How everyone works together
Again, when educators understand the “why” rather than the “how” of a model, things tend to fall more easily and successfully into place. BCSC is very fortunate to have many layers of support in staff, specialists, peer networks, and even state organizations. In addition to its multitude of general education and special education teachers, within the 16 schools and 21 buildings that make up the corporation, BCSC has five behavior and autism coordinators. These specialists split their time between different schools and support classroom teachers by:
— creating behavioral plans for specific students
— helping teachers with scaffolding their curriculum to ensure all students succeed
— modeling, training, and coaching faculty about UDL and inclusivity with a strong focus on students with autism and other special needs
— spending time in classrooms to help with specific students as needed.
Autism Coordinator Bethany Scruton says, “Having colleagues across the board who share core beliefs of an inclusive model while also being supported by administrative leaders who give us the freedom to be the experts in what we do makes all the difference to the success of our programs.”
Listen as Ms. Scruton talks about how she helps classroom teachers as one of the district’s autism coordinators and Principal Dettmer gives an example of how she works with her faculty and staff as well as the strategies they have put in place to help kids in the classroom day after day.
All The Other Pieces
Working together as a team lays a foundation for success but there are many other pieces that come together to drive BCSC’s success.
BCSC’s secret sauce
Although BCSC says they are not perfect in their mission for full inclusivity, they are proud of what they have created for so many students and families, educators, and community members. And the commitment to the work continues.
In this clip, Ms. Vogel shares her thoughts on why BCSC has been so successful helping traditional students and students with autism and other special needs thrive in and beyond the school.
“Why is being a part of BCSC so meaningful? Every single one of us, if we live long enough, will become disabled in some way, and the world will become less accessible to us,” says Ms. Hamlin. “And so, what we’re doing isn’t just for the children with disabilities, rather it’s about helping all of us … creating a supportive community that is open and inclusive to everyone no matter how they learn or live. When we create a community that is completely accessible, we’re meeting the needs of every individual who lives here.”