Module 1 - Introduction to Inclusive Education introduces several foundational concepts of inclusive education in a Disability Studies informed approach. The key concepts are used to support paraprofessionals in understanding how their roles and responsibilities contribute to the shared responsibility of everyone in schools to remove barriers to participation so all students can be meaningfully included. Participants will interact with content related to topics such as: New Jersey statistics on inclusive education, special education as a coordinated set of services, rather than a place (Module 1A), presuming competence (Module 1B), the historical and legal foundations of disability rights and inclusive education (Module 1C), and emerging understandings from the field of Disability Studies (Module 1D).

Module 1A - Introduction

Module 1B - Inclusion and Presuming Competence

Module 1C - Historical and Legal Foundation for Inclusion

Module 1D - Emerging Understandings of Disability

Links to resources included in the presentation slides below:

• Module 1A - Introduction Slide Deck
• Module 1B - Inclusion and Presuming Competence Slide Deck
• Module 1C - Historical and Legal Foundation for Inclusion Slide Deck
• Module 1D - Emerging Understandings of Disability Slide Deck

Module 2 - Learner Development and Characteristics addresses characteristics of students and common approaches to supporting students. This module will begin with an overview of categories of disability used in schools. Participants will be asked to consider the potential uses and harms of disability labels and the importance of using dignifying language when referring to students with disabilities (Module 2A). Following this overview, participants will be introduced to the concepts of strengths and needs-based approaches to supporting students. Several examples will be provided for how to address common characteristics and needs of students (Module 2B).

 Module 2A - Learner Development and Characteristics Overview

 Module 2B - Learner Development and Characteristics in the Classroom

Links to resources included in the presentation slides below:

• Module 2A - Learner Development and Characteristics Overview Slide Deck
• Module 2B - Learner Development and Characteristics in the Classroom Slide Deck

Module 3 - Universal Design for Learning in the Inclusive Classroom focuses on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the Inclusive Classroom. An understanding of UDL can position paraprofessionals to work collaboratively with teachers and actively contribute to creating accessible, engaging environments that support a wide range of learners by design. Participants will receive an introduction to Universal Design for Learning in Module 3A, followed by overviews and practice-based examples of each principle: Engagement (Module 3B), Representation (Module 3C), and Action and Expression (Module 3D). By the end of these modules, participants will be able to understand and incorporate UDL principles in their practice.

 Module 3A - UDL Overview

 Module 3B - Engagement Principle

 Module 3C - Representation Principle

 Module 3D - Action and Expression Principle

Links to resources included in the presentation slides below:

• Module 3A - UDL Overview Video Slide Deck
• Module 3B - Engagement Principle Slide Deck
• Module 3C - Representation Principle Slide Deck
• Module 3D - Action and Expression Principle Slide Deck

Module 4 - Specialized Instruction for the Inclusive Classroom exposes paraprofessionals to an overview of specially designed instruction (SDI) with an emphasis on introducing accommodations and modifications (Module 4A). Following the introduction, paraprofessionals will be provided with examples of how to modify curriculum across subject areas including: English language arts (ELA) (Module 4B), math (Module 4C), science (Module 4D), and social studies (Module 4E). Participants will have opportunities to create modifications on their own as a way to explore SDI more deeply.

 Module 4A - Specialized Instruction: Introduction

 Module 4B - Specialized Instruction: ELA

 Module 4C - Specialized Instruction: Math

 Module 4D - Specialized Instruction: Science

 Module 4E - Specialized Instruction: Social Studies

Links to resources included in the presentation slides below:

• Module 4A - Specialized Instruction Introduction Slide Deck
• Module 4B - Specialized Instruction: ELA Slide Deck
• Module 4C - Specialized Instruction: Math Slide Deck
• Module 4D - Specialized Instruction: Science Slide Deck
• Module 4E - Specialized Instruction: Social Studies Slide Deck

Module 5 - Learning Environments and Behavior Support this module addresses the critical importance of developing, supporting, and sustaining positive learning environments for all students. This module begins with an overview of how behavior is constructed in schools and the foundations of multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS), positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), and social-emotional learning (SEL). Participating paraprofessionals will have opportunities to reflect on various positive and restorative approaches, as well as plan strategies that they could use with students in their practice.

Module 5 -Learning Environments and Behavior Support 

Links to resources included in the presentation slides below:

• Module 5 - Learning Environments and Behavior Support Slide Deck