Transforming Schools with Truly Inclusive Leadership and Practices

About the Guest(s):

Toni Barton is a leader in education innovation and the founder of Speligent. She is a recognized authority on transforming schools through inclusive, equity-driven, and tech-enabled learning models, having gained vast experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Toni initiated the Inclusive Schools Leadership Institute at Relay Graduate School of Education, training leaders to construct anti-ableist, student-centered environments. Her insights have been featured in major publications including Forbes and The Hechinger Report. Toni is also known for her book, "Six Principles for Building a Truly Inclusive School," which is a resource for forward-thinking educators.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas engages with Toni Barton in a deep dive into reshaping the educational landscape for inclusivity and equity. Toni shares her journey from a professional in law to an advocate in education, driven by her own son's experience with special education. This insightful discussion emphasizes the importance of actively implementing inclusive practices beyond mere acknowledgment, and how educators can cultivate environments where every student thrives.

The conversation unpacks Toni’s book, "Six Principles for Building a Truly Inclusive School," detailing strategies for initiating inclusive leadership in educational institutions. Emphasizing anti-exclusionary program designs, building person-first cultures, and understanding the critical role of special education teachers in leadership roles, the episode provides practical steps for systemic change. Listeners walk away with a clear understanding of how urgent and strategic data use can drive student success and create schools that meet every student's needs.

Complete show notes and transcript.

Key Takeaways:

-Inclusive Leadership: Special education teachers and leaders should aim for leadership roles to enact systemic change in education systems.

-Truly Inclusive Schools: Emphasizes both academic progress and a genuine sense of belonging for students, as defined from the students' perspectives.

-Anti-Exclusionary Program Design: Encourages creating systems that intentionally support historically marginalized students, promoting inclusive environments beyond just integrated placements.

-Data Urgency: Stresses the importance of real-time data-driven decision-making to close performance gaps and enhance instructional effectiveness.

-Person-First Culture: Advocates rethinking discipline and behavior systems as social-emotional frameworks that prioritize student-centered support.

Resources:

Spelligent

Six Principles for Building a Truly Inclusive School

Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain

Toni’s Website

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL.

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