IPTN Resource Center

The Inclusionary Practices Technical Network (IPTN) is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and Black students with disabilities. When we address the needs of the most marginalized students, it benefits all students, educators, families, and communities. IPTN promotes inclusive practices by providing valuable resources, data, and tools for all partners, including students, families, educators, community members, and technical assistance providers. 

IPTN strives to create an inclusive environment by fostering collaboration across different groups. Use this resource center to: 

  • Learn why inclusion is essential, particularly for students with disabilities, and how it supports educational success for all students.
  • Utilize tools, materials, and professional learning opportunities focused on promoting inclusion for students with IDD and Black students with disabilities.
  • Explore state and district-level data to track inclusion efforts and inform strategies for improvement.
  • Keep up with the latest news, updates, and success stories about inclusion in schools and districts across Washington.
  • Engage with the IPTN's strategic plan, share best practices, and provide feedback to support ongoing improvement and the effectiveness of inclusion efforts.
  • Network with community partners, educators, and districts to promote inclusion and ensure all students are supported in their educational journey.

Resource Center

"Grow Your Own" Resources

Districts can find motivated, well-qualified teacher candidates by supporting and mobilizing local community members such as paraeducators, career changers, and young people to enter the teaching profession. These resources will help you gather information to grow your own teachers, including curriculum, tools, templates, and research.

Topic: Educator Recruitment and Retention
Source: PESB, Resource Library
Audience(s): Students & Families, Community, School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members
Community of Practice: Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP

A Funding Guide for Supporting the Teacher Workforce with Federal, Private, and State Funds

This tool outlines various funding sources and mechanisms available to support teacher professional growth and talent development. It includes details on federal programs, private foundations, and state legislative appropriations that can be leveraged by education agencies and educator preparation providers

Topic: Educator Recruitment and Retention
Source: AIR, Tool
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory
Community of Practice: Strategic Resource Use CoP, Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP

A Meta-Analysis of Special Education Teachers’ Burnout

This meta-analysis includes studies published between 1983 and 2018. Higher levels of self-efficacy were related to significantly lower levels of burnout. A higher level of support from school personnel was related to a decrease in burnout level.

Topic: Educator Recruitment and Retention
Source: SAGE Publishing, Research Article
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP, Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP

Addressing Special Education Staffing Shortages: Strategies for Schools

This brief addresses the special education staffing shortages in U.S. public schools. It discusses the challenges such as fewer people entering the field, high turnover rates, and the impact on low-income, high-minority schools. The brief also provides strategies for schools, including partnerships with local teacher preparation programs, financial incentives, and “grow your own” programs to increase the number of qualified special education teachers.

Topic: Educator Recruitment and Retention
Source: EdResearch for Action, Report
Audience(s): Students & Families, Community, School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory, State Leaders & Policymakers
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP, Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP

AESD Professional Learning and Toolkits for Inclusive Practices

The AESD Inclusionary Practices Project provides coordinated professional learning for school leadership teams to develop and implement sustainable systems that support inclusive education. It focuses on ensuring meaningful access and engagement for all students, particularly those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.

Topic: Technical Assistance, Inclusion, Professional Development
Source: AESD, Web Page
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP

AIR Grow Your Own (GYO) Modules

The “Grow Your Own” (GYO) learning series includes four modules designed to help state and local education agencies, educator preparation programs, and community organizations develop and implement GYO programs to address teacher shortages and promote a diverse workforce. These programs aim to recruit future teachers, particularly from underrepresented groups, and support college and career readiness in high school students

Topic: Educator Recruitment and Retention
Source: AIR, Resource Library
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP, Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP

BEST Training: Mentoring Teachers of Special Education

Mentoring Teachers of Special Education focuses on mentoring teachers of special education in three of their roles: classroom teacher, case manager for students, and lead for adults in their building.

Topic: Professional Development
Source: OSPI, Web Page
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP, Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP

Building Inclusive Schools and Communities with the Community Conversation Toolkit

The Community Conversation Toolkit helps families, educators, and community members discuss how to make schools welcoming and inclusive for all. It provides practical tools and guidance for facilitating meaningful conversations about inclusion, addressing barriers, and fostering a supportive school environment.

Topic: Inclusion, Technical Assistance, Family and Community Partnerships
Source: Education Northwest, Tool
Audience(s): Students & Families, Community, School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP, Shared Ownership CoP

CCTS Post-School Outcome Data

The Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS) at Seattle University collects and analyzes Post-School Outcome (PSO) data to improve transition services for students with disabilities. This data helps inform practices around instruction, transition planning, and agency collaboration to enhance educational and employment outcomes for these students.

Topic: Technical Assistance, Data
Source: Seattle University, Center for Change in Transition Services, Web Page
Audience(s): Students & Families, Community, School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory, State Leaders & Policymakers
Community of Practice: Data Driven Strategies CoP, Technical Assistance CoP

CEEDAR Innovation Configurations

The CEEDAR Center’s Innovation Configurations (ICs) are self-assessment tools designed to evaluate and promote the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices in teacher preparation and professional development programs. These tools cover various topics, including Universal Design for Learning, culturally responsive teaching, and evidence-based practices for students with disabilities.

Topic: Technical Assistance
Source: The CEEDAR Center, University of Florida, Tool
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP