If Tier 1 Isn’t Working, Special Education Will Feel It: Bringing Special Education to the Core Instruction Table
(Room 550 A/B)
11 Nov 26
4:00 PM
-
5:00 PM
Tracks:
Instructional Excellence: Achieving Success
Special education leaders are often asked to solve problems created by instructional systems they did not help design. When Tier 1 instruction is inconsistent or inaccessible, special education becomes the system’s safety net. Increasingly, special education leaders are working to change that by helping shape core instruction from the start. In this session, WestEd consultants share what they are learning from districts that bring special education staff into the earliest conversations about core instructional strategy. WestEd has woven together Vital PLCs—structures for interdependent teaming—and UDL Lab training in Universal Design for Learning to support general and special educators in designing rigorous, flexible Tier 1 instruction together. Participants will exchange strategies for ensuring special education perspectives are present in conversations about curriculum, HQIM implementation, PLCs, and MTSS. The session will also gather feedback from special education leaders to strengthen these approaches and expand the role of special education in shaping strong core instruction for all students.