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The Blog


Sobremesa: The Space Between the Standards for Multilingual Students
My first experience learning Spanish was in high school. Like many students, I spent four years memorizing vocabulary lists, practicing choral repetition, and doing endless writing drills to master basic grammar rules. I thought I was prepared. But when I stepped off the plane in Madrid, confident in my ability to navigate the Spanish-speaking world, I quickly realized how unprepared I truly was.What I hadn’t yet learned was this: language is not just something you study—it’s
Amanda Crecelius
Oct 64 min read


Let’s Talk About “Turn and Talk”:
3 Smart Shifts for More Purposeful Peer Dialogue
Dr. Wendy Wells
Sep 293 min read


The Power of Repair: Shifting from Punitive to Restorative in Schools
Across the country, schools are making a powerful shift from punitive discipline to restorative practices and the results are transformative. Research shows that schools using restorative approaches see fewer behavioral issues, stronger relationships, and improved school climate. But the true power of this shift lies in what students are learning: how to communicate, resolve conflicts, build empathy, and take ownership of their actions.
Audrey Lappe
Sep 12 min read


Why Restorative Practices Begin with the Adults
Restorative practices only work when adults lead by example first. If we want schools to be spaces where students feel safe, connected, and accountable, we must first build that same culture among the adults.
Audrey Lappe
Aug 112 min read


5 Proven Ways to Build Strong Student Relationships in Your First 30 Days
The first 30 days of school set the tone for the entire year. While lesson planning and classroom setup are crucial, building strong student relationships might be your most powerful tool for classroom success. Research consistently shows that when students feel connected to their teachers, behavioral issues decrease and engagement soars.
Tracy Harrison
Jul 212 min read


Your Summer AI Toolkit : Supporting Your AI Journey
Summer break is the perfect time for special education educators to recharge, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to explore new tools and strategies for the upcoming school year. One area that's rapidly evolving and offering immense potential for special education is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It can all feel very overwhelming especially with the constant evolution of new and improved technology. Below are some tips to guide you as you begin, or continue on your AI jour
Dr. Reneae Staley
Jul 143 min read


To Use AI with Students – or – Not to Use AI with Students? The Ongoing Debate: AI in the Classroom
As educators, we must ask ourselves: How can we appropriately integrate AI into our classrooms?
William Reed
Apr 144 min read


Doing More with Less: Why Special Education Program Evaluation Matters Now More Than Ever
Special education programs are more than just mandated services; they are investments in our students' futures.
Dr. Reneae Staley
Apr 73 min read


Scaffolding Writing Instruction: 5 Tips for Building Skills Without Lowering Expectations
When writing is the specific learning standard, the goal remains clear: students must demonstrate their ability to write.
Dr. Wendy Wells
Mar 173 min read


Revitalize Your Passion for Teaching: Self-Care and Reconnecting with Your Subject
By indulging in your subject and engaging in positive habits, you can reignite your passion and maintain a healthy mindset.
William Reed
Mar 103 min read


AI in Education: Use It or Risk Falling Behind!
Why educators must embrace AI, how it can be used ethically & effectively, & what steps we should take to prepare students for a AI.
William Reed
Jan 134 min read


What Kind of Teacher Are You? Are you a Conveyor of Knowledge or a Facilitator of Learning?
Are you a Conveyor of Knowledge or a Facilitator of Learning? This thought-provoking question encourages us to reflect on our teaching style
William Reed
Dec 9, 20243 min read


Empowering Students to Reteach: Building Life-Long Learners in Math Class
At the start of each new school year, math teachers often find themselves reteaching skills that students haven't used for months.
William Reed
Aug 19, 20243 min read


Boosting Staff Morale in Schools: Introducing Our Staff Appreciation Solution
In the world of education, the well-being and motivation of teachers and staff play a crucial role in the overall success of our schools. A positive and supportive atmosphere can significantly impact the quality of education and the happiness of educators. It’s no secret that motivated and appreciated teachers are more likely to go the extra mile to create a thriving learning environment for their students. That’s why, at INcompassing Education, we are thrilled to introduce o
Dianne McKinley
Nov 16, 20233 min read


Boosting Student Attendance: How Schools Can Make a Difference
One of the most critical aspects of a successful education system is ensuring that students attend school regularly. Improved student attendance leads to better academic outcomes and overall student well-being. However, in recent years, absenteeism has been on the rise, posing a significant challenge to both school leaders and teachers. This blog will delve into the causes of increased absenteeism and provide practical strategies for school leaders and teachers to address thi
Tiffany Creager
Nov 15, 20234 min read


6 Steps to Prepare for Powerful Read Alouds
Teachers and students alike often name the time set aside for reading aloud as their favorite time of the school day! There are so many reasons why a powerful read-aloud is so important in classrooms of any age group. Reading aloud to students exposes readers to authentic text representing a diverse range of authors and text types while building students’ knowledge about a topic of study. Reading aloud builds language and vocabulary, sparks curiosity, and provides opportuniti
Dianne McKinley
Oct 29, 20233 min read


Empowering Teachers: Four Must-Read Books for Social Emotional Learning
I’ve listed four books below that I believe address some of the biggest struggles I’ve seen in the areas of social emotional learning this year. From student apathy to educator burnout, these are great resources for creating positive change!
Dianne McKinley
May 23, 20235 min read


6 Ways to Support Social Emotional Learning at Home:
Strategies for Caregivers Students flourish in environments that are predictable, safe, and consistent. One way to ensure this remains steady across settings is to support the parents and caregivers who are in our students’ homes! Caregivers play an important role in teaching and helping with social emotional learning. They support and encourage habits that promote mental wellness; however, understanding how to do that can be difficult! That being said, this one’s for you,
Dianne McKinley
Feb 3, 20237 min read


Encouraging Lifelong Learning - Employability Skills: Learning Strategies
Employability skills are a set of skills outside of technical or academic competencies that are considered imperative to being a successful employee and team member. In an effort to ensure these skills are integrated into academic settings, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has arranged these competencies into four categories: mindsets, work ethic, learning strategies, and social emotional learning.
Tiffany Creager
Jan 4, 20236 min read


Employability Skills: Mindset
Employability skills are a set of skills outside of technical or academic competencies that are desired by potential employers and considered imperative to being a successful employee and team member. This set of skills might include things like: communication, teamwork, initiative, problem solving, planning and organizing, self-management, and more. You may have heard them referred to as “soft-skills.”
Tiffany Creager
Dec 9, 20228 min read
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