Reflective Journal Assignment 1
Reflective Journal - Inclusion Implementation Assignment
Lashonda Smith- McNeal
School of Education, Liberty University
Topic: Inclusion Implementation
I have just been hired as a superintendent of a school district and there is ongoing tension
between principals and faculty. School leaders have initiated an Inclusion model to support
students with special needs in the general classroom and this model includes a co teaching
component. Their method of implementation followed autocratic, authoritarian leadership
models. The teachers are upset that collaboration was not involved in the process. Please
address these three questions based on your readings in the Learn section. Your entry must be
at least 500 words.
How would you, as the superintendent, address these issues of faculty dissatisfaction and
principal autocratic, authoritarian leadership style with your principals?
As the superintendent, it is important to address the issues of faculty dissatisfaction in a way
that principal leaders feel supported and not undermined in front of faculty; however, you want
both parties to feel heard and respected. Despite potential repercussions, Drolet and Pires
(2023) emphasize that decision-making is a job requirement (pg. 8). I find this to be true; being
in such an important leadership position, you cannot please everyone, but having the right
Reflective Journal Assignment 2
intent is more impactful. Drolet and Pires (2023) suggest that making difficult decisions can be
challenging; however, we should make sure that the decisions made align with the district's core
values and with the best interest of the students. In my opinion this statement holds true to the
personal oath you take as an educator in general. Every decision, every problem solved should
be done so with what is best for students, their families and surrounding community.
How would you ensure that principals provide teachers with the support they need to
implement inclusion and co-teaching so that student needs are adequately met? What would
that support look like?
To ensure that principals provide teachers with the support that is needed to implement
inclusion and co-teaching, I would provide teachers access to highly specialized teachers’
assistants, