbeach) March 6, 2019

A1: Inclusion is a culture that you create in your environment. Inclusion in education is providing the least restrictive environment for all students to learn, aka the regular classroom setting. #ISSedu #Inclusion

— Jack Young (@Jackwyoung12) March 6, 2019

A1 Inclusion means that ALL students are general education students. There are no “tier 2 kids” or “sped students.” All students belong to gen ed. Some need additional support, short or long term. #ISSedu #InclusiveLearning

— 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝔸𝕟𝕟 𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕘 (@leeannjung) March 6, 2019

A1: To me, in the classroom, it means that every student feels valued, has their voice heard, and has equitable access to learning. As a school community, it means every member of the community is valued and has equitable opportunity for involvement. #ISSedu

— Callie BushMiller (@learnboldly) March 6, 2019

A1: I think in my context it means that we involve everyone across our community. Students, parents, educators, and industry. This gives everyone an opportunity to come to the table, share ideas, and support one another for the benefit of students and learning. #issedu

— Luke Meinen (@luke_meinen_) March 6, 2019

Q2: What are some tangible benefits of an inclusive school culture?
 

A2: Inclusive teaching strategies help ALL students achieve more by making the content accessible. And an inclusive culture helps create a safe environment, allowing students more easily focus on learning.#issedu #inclusivelearning

— Kevin Fulton (@Fultonofscience) March 6, 2019

A2: A stronger sense of community! Everyone is welcome, valued and has a part to play. #issedu #inclusivelearning

— john burns (@j0hnburns) March 6, 2019

Yes!!! Inclusivity benefits EVERYONE ACADEMICALLY. And of course holistically. #issedu #inclusivelearning https://t.co/IBYRsUp1rY

— Lisa Jenkin (@lisaajenkin) March 6, 2019

A2: Everyone learns…together and individually…about themselves, others, and the world. #ISSedu #inclusivelearning

— Megan Kuemmerlin (@megankuemmerlin) March 6, 2019

A2: Children learn to move beyond tolerance/acceptance & into a desire for and expectation of diversity when learning in an inclusive environment. My daughter’s # 1 criteria for her next school is diversity, in all forms. #ISSedu #inclusivelearning

— Erin Madonna (@mrsmadonnay1) March 6, 2019

Q3: What are some simple practical ways that a teacher could become more inclusive, starting tomorrow?

Teachers can begin by thinking deeply about our environments and our language. What do these two areas of our teaching life say about our beliefs and values? Who is welcome in this space? What ideas are valued? How do I encourage multiple perspectives to be considered? #issedu https://t.co/Fesm29fIOf

— Holly Reardon (@Hollybreardon) March 6, 2019

#ISSedu #inclusivelearning Not being afraid, asking for support, looking for strengths in each of the students to foster those qualities in each child, teaching that we all can support each and other, it is not only teacher’s role

— LindsayVargasCR (@LindsayVargasB) March 6, 2019

A3: Learn People First Language, but also ask each individual what language they use to describe themselves. https://t.co/6ZFI5wAFFr #ISSedu #inclusivelearning

— Erin Madonna (@mrsmadonnay1) March 6, 2019

Changing your language is the fastest way to change your beliefs. From "he's giving me a hard time" to "he's having a hard time."

— Ryan (@ryan_elissa) March 6, 2019

Q3 listen, observe, get to know our students, celebrate who they are. A CAN DO philosophy #issedu #inclusiveeducation

— Gina Ballesteros (@G1naTeachLearn) March 6, 2019

A3: So many ways. 1st way ask a coworker whom you don’t know or “hang out with” something about his/her life/teaching. Secondary teachers visit an EC classroom and viceversa! Share ideas & listen to others #issedu #inclusivelearning

— AlejandraCruzMilano (@TeacherMsAle) March 6, 2019

#ISSedu A3. Believe in the ability of each student in their care to be successful. Students can tell if a teacher truly believes in them and will rise to any challenge if they have a supporter and a believer in them. Find a way to build a positive relationship with each kid.

— Duncan FitzGerald (@duncanfitzg) March 6, 2019

A3: Teachers can become more inclusive simply by using the strategies in this link (https://t.co/pL1r5TLma5). This will help make the content accessible more easily esp for ESL/special needs/lower achievers which then allows them to make contributions. #issedu #inclusivelearning

— Kevin Fulton (@Fultonofscience) March 6, 2019

A3: Giving them the chance to anonymously share what they “wish their teacher knew” https://t.co/GIorwtbMJa #issedu #inclusivelearning

— john burns (@j0hnburns) March 6, 2019

A3 “no hands up thinking time,” eliminating “popcorn reading,” eliminating timed math, allowing extended time to anyone who needs it, graphic organizers, allowing more choices!, lots of flexible small grouping, manipulative for math, allowing multiple ways to respond #ISSedu

— 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝔸𝕟𝕟 𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕘 (@leeannjung) March 6, 2019

Q4: In what areas do you see the greatest need for you or your school to make strides in inclusivity?
 

