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Welcome to the inaugural edition of The IC Newsletter! This monthly newsletter from the Inclusion Collaborative of the Santa Clara County Office of Education is your guide to advancing understanding, empathy, and practical strategies for creating spaces of belonging.
Each month, we’ll keep you informed about exciting events, celebrate achievements, share valuable resources, and highlight innovative approaches to inclusion in education. At the Inclusion Collaborative, we are committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring every student, regardless of ability, has access to a quality, inclusive learning environment. Join us on this journey as we work together to build inclusive and empowering educational spaces.
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Monthly Highlight: The Art of Inclusion Toolkit
We are excited to launch our Art of Inclusion Toolkit, a feature you’ll find in every issue of this newsletter. Designed and curated by our very own Heather Anderson, Inclusion Training Specialist, this toolkit supports educators in implementing inclusive practices. Each month, it brings you curated resources, strategies, and activities tailored to the diverse needs of students, inspiring new ideas and enriching learning spaces.
This month’s toolkit includes resources for celebrating World Kindness Day, with activities like kindness trees, gratitude journals, and collaborative projects to create a compassionate classroom atmosphere. We’ve also included awareness resources for key November observances such as Diabetes Awareness Month, Epilepsy Awareness Month, and National Family Caregivers Month, along with practical suggestions for discussions and activities that honor these causes. Look forward to receiving a fresh toolkit each month to inspire and support your teaching practices.
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We’re pleased to announce the release of our Down Syndrome Toolkit, newly launched by the Inclusion Collaborative of SCCOE. This comprehensive resource is designed to support educators, school staff and administrators in implementing best practices for students with Down Syndrome. Covering everything from early intervention to high school and beyond, the toolkit offers insights into developmental milestones, instructional accommodations, behavior strategies, and more.
Released this month, the toolkit reflects our commitment to providing resources that empower educators to create inclusive, equitable learning environments. We hope this guide will serve as a precious tool in deepening understanding and support for students with Down Syndrome.
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The Warmline: A Resource for Families and Educators | The Warmline is a free support service offering guidance, resources, and referrals to families, educators, and community members. Our team provides information on developmental screenings, positive behavior strategies, inclusive practices, and local resources in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. We’re here to support every child’s success in an inclusive setting, so reach out to us for assistance. | |
Data Adventures Playtest Group – Join Us!
Calling all middle school educators! Be part of our Data Adventures Playtest Group to help co-create data-driven learning experiences. Participants will test lessons from both a student and pedagogical perspective, providing essential feedback to refine these engaging activities. Join us on November 16, 2024, at SCCOE for a 6-hour in-person session with a stipend of $750 for your time. Help us bring real-world data learning to life!
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11th Annual Inclusion Collaborative State Conference Recap
The 11th Annual Inclusion Collaborative State Conference was a success, welcoming 391 registered participants! The theme, “Inclusioneers INSPIRE!”, focused on innovative approaches to equity and inclusion. Keynote speakers included Rebecca Cokley from the Ford Foundation, Dr. Bettina Love, and Dr. Wendy Murawski, who each inspired action and reflection.
Initial feedback reveals that 90% of attendees felt motivated to implement inclusive practices. As one participant shared, "The student panel touched me to the core. Their voices need to be shared widely for students who might not be able to express their experiences. They are the reason we fight for inclusion." Save the date for our 2025 conference: October 20-22, 2025!
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Thank you for joining us on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates, resources, and inspiring stories in next month’s edition of The IC Newsletter. | | | | |
