Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Inclusion Advisory Committee will explore the progress that students, families, and school staff are experiencing with efforts to make LWSD schools more inclusive for all students, including those with disabilities. The committee will discuss recommendations and considerations for ongoing improvement related to inclusionary practices.    

Five years ago, we began our district journey towards inclusion. Since that time, we have implemented a fully inclusive preschool program, piloted inclusive practices – first at three of our schools as part of a national inclusion project with the TIES Center – and later with an initial cohort of elementary schools. At the same time, we have continued to increase co-teaching at the secondary level along with creating multiple on-ramps for inclusive middle and high schools. Our goal was to return students to their neighborhood schools and ensure that all students were considered first as general education students. This progress occurred during a comprehensive and complex implementation process. In 2023 we integrated our work on inclusive practices into our contractual agreement with LWEA and we transitioned all elementary students with complex disabilities to their neighborhood schools. We recognize that creating inclusive schools is ongoing, complex work which requires the input and engagement of multiple stakeholders. Lake Washington School District is invested in ensuring that all students, from preschool to our adult transition programs, experience inclusive schools that provide them with a sense of belonging and community. All means all.