In the current educational environment, schools face the challenge of providing quality programs and instruction for all students. Schools are expected to address the needs of all children, including those students with disabilities, regardless of available qualified staff and resources.

We believe that all children, given opportune conditions of schooling, are capable of achieving at high levels. This is the fundamental principle for the Creating Inclusive School Communities program.

Creating Inclusive School Communities is a partnership between the Center for Collaborative Education and the Institute. It is designed to assist schools in their effort to create opportunities for all learners to succeed. We offer a menu of professional development programs designed to provide urban schools with academic and professional support, to help build excellence for children, and to create new learning opportunities for teachers. 

The design and delivery of services is created through collaboration with schools to meet their unique needs. Through the program, the following services in the areas of inclusion and special education are offered to schools and districts:

Academic Preparation

• Graduate-level special education preparation and licensure programs
• Customized training and graduate level programs in special education topics

Professional Development through Workshops, Seminars and Institutes

• Content-based Institutes for academic credit on critical topics
• Lab using universal design, assistive technology and diagnostic testing

Coaching at the School Level

• Expert, on-site school coaching at leadership and classroom levels

A Unified Focus on Adapting Curriculum and Assessment through:

• Universal design and assistive technology
• Diagnostic testing and comprehensive assessment systems
• Development and implementation of individualized learning plans
• Comprehensive language and literacy instruction
• Differentiated instruction and scaffolding curriculum
• Cooperative discipline and building classroom communities

Inclusion Focus Areas

• Leadership development to better serve students with special needs
• Effective service delivery models
• Customizing inclusion programs
• Student support team models and learning centers
• Working with parents of students with special needs
• District policies that support special education students