The District Leadership of One Inclusive and Effective School District: Caring, Collaborative, and Accessible

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Inclusion and Accommodation in Educational Assessment SIG Roundtable

Abstract

Inclusion is a federal policy that challenges educational leaders today. The purpose of this case study was to describe the leadership practices of one inclusive, effective school district in Florida. Three findings emerged: 1) caring for their peers, students and families was evident as mutual respect, trust and a shared inclusive mission 2) collaborative processes and teams building collective capacity for inclusive service delivery 3) accessible district leaders as active members of problem solving teams, IEP meetings and knowing students by name. Inclusion depends on supporting and developing educators collaborating in classrooms, schools, and across districts. Inclusion depends on leaders, educators, and families who have experienced, and know, that the benefits of inclusion are priceless!

Author

• Elizabeth Collier Jekanowski, Florida Atlantic University