Creating+Shared+Vision

You have just been hired as the principal of John Doe Middle School. Over the course of the summer, you overhear some of the following comments from staff members at your school:
 * "I can't teach with those special education students in my class. They won't be able to keep up with what the other students."
 * "Shouldn't there be a special room with a teacher who can better meet their needs?"
 * "Special ed students will be ostracized in regular ed classrooms. Once they realize they are different, the feeding frenzy will begin."

While these do not encompass the beliefs of your entire staff, it is clear that there is a disconnect in the beliefs, values, and common cultural norms

Your task: Ascertain the beliefs of your staff, then develop a plan to create common beliefs. How will you create a shared vision of inclusion in your school?

media type="custom" key="13393290"

__Class Brainstorm after Think/Pair/Share__


 * Role Play- have people play the principal and face parents of upset spec. ed parents, spec ed student
 * Bring in Guest Speaker- someone who can give a testimonial about their experience with spec ed
 * Share Data/Research/Best Practice- share what is working in the state/country
 * Visit other schools- what are other people doing?
 * Provide additional training/educate- attitudes may stem from fear of the unknown
 * Shadow Special Ed Teacher/Switch Places w/ spec ed teacher
 * Have a debate- ask people to play devil's advocate
 * Check the Law- what are we mandated to do
 * When is it important/appropriate to share your beliefs as the principal? When do you stay neutral?**