The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is helping to ensure all students, including students with disabilities, are learning and supported across all educational opportunities and environments.
During the 2024–25 school year, SCOE launched an Inclusion Academy for local school districts and charter schools focused on building inclusive policies and practices to reduce barriers. This was in partnership with the El Dorado County Office of Education’s state technical assistant project, California’s Supporting Innovative Practices.
“Ableism, both subtle and overt, is one of the biggest barriers to inclusion. Our professional learning works alongside educators to recognize both structural and mindset barriers and replace them with inclusive, universally designed, student-centered practices that value the strengths and neurodiversity of every learner.”— Kristin Wright, Executive Director of Inclusive Practices
“Inclusion is about building schools where every student belongs and has a voice,” says Michael Kast, executive director of special education at SCOE. “When schools shift from compliance to culture, we see classrooms where students with disabilities are not just present but fully participating in their communities. Sustainability, belonging and community inclusion is deeply rooted in SCOE’s vision for the education of youth in Sacramento County.”
“Inclusion doesn’t just benefit students with disabilities — it transforms the entire classroom. Teachers see stronger collaboration, peers develop empathy and families feel true partnership,” says Stephanie Coleman, coordinator of inclusive practices.
“That ripple effect extends beyond the school walls and into the broader community,” Coleman adds. “Inclusion is not an add-on or a program. It is the heart of effective education — and the key to building schools where every student thrives.”
SCOE Superintendent David W. Gordon believes the future of education depends on empowering every learner.
“The future of education depends on building systems that welcome and engage,” Gordon says. “Inclusion ripples outward, shaping school communities and influencing districts across the region. When all students learn together, education becomes a system that truly reflects equity and prepares young people for life beyond school.”— David W. Gordon, Superintendent of Schools, Sacramento County Office of Education
“The future of education depends on building systems that welcome and engage,” Gordon says. “Inclusion ripples outward, shaping school communities and influencing districts across the region. When all students learn together, education becomes a system that truly reflects equity and prepares young people for life beyond school.”
Debbie Morris, Sacramento County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) director, emphasizes, “Inclusion takes all of us — educators, SELPAs and county partners — working together to address inequities and listen to families’ voices. When educators bring this learning back to their schools, they help create communities where students and adults feel they belong and where everyone’s contributions matter.”
School districts, charter schools, SELPAs and other county offices of education interested in receiving training or technical assistance are encouraged to connect and can email Coleman at scoleman@scoe.net.
