Proctor Elementary School, Vermont. Photo by Michael McSheehan.
NEWS
We recorded this month’s SWIFT Unscripted interview with Dr. Shana Haines, assistant professor in the College of Education and Social Services at the University of Vermont, during a recent trip some of our team made to Vermont to observe outstanding inclusive practices. The photo above is a “sneak peek” at one practice that supports all students: flexible seating expectations. More on that another time…back to Dr. Haine’s, who shared with us about parents and teachers making human connections, and how important these connections are particularly for children who are refugees. No matter what your role in education is, we think you will benefit from her gentle, wise counsel.
SWIFT Unscripted is a monthly podcast featuring guests from among the SWIFT community. A transcript link for each SWIFT Unscripted podcast is available at the end of its description. You can listen on SoundCloud or iTunes , or visit the SWIFT Unscripted page to download the podcast to your computer.
Resources
While we are on the subject of families, remember SWIFT Guide’s Trusting Family Partnerships provide an introductory SWIFT in 60 video and curated resources we selected to help schools strengthen family-school connects that are respectful, mutually beneficial, and share responsibility for student learning. Explore ways to give family members meaningful options for involvement in their children’s education and in the life of the school and more.
Inclusion, a multi-disciplinary journal for the presentation and discussion of evidence-based interventions and strategies that promote the full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in society, recently published a special issue about outcomes from SWIFT work funded by the Office of Special Education Programs.
Dr. Jennifer Kurth, University of Kansas Department of Special Education served as guest editor. See her SWIFT Talk blog about the special issue and what you will find in it. We are so proud of our partner schools from coast-to-coast who apply their strengths, resourcefulness, and commitment to the shared vision of ALL Means ALL (with a bit of SWIFT technical assistance thrown in for good measure) to make a difference in every SWIFT Domain for the benefit of their students.
Do you like to write and have a story to share about equity-based MTSS or inclusive education? SWIFT welcomes submissions that advance the practice of equity, excellence, and All Means All. Click here for submission guidelines.
