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Southeast Polk hosted national "All Means All" institute; district plans follow-up professional development
Summary
Southeast Polk hosted the inaugural All Means All Institute, drawing more than 500 attendees including over 200 district staff from 18 states; district leaders described follow-up professional development and instructional steps to sustain the work.
Southeast Polk Community School District staff told the board Monday that the district hosted the first All Means All Institute this summer and plans follow-up professional development to put the institute's lessons into practice.
A staff presenter said the Solution Tree Group facilitated the two-and-a-half-day institute, which drew more than 500 participants, including more than 200 Southeast Polk staff and educators from 18 states. "All 11 buildings were represented. All roles were represented," the presenter said, noting that teachers, special education staff, English learner specialists, interventionists, coaches, coordinators and building and district administrators attended.
The institute focused on inclusive practices and implementation. Presenters and institute materials highlighted four recommended elements to reduce opportunity gaps: grade-appropriate assignments, strong instruction, deep student engagement and high expectations for all students. The presenter said the institute emphasized providing accommodations to level the playing field and reserving modifications only when necessary.
The district identified immediate follow-up steps: collaborate across general and specialized education, prioritize pre-unit planning in professional learning communities (PLCs) so specialists can shape supports before units launch, conduct instructional rounds and provide pre-service and principal-level follow-up. "Students with learning challenges are general education students first," the presenter said.
Southeast Polk was named a model PLC district and distributed the institute's new book to attendees; the district plans to order additional copies for new teachers and said it will consider a board book-study tied to action steps. The presenter credited many district staff for organizing the event and said work will continue through principal retreats and pre-service professional development to sustain the practices introduced at the institute.
Board members praised the event and discussed options for continuing their own learning as a board, including a potential book-study tied to concrete actions.
The district characterized the institute as part of an ongoing effort to align beliefs and instructional practices across general and special education and said staff will return with details on follow-up implementation.
