Nearly half of the spring 2017 SWIFT-FIT assessments are complete! SWIFT-FIT, or Fidelity Implementation Tool, contains 51 items scored as 0-1-2-3. Most schools have completed four assessments since 2013, and the average score in school year 2013–2014 to school year 2015–2016 has improved from 41% to 62%.

SWIFT-FIT assessors interview between 20 to 40 people for each assessment, including parents, staff, and district representatives. “We basically interview anyone and everyone involved in the day-to-day functions of the school, which I think is unique,” SWIFT-FIT Coordinator Dr. Dan Pollitt said. Sometimes, two SWIFT-FIT assessors will conduct the assessment at a school. “Having two sets of eyes is helpful for recording interview and documentation evidence,” Pollitt said.

Pollitt oversees a team of 70 trained SWIFT-FIT assessors, and is always looking for more volunteers. Certified SWIFT-FIT assessors complete a full day of professional learning and need to pass a mock assessment with a score of at least 80%. SWIFT and non-SWIFT personnel, including parents, community members, teachers, administrators, former educators, and university faculty are welcome to volunteer to become SWIFT-FIT assessors. “Becoming a SWIFT-FIT assessor is one of the most efficient ways to learn about the latest practices, policies, and inner workings of how inclusive education happens in our schools,” Pollitt said.

Monique Green became a SWIFT-FIT assessor two years ago. She advises prospective assessors to jump right in. “Being a SWIFT-FIT assessor is a great way to strengthen your personal practice in terms of SWIFT, form new partnerships with districts and other SWIFT-FIT assessors, as well as identify the need for additional professional development for districts and schools,” she said.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a SWIFT-FIT assessor, email Dan Pollitt at dpollitt@ku.edu.

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. 

In this month’s podcast, Dr. Amy McCart, Director of Technical Assistance for SWIFT Center, shares her numerous experiences supporting schoolwide transformation in post-Katrina New Orleans, Washington, DC, Kansas City, KS and—of course—the 64 SWIFT partner schools in Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Vermont. Click here to listen or read.

SWIFT Talk is SWIFT’s blog where you can find excellent articles from various members of the SWIFT community. In Presuming Competence: A Thank You Note to Tina, Susan Shapiro writes winsomely of prejudices, expectations, and learning to listen well.

Elizabeth Hartman explores the foundation of Universal Design for Learning in Embrace Learner Variability.

State Spotlight: Vermont — Maura Hart shares an update from Oak Grove Elementary in this month’s State Spotlight.

Do you like to write and have a story to share about equity-based inclusive education? SWIFT welcomes submissions that advance the practice of equity, excellence, and All Means All. Click here for submission guidelines.

SWIFT Webinars are free, closed captioned, and live on the third Wednesday of every month on topics related to SWIFT Domains and Features. Recordings of all webinars can be downloaded from the Webinar section of SWIFT Shelf.

Lucille Eber was our webinar host this month, and you can watch her presentation, "Identifying and Supporting Students with Internalizing Behaviors through Universal Screening Procedures and Evidence-based Interventions," by clicking here.