CREATING THE RIGHT

ENVIRONMENT
By: Paige Kuhn
Recall: What is RTI?
Response to Instruction and Intervention is a three-tiered
prevention model (Vaughn and Fuchs, 2003, p. 139) that aims to
assess students early and often.

Vaughn, S., & Fuchs, L. S. (2003). Redefining learning disabilities as inadequate response
to instruction: The promise and potential problems. Learning Disabilities Research &
Practice, 18(3), 137146.
How do you feel about RTI?
Overwhelmed
Frustrated
Doubtful
Nervous
Excited
Optimistic
Pessimistic
Turn and Talk: What elements do
you need to create an
environment that supports
inclusive education?
 The 7 Elements:
1.Collaborative Culture
2.Shared Leadership
3.Coherent Vision
4.Comprehensive Planning
5.Adequate Resources
6.Sustained Implementation
7.Continuous Evaluation and Improvement
 Video:
How Principal Alicia Averette Builds a
Safe Environment at School

Which examples of elements, if any, do

you see in Prinicipal Alicia Averettes
description of her school?
1. Collaborative Culture
Teamwork with each other, specialists, paraprofessionals, community members, and
school leaders
What are the features and results of collaboration?
Voluntary
Shared goals
Equity
Accountability
Trust
Community
Collaborative activities: team building, peer review, school organizations, and
professional development trainings

Walther-Thomas, C., Korinek L., McLaughlin, V., & Toler Williams, B. (2000). Essential features of inclusive programs. In Collaboration
for Inclusive Education, Developing Successful Programs. (pp. 26-49). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
 2. Shared Leadership
Be inspiring!
Voice of change
Support the school vision
Professional development
Leader mentality
Collaboration

Walther-Thomas, C., Korinek L., McLaughlin, V., & Toler Williams, B. (2000). Essential features of inclusive programs. In
Collaboration for Inclusive Education, Developing Successful Programs. (pp. 26-49). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
 3. Coherent Vision
Converge together through knowledge and experience
Its okay if you dont START with a shared vision
Vision aspects for the student, as quoted from Walther-Thomas
et. al (2000):
1 Academic
2 Social and Emotional
3 Personal and collective responsibility and citizenship
OWN your vision!

Walther-Thomas, C., Korinek L., McLaughlin, V., & Toler Williams, B. (2000). Essential features of
inclusive programs. In Collaboration for Inclusive Education, Developing Successful
Programs. (pp. 26-49). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
4. Comprehensive Planning
Show commitment
Have a plan
Support
Observing and adjusting

Walther-Thomas, C., Korinek L., McLaughlin, V., & Toler Williams, B. (2000). Essential features of
inclusive programs. In Collaboration for Inclusive Education, Developing Successful
Programs. (pp. 26-49). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
5. Adequate Resources
Funding
Setting and adhering to caseload limits
Staffing
Preparation (expectations, skills, etc)
Programs (ESL, reading, math)

Walther-Thomas, C., Korinek L., McLaughlin, V., & Toler Williams, B. (2000).
Essential features of inclusive programs. In Collaboration for Inclusive
Education, Developing Successful Programs. (pp. 26-49). Boston: Allyn and
Bacon.
6. Sustained Implementation
Dont give up!
Patience
Know what to expect (the ups and downs!)

Walther-Thomas, C., Korinek L., McLaughlin, V., & Toler Williams, B. (2000). Essential features of
inclusive programs. In Collaboration for Inclusive Education, Developing Successful
Programs. (pp. 26-49). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
7. Continuous Evaluation and
Improvement
Check progress
Make Adjustments
Generate data
Know what questions you need to ask
On-going
Not every question will be answered in one evaluation
New questions may arise
Need for different emphasizes at different times
Inclusive Education is a process, not a result

Walther-Thomas, C., Korinek L., McLaughlin, V., & Toler Williams, B. (2000). Essential features of
inclusive programs. In Collaboration for Inclusive Education, Developing Successful
Programs. (pp. 26-49). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.