Your Students, My Students, Our Students

What's "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" about?

• Inclusive Education Focus: The book explores how to create equitable and inclusive classrooms by integrating students with disabilities into general education settings.
• Authors' Expertise: Written by Lee Ann Jung, Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, and Julie Kroener, it draws on their extensive experience in education and special education.
• Practical Strategies: It provides practical strategies for educators to rethink and redesign their approaches to inclusion and equity in schools.
• Systemic Change: The book emphasizes the need for systemic change in educational practices to ensure all students receive a meaningful education.

Why should I read "Your Students, My Students, Our Students"?

• Equity and Inclusion: It offers insights into creating a more equitable education system that benefits all students, including those with disabilities.
• Real-Life Examples: The book includes real-life stories and examples that illustrate the impact of inclusive practices on students' lives.
• Actionable Advice: Readers will find actionable advice and strategies that can be implemented in their own classrooms and schools.
• Broader Implications: It discusses the broader social implications of inclusive education, such as fostering a more inclusive society.

What are the key takeaways of "Your Students, My Students, Our Students"?

• Inclusive Culture: Establishing a culture of equity and inclusion is foundational for successful inclusive education.
• Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration among educators, students, and families is crucial for effective inclusion.
• Role Redefinition: The roles of general and special educators need to be redefined to support inclusive practices.
• Student-Centered Goals: Setting goals that align with students' aspirations is essential for meaningful education.

How does "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" define inclusive education?

• Equitable Access: Inclusive education is defined as providing equitable access to the general curriculum for all students, regardless of their abilities.
• Shared Responsibility: It involves shared responsibility among all educators to support every student's learning needs.
• Focus on Strengths: The approach emphasizes leveraging the strengths of all educators and students to create a supportive learning environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Inclusive education is seen as a dynamic process that requires ongoing reflection and adaptation.

What are the best quotes from "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" and what do they mean?

• "Show me your master schedule, and I'll tell you what your values are.": This quote highlights the importance of school schedules reflecting inclusive values and priorities.
• "Students with disabilities do not have 'special needs'; they have special rights.": It emphasizes the legal and moral obligation to provide equitable education to students with disabilities.
• "The least dangerous assumption we can make is that students will learn and that they will have amazing lives.": This quote encourages educators to maintain high expectations for all students.
• "Every student in the building is our student first and foremost.": It underscores the collective responsibility of all educators to support every student's learning.

How does "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" suggest implementing inclusive practices?

• Infused Skills Grid: Use tools like the infused skills grid to identify opportunities for students to work on their goals within general education settings.
• Co-Teaching Models: Implement various co-teaching models to maximize the strengths of both general and special educators.
• Role Release: Encourage role release, where specialists train general educators to implement interventions, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Student Profiles: Develop student profiles to capture essential information about students' strengths, needs, and aspirations.

What challenges does "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" identify in achieving inclusion?

• Segregated Settings: The persistence of segregated classrooms and programs that limit students' access to general education.
• Labeling and Expectations: The negative impact of labeling students, which can lower expectations and limit opportunities.
• Resource Allocation: Inequitable distribution of resources and support that hinders effective inclusion.
• Cultural Shifts: The need for a cultural shift in schools to embrace inclusion as a core value.

How does "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" address the role of educators in inclusion?

• Redefining Roles: It calls for redefining the roles of general and special educators to ensure shared responsibility for all students.
• Professional Development: Emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development to equip educators with the skills needed for inclusive practices.
• Collaboration: Encourages collaboration among educators to share expertise and support each other's professional growth.
• Leadership: Highlights the role of school leaders in fostering an inclusive culture and supporting systemic change.

What strategies does "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" offer for setting student-centered goals?

• MAPs Process: Use the Making Action Plans (MAPs) process to engage students and their support networks in setting meaningful goals.
• Goal Attainment Scaling: Implement goal attainment scaling to measure progress on personalized goals in everyday contexts.
• Aspirational Planning: Begin aspirational planning early, focusing on students' long-term dreams and aligning educational goals accordingly.
• Student Voice: Involve students in the goal-setting process to ensure their goals are relevant and motivating.

How does "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" propose measuring progress in inclusive education?

• Goal Attainment Scales: Use goal attainment scales to provide a clear, measurable framework for tracking student progress.
• Regular Monitoring: Emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and adjustment of goals and strategies based on student progress.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Encourage data-driven decision-making to ensure interventions and supports are effective and responsive to student needs.
• Collaborative Assessment: Involve all educators in the assessment process to provide a comprehensive view of student progress.

What role do families play in "Your Students, My Students, Our Students"?

• Active Participation: Families are seen as active participants in the educational process, providing valuable insights and support.
• Communication: Effective communication with families is essential for understanding students' needs and aspirations.
• Partnerships: Building strong partnerships with families helps create a supportive network for students' success.
• Cultural Competence: Recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of families is crucial for meaningful collaboration.

How does "Your Students, My Students, Our Students" envision the future of inclusive education?

• Systemic Change: The book envisions systemic change in educational practices to create truly inclusive and equitable schools.
• Empowered Educators: Educators are empowered to collaborate, innovate, and continuously improve their practices for the benefit of all students.
• Student-Centered Learning: A focus on student-centered learning that honors each student's unique strengths, needs, and aspirations.
• Inclusive Society: The ultimate goal is to foster an inclusive society where all individuals are valued and have the opportunity to succeed.