Hi guys! Chiming in late. A4: I would love to work w/ my sch on a solid “action plan” after a child study meeting. We’d benefit from having a solid plan and goal to revisit in 6-8 weeks which begins with observations made by special ed. teachers in an inclusive setting. #issedu https://t.co/eCKTldol8j

— Mary (@teachthenbeach) March 6, 2019

A4 incorporate #UDL universal design for learning and maximize the power of technology to provide access and to give voice to all learners #assistivetechnology #issedu #inclusivelearning

— Gina Ballesteros (@G1naTeachLearn) March 6, 2019

A4 – At our school there is a real opportunity to bring resources into the classroom that represent those on the margins. Our amazing literacy coach @wondrwomyn is working with our @center_isc to bring this literature into classrooms #iscbrazil #issedu

— Ryan Persaud (@RyanPersaud23) March 6, 2019

Q4: We need to articulate and educate ourselves on a common vocabulary that empowers teachers to feel confident with their words to ask more questions about diverse learners. We need to normalise planning for differentiation and diversity. #issedu #inclusivelearning

— Lisa Jenkin (@lisaajenkin) March 6, 2019

A4: I think including our host country & language #China #Chinese into the everyday classroom & reach out to our local out of school community to make an impact on our works #inclusivelearning #inclusion #issedu

— AlejandraCruzMilano (@TeacherMsAle) March 6, 2019

A4: Providing students with diversified assessment options—tier 1 intervention strategy. And building teacher capacity through more personalized and differentiated PD that offers choice #issedu #inclusivelearning #mtss #nadineinspires #personalizedlearning

— Nadine Richards (@naywheels) March 6, 2019

Q5: What resources do you rely on when designing your inclusive classroom? (think Systematic, Human, Physical or Digital)
 

A5: Designing Group Work-Elizabeth Cohen; Opening Minds-Peter Johnston; Equity and Access Strategies learned from Science House @sciencemuseummn Teacher Professional Development Group. #issedu

— Callie BushMiller (@learnboldly) March 6, 2019

A5: Always allowing students to share their learning in different ways. Providing opportunities like genius hour, having students create their own assessments that showcase their abilities, and providing choice whenever possible.

— Luke Meinen (@luke_meinen_) March 6, 2019

A5 designing assessments and learning goals around choice…always producing students with more than one way to demonstrate understanding…learning menus through OneNote and choice review boards #ISSedu

— Edward Bruce (@daisbruce) March 6, 2019

A5 – #readers and #writers workshop has some excellent #SocialJustice units . I also think it’s important to plan this with students not for them. What voices do they want to see represented? #studentvoice #studentengagement #iscbrazil #issedu

— Ryan Persaud (@RyanPersaud23) March 6, 2019

@ibuddha @dwoodbridge keep me up to date on a whole range of inclusive practices and assistive tech #issedu

— john burns (@j0hnburns) March 6, 2019

Q5: People. People. People. People. I am super lucky to have my resident mentor @mrsmadonnay1 — and so many people share this vision and are working together locally, nationally and globally to shine the light on inclusivity. #issedu #inclusivelearning

— Lisa Jenkin (@lisaajenkin) March 6, 2019

Q6: How can school leaders promote a school-level culture of inclusion through practice or principal? 
 

A6: Simple. Be inclusive. In meetings, discussions, committees, opportunities, etc. Welcome everyone to have a seat at the table. #ISSedu #inclusivelearning #sisrocks https://t.co/CHY1pHrI4M

— Megan Kuemmerlin (@megankuemmerlin) March 6, 2019

A6: Admissions policies that are inclusive. Implement MTSS w/ fidelity. Promote UDL. Hire high-quality specialists. Insist on EBPs. Purchase intervention material that is standards-aligned, embeds aligned diagnostic assessments, includes progress monitoring. Train to fidelity.

— Stacy Shipman, Ph.D. (@GlobalStacy) March 6, 2019

#ISSedu A6. spend time working on equity of access. Despite the fact that this may ruffle feathers of those who perhaps are sitting in comfortable positions of privilege in current systems.

— Duncan FitzGerald (@duncanfitzg) March 6, 2019

Supporting the “inclusivers” and “early adapters” following the innovation model 🙂 When they are supported it becomes natural in the school culture and we all follow after #ISSedu #inclusivelearning pic.twitter.com/dPvgRnouRw

— LindsayVargasCR (@LindsayVargasB) March 6, 2019

A6: Make inclusion a priority through: PL, celebrations, the language we use, make it a ground-rule of 'this is how we do things here', increase discussion of differentiation, make time for 'kid chats' and team planning. #issedu #inclusivelearning

— Lisa Jenkin (@lisaajenkin) March 6, 2019

Q7: Where have you seen a great example of an inclusive practice or culture? Shoutouts, photos, or linked resources appreciated
 

