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EPISODE 33
Dr. Paula Kluth on Inclusion, Virtual Learning and Co-teaching

Play the Episode…

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) Paula discusses the true meaning of inclusion, and contrasts that with “lip-service” approaches to inclusion that are much less effective. What are some of these distinctions? In your experience, have you observed different approaches to inclusion that vary in addressing the values of true inclusion?

2) The recent and ongoing pandemic has required that educators and families provide educational experiences virtually. Paula discusses some of the unintended benefits of virtual school programming for educators, therapists and parents. What are some of these benefits, and how might they become part of standard practice educational practice? How might your efforts to support your students or your child’s education be impacted by what Paula discusses about virtual school programming?

3) Providing services virtually does not necessarily imply that inclusive learning experiences and co-teaching cannot occur. Discuss some of the strategies that Paula offers to support inclusion and co-teaching even when virtual educational learning is one part, or the primary approach to school programming. Identify two or three inclusive co-teaching strategies that you intend to incorporate as an educator, therapist, or parent.

Featuring

headshot-2020-1-paula-kluth

DR. PAULA KLUTH

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Most recently, Paula’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. All In: 18 Ways to Include All Students in Virtual Classrooms is Paula’s newest book. She is also the author or co-author of 15 other titles including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom, and “You’re Going to Love This Kid!”: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms.

Show Notes

Dr. Paula Kluth shares her decades of deep experience in supporting inclusion and the rights of students with disabilities in educational settings. She discusses the true meaning of inclusion in educational settings, as well as the benefits of “virtual inclusion” and co-teaching, while offering effective strategies for teaching students virtually and in classroom. In our discussion, Paula emphasizes the importance of educators, related service professionals, and families working collaboratively to support students’ love of learning at school and at home.

For more of Paula’s work:

Paula’s Website & Virtual PD events

Paula’s books: Just Give Him the Whale!: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism and others

Reading Rockets Article: Autism and Virtual Learning

Follow Paula:

Twitter and Instagram: @paulakluth

Facebook

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.