This afternoon, we have another “Inclusion Walkthrough” on our campus, where members from our network team pop into classrooms to ensure that there is alignment with what is written into our kids’ IEPs and what is actually happening in the classroom.

Though this can be a bit intimidating for all parties involved, it helps remind me that our network is so progressive when it comes to special education.

Three years ago, I was working at a non-public school for kids with autism. A school where I had to check the box on the IEP that indicated that 100% of the time, the student would be “removed from the general education classroom.”

Two years ago, I was a classroom teacher for an SDC class. A class that was observed twice a year. A class where I spent most of my time writing IEPs that were going to be locked up in my file cabinet once the meeting had been held – never to be referred to again. I didn’t have anyone holding me accountable. I didn’t have someone say, “Hey. This kid should be receiving ______ during _____ and that’s NOT happening.” 

Today, members from our network team will come to our school. To hold me accountable. To ensure that our kids are receiving all the accommodations and services that are legally written into their IEP.

And, because of this, I feel like I’m a stronger educator. An educator who is thoughtful about putting individual plans in place for my kids. An educator who collaborates with everyone involved. An educator who is constantly improving because I have opportunities like this to receive feedback and ensure that my kids are getting what they need to be successful.

So today, I’m not intimidated.

Today, I am lucky.