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
Solving the Teacher Shortage: How to Attract and Retain Excellent Educators
The report highlights the growing teacher shortages in the U.S., particularly in fields like mathematics, science, and special education, and in areas with less attractive wages and working conditions. It identifies five key factors influencing teacher recruitment and retention: salaries and compensation, preparation and costs to entry, hiring and personnel management, induction and support for new teachers, and working conditions1. The report suggests that improving these areas through targeted policies at the federal, state, and district levels can help attract and retain high-quality educators, especially in underserved communities.
Topic: Educator Recruitment and Retention, DataSource: Learning Policy Institute, Report
Audience(s): Students & Families, Community, School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory, State Leaders & Policymakers
Community of Practice: Data Driven Strategies CoP, Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP
Special Education Teacher Attrition and Retention: A Review of the Literature
Researchers synthesize 30 studies from 2002 to 2017, examining factors associated with special educator attrition and retention, including (a) teacher preparation and qualifications, (b) school characteristics, (c) working conditions, and (d) teacher demographics and nonwork factors. The strongest findings relate to working conditions. Special educators struggle with work demands, and when these demands exceed their capacity to fulfill them, they may be at greater risk for attrition.
Topic: Educator Recruitment and RetentionSource: 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
Special Education Technology Center Professional Development and Events
The Special Education Technology Center’s webinars address technology tools and strategies to support inclusive learning environments. Sign up for our FREE webinars by logging in to the website, selecting the title you are interested in, and proceeding with registration.
Topic: Professional DevelopmentSource: Special Education Technology Center, Web Page
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP, Shared Ownership CoP
Strategies to Improve Recruitment and Retention of Special Education Staff
The report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office examines the challenges in recruiting and retaining special education staff in Washington state. It identifies key factors contributing to these challenges, such as competitive salaries and working conditions, and provides recommendations to improve recruitment and retention efforts.
Topic: Educator Recruitment and RetentionSource: Office of the Washington State Auditor, Report
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, Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP
Supporting Special Education Teacher Induction Through High-Leverage Practices
Structuring new SET’s induction experiences around HLPs has potential to support SETs’ sensemaking about their roles and about effective instructional practices, if instructional conditions also support the use of these practices. If HLPs are embedded in a coherent induction system, leaders, mentors, and colleagues will have multiple opportunities to reinforce their use through teacher orientation, PD, new teacher meetings, mentoring, informal teacher collaboration, and teacher evaluation.
Topic: Professional DevelopmentSource: SAGE Publishing, Research Article
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP
Taking the Long View: State Efforts to Solve Teacher Shortages by Strengthening the Profession
This report examines six evidence-based policies to address teacher shortages, including service scholarships, high-retention pathways, mentoring, principal development, competitive compensation, and recruitment strategies1. It highlights successful state examples and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive approaches, using Washington state as a detailed case study. The report underscores the need for systemic solutions to create a strong and stable teacher workforce.
Topic: Educator Recruitment and RetentionSource: Learning Policy Institute, Report
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory, State Leaders & Policymakers
Community of Practice: Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP
Teacher Exodus Infographic
The infographic discusses the high turnover rate among teachers, highlighting factors such as challenging working conditions, inadequate preparation, lack of support, dissatisfaction with compensation, and better career opportunities. It also suggests policies to improve teacher retention, including better preparation, improved working conditions, and increased compensation.
Topic: Educator Recruitment and RetentionSource: Learning Policy Institute, Other
Audience(s): Students & Families, Community, State Leaders & Policymakers
Community of Practice: Educator Recruitment & Retention CoP
The Relationship Between Special Education Placement and High School Outcomes
In this study, students with disabilities spending 80% more time in inclusive classrooms did better in reading and math than peers spending more time in special education classrooms. Additionally, students in inclusive settings engage in more rigorous course of study and are more prepared for successful post-secondary educational and employment opportunities.
Topic: Inclusion, Technical AssistanceSource: SAGE Publishing, Research Article
Audience(s): Students & Families, Community, School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory, State Leaders & Policymakers
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP, Shared Ownership CoP
TIES Center: Family and Student Stories of Inclusion
The TIES Center provides resources and tools to support inclusive education, focusing on strategies to include students with significant cognitive disabilities in general education settings. These articles highlight family and student stories of inclusion.
Topic: Family and Community PartnershipsSource: TIES Center, Resource Library
Audience(s): Students & Families, Community, School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory, State Leaders & Policymakers
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP, Shared Ownership CoP, Shared Ownership CoP
TIES Center: Inclusive Big Ideas
The “Inclusive Big Ideas” webpage provides resources for planning grade-level, standards-based lessons that include all students, especially those with significant cognitive disabilities.
Topic: Technical Assistance, InclusionSource: TIES Center, Resource Library
Audience(s): School & District Educators and Leaders, IPTN Members, IPTN Advisory
Community of Practice: Technical Assistance CoP