Who We Are

Our Project

The demonstration sites project was developed to provide educators from around the state with the opportunity to observe inclusionary practices in action, meet with school teams, collect artifacts that aid in systems-change, and learn about how to implement inclusionary practices in different school contexts. Our partnerships include urban schools, rural schools, and schools in some of our largest and smallest districts across Washington State. Below are our founding principles that drive our model demonstrations sites work:

1. Take an asset based approach to school reform. In every school there are things that are working well. We take an asset based approach with schools to leverage their strengths to become more inclusive.   
2. Inclusion is a cultural shift. Inclusion is not a special education initiative, but is a cultural shift in philosophy and practice. If we simply change the way we deliver special education services without considering the culture of the school or how all students engage in teaching and learning, we will never make the changes we need to truly impact student learning. 
3. Continuous improvement. We are all continuously improving. Whether our demonstration sites are in year 1 of their journey  – or if they are 6 years in – they all have plans to continue to refine, build on, and improve their systems and pratices.. 
4. Stakeholder engagement. Stakeholder engagement is a critical component to making and sustaining changes. When stakeholders are involved, there is a higher likelihood that schools will adopt and implement inclusive practices. 
5. Innovative Site Based Leadership. Just as it is critical to have stakeholder engagement, the role of innovative site based leadership is a necessity to support a shift in school culture, systems, and practices..
6. Scale the Model:  School-based strengths and values differ from one school to another, but there are inclusive education principles, practices, and systems we can apply across schools that are effective and applicable when schools make it their own. 

What we do

Over the course of four years, 16 model demonstration sites across all 9 Education Service Regions across Washington State are providing professional development to visiting schools. Our demonstration sites highlight the diversity in our state. In collaboration with Haring Center Inclusion Specialists, demonstration sites host visiting schools, both virtually and in person, to showcase high-leverage inclusionary practices. By sharing these practices and opening their doors to teachers, administrators, families, and community members, it allows visitors to see best practices in action and apply them in their schools. At the same time, the demonstration sites themselves continue to grow their inclusive cultures and refine their practices that contribute to equitable learning for all students.