Heads Up
good to know
check out the new access4all ePLC
set up inclusive routines this year with on-demand videos your team can use right away – Check it out
FREE! thinkalong toolkits: warm-ups that work webinar
September 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM CDT – Register now
FREE! discover the power of lead4ward field guides webinar
September 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM CDT – Register now
Get Started
free tools,
immediately useful
universal access tool
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questions for planning instruction, walkthroughs, and coaching
math scaffolds
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how concepts build + what to do when students get stuck
student learning reports
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students track their progress and set goals
instructional strategies playlist
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low-prep, easy to use strategies that actively engage students in learning
quickchecks
think it up!
thinking stems
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check understanding and help kids frame their thinking
test accessibility
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accessibility features, designated supports, supplemental aids, and tech guidelines
1-day workshops
skill-building
workshops
Bring in targeted workshops when you need them, so educators and teams are on the same page.
ensuring access to high-quality instruction in the inclusive classroom
when content teachers and special educators teach together, build the collaboration that embeds scaffolds into the core lesson and protects the rigor
access4all: ensuring access to instruction for ALL learners
use Universal Design for Learning to remove barriers in your own materials and HQIMs, so rigorous instruction reaches every learner
leveraging a growth mindset to support positive behavior and achievement
build resilience, persistence, and a positive classroom culture that helps struggling students take risks and grow
CSI: connecting standards to instruction
re-imagine the IEP so it connects to grade-level curriculum; build a strong PLAAFP and target the high-impact standards that matter most
IEP2action
turn the standards into ambitious, achievable IEP goals with a goal-writing and progress-monitoring process that drives meaningful growth (CSI recommend prerequisite)
review for special educators
adapt the 10-day STAAR review for students with disabilities: prioritize content, turn strategies into designated supports, and collaborate with teaching partners
“
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I loved being able to attend a session specifically for Special Education Teachers. Often times this demographic is often left out of professional developments. I thoroughly enjoyed the presenter, Kathy Clapsaddle. Our session was highly engaging and informative with relevant materials and strategies that can be readily used with my students.
— Stacey W., North East ISD
Year-long learning
go deep
all year
Two ways to grow inclusive, accessible instruction across your campus: a self-paced video series for busy educators, or an in-depth academy for teams building it together.
access4all ePLC: the inclusive classroom playlist
- short, focused micro-learning videos with practical, high-impact strategies
- grounded in evidence-based practices to remove barriers so every student can access, engage, and show what they know
- bridges the expertise of special educators and content teachers so all students access rigorous, grade-level standards
- use it across grade levels and content areas, in your PLC or on your own
- includes live check-ins, virtual collaboration, phone/email support
inclusion academy
- a multi-day, instruction-focused academy that treats inclusion as a process, not a one-time training
- starts by activating inclusion systems of support at the campus and district level
- takes special educators deep into focused routines that prioritize access to grade-level standards
- guides classroom teachers in planning universally accessible instruction for ALL learners
- uses a learn-practice-do-reflect model, with year-long follow-up support
Resources
instructional resources educators love
with students
thinkalong toolkits
quick, daily warm-ups that build critical thinking skills
with STUDENTS
sorting cards
lets students assess their own understanding and take ownership of their learning
Not sure where to start? Let’s talk!
Whether you’re building systems or fine-tuning a few things, let’s start with a conversation.
Meet Kathy Clapsaddle
Kathy Clapsaddle has been a champion of special educators for over 20 years. She has used her passion and experience serving pre-service educators and district professionals as the slightly nerdy, yet enthusiastic, special education voice at lead4ward since 2016.