Teachers in K-12 classrooms are increasingly embracing the goals and values of inclusive schools. They have moved beyond the "why" and are interested in the "how." This workshop is focused on one low-prep, high-yield strategy that not only works well in inclusive spaces but is ideal for use in that context: active and collaborative learning. Participants in this interactive session will apply principles of Universal Design for Learning and differentiated instruction by exploring a number of collaborative, active, and brain-compatible techniques aimed at engaging students, making lessons more joyful, and creating space for students with and without disabilities to learn together.

Outcomes:

• Participants will learn active and collaborative learning games and activities (e.g., stand & deliver, if you know...you must go, whip/pass, countdown)
• Demonstration of these activities will be explored, so come prepared to move, talk, share, create, and interact!
• Relevant research on active and collaborative learning will be shared and several pages from Paula's book, Joyful Learning, will be provided for participants.

Who Should Attend: This training is targeted for grade levels: K-12. The session is appropriate for general education teachers, special education teachers, coaches, related services, administrators, and others involved in planning or supporting inclusive classrooms.

Satisfactory completion requirements:

• Attendance is based on your signature in and out of the session. Failure to provide a signature in and out will result in no credit.
• Participants are expected to attend the entire session to earn credit.
• Participants must complete an electronic course evaluation within two weeks of the session date to be sent a certificate.
• Accommodations, questions and complaints can be directed to: professionallearning@truenorth804.org

Cost Information: Participation fees are waived for TrueNorth employees, TrueNorth member district employees, and parents of students in our TrueNorth member districts. For individual participants who do not meet the above criteria, this course participation fee is $TBD. Participation or material fees will be billed directly to the school district that employs the participant after the session is complete or the first session in a series is complete. Individuals are asked to not bring payment to the session.

Cancellation and Refund Information: There is no cancellation fee, though we ask for advance notice to open the spot for another person. TrueNorth reserves the right to cancel any session due to low enrollment. TrueNorth does not charge prior to the start of the offered session. If an individual attends the first day of a learning series but is unable to attend the remaining sessions, the school district that employs the participant is able to designate an alternate person. It is up to the individual no longer attending the program to give their replacement the information learned in the first session.

About the Presenters: 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 learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and has taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. 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. In addition to inclusive education, her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs. 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, Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?, and “You’re Going to Love This Kid!”: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms. She is also the author of a few books for children including Coaster, a story of a puppy with wonderful wheels. Paula has won several awards in her field. She is the recipient of the PEAK Parent Center’s Ally for Inclusion Award; The PEAL [Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership] Center’s Inclusive Education Champion Award; The National Down Syndrome Congress’s Educator of the Year; The Belle Center of Chicago’s Inclusion Advocate of the Year; and the University of Wisconsin’s “Forward Under 40” Award.
Financial Disclosure: Dr. Kluth is the owner of Paula Kluth Consulting. As an independent education consultant & scholar, she receives a presenter's fee for this training. Dr. Kluth is also the author and co-author of many publications including 30 Days to the Co-taught Classroom in which she receives royalties for their sales.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Dr. Kluth consults with schools, disability organizations, and parent groups. She advises and provides technical support primarily in the areas of inclusive schooling, autism, and differentiated instruction.

*Member Districts include:

Northbrook 27, Northbrook 28, Sunset Ridge 29, Glenview/Northbrook 30, West Northfield 31, Glenview 34, Glencoe 35, Winnetka 36, Kenilworth 38, Lake Bluff 65, Lake Forest 67, Bannockburn 106, Deerfield 109, North Shore 112, Township HS 113, Lake Forest 115, New Trier 203, Glenbrook 225.

Have a question? Check out the Professional Learning FAQs or contact professionallearning@truenorth804.org.