A7: @WAB_LIVE is a truly diverse and inclusive community! Both of my boys are #dyslexic and #dysgraphic– @WAB_LIVE they learned that their brains just work differently! Now they kinda think they have a #superpower ! #issedu #inclusivelearning https://t.co/VM8VmG48r3

— Holly Reardon (@Hollybreardon) March 6, 2019

A7: Not a school example but @apple has always lived and breathed #inclusion. You can see it in their staffing and in all the products they design. https://t.co/6JlxnRaUIj https://t.co/ykrmUw83Qu #issedu #inclusivelearning

— john burns (@j0hnburns) March 6, 2019

A7: In retweeting myself from last weekend, I was super inspired by Danette Sack's student who identified her success as: "Knowing what I have, what I need and how to get it." Student voices advocating for themselves is the best example of a great inclusive culture. #issedu

— Lisa Jenkin (@lisaajenkin) March 6, 2019

A7: @byh2ocounseling Dallin Bywater began our school’s public commitment to being a community of safe allies. More doors are hung with "Safe Zone" signs every year! He also champions gender inclusivity within our school community. Inspiration! #ISSedu #inclusivelearning

— Erin Madonna (@mrsmadonnay1) March 6, 2019

A7 Cotopaxi in Quito is doing amazing work! Their early childhood Imagine program has blown me away. #issedu #InclusiveLearning @acotopaxi @LeadInclusion pic.twitter.com/NAu2ekvKlX

— 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝔸𝕟𝕟 𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕘 (@leeannjung) March 6, 2019

A7: My son was fortunate to be in @luke_meinen_ 's class last year. He had flexible learning opportunities in a flexible space. I loved seeing and hearing my son excitedly talk about what his school day was like. #issedu

— Callie BushMiller (@learnboldly) March 6, 2019

A7: Special Education Network & Inclusion Association (SENIA) is a network of individuals working to forward inclusion within international schools. The annual conference is one place I go to be inspired. #senia https://t.co/xvGf6F2TnC #ISSedu #inclusivelearning

— Erin Madonna (@mrsmadonnay1) March 6, 2019

A7: shoutout to Sidney Gill (not sure if she is on twitter. My ES principal at #DAISrocks Her daily #morningmessages we’re written to welcome All teachers, students & staff I still remember them & took on this tradition in my classroon #inclusivelearning #issedu

— AlejandraCruzMilano (@TeacherMsAle) March 6, 2019

Q8: Reflecting on today’s conversation, what are you inspired to try or explore next in terms of inclusion?
 

A8: I'm going to explore the resources & ideas my fellow #ISSEdu shared. I'm balancing this chat and report card writing (tis the season!) but I appreciate everyone's awesome ideas!! #inclusivelearning I also am participating in an AppleEDU action research plan to help some Ss.

— Mary (@teachthenbeach) March 6, 2019

A8: Going to re-look at the accessibility features build into #windows #macos #ios #chrome and #android too. Feel very out of touch #issedu

— john burns (@j0hnburns) March 6, 2019

I loved watching this #InclusiveLearning #ISSEDU Check it out @ISPPCambodia https://t.co/HVPhP8b3Bh

— Leticia Carino (@leticarino) March 6, 2019

A8 – How I can assist our amazing counsellor in keeping our #SocialJustice group going in the high school. We have many seniors leaving and need to find Ss to take their place #iscbrazil #issedu

— Ryan Persaud (@RyanPersaud23) March 6, 2019

In partnership w @SDSU, we have a 5-course International Inclusive Leadership Program. We are in 7 countries w China & Spain adding next year. Come join us! Or write me if your school would like to host a cohort. Learn more: https://t.co/heyyUbKDjq #issedu #InclusiveLearning

— 𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝔸𝕟𝕟 𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕘 (@leeannjung) March 6, 2019

A8: When designing and fabricating custom furniture in the future for @level5bahrain, it will be important to build different designs that focus on inclusivity for all learners. Size, shape, function, etc. #issedu

— Luke Meinen (@luke_meinen_) March 6, 2019

A8 I’m going to look through all of the tweets in this #inclusivelearning chat and share some key takeaways with my colleagues at #DAISrocks to get more in on the conversation #issedu

— Edward Bruce (@daisbruce) March 6, 2019

Q8: As a social studies teacher I am always trying to do this. This inspires me to be more strategic about it! #issedu #inclusivelearning https://t.co/l6uMw4Yicb

— Anna Harding (@HardingAnna) March 6, 2019

Thank you all for joining!  Though the official hour is over, we'd love for you to respond and carry the discussion onwards using the prompts that are still on our @ISSCommunity page. Inspired by the #ISSedu family of global educators and ready to find your teach abroad journey? There's still time to register for the March 16 iFair®. The virtual job fair is the very last recruiting event of the 2018-19 season and a wonderful opportunity to interview with school recruiters from the comfort of your home!

And a few closing post-chat messages that just spoke to what this community is all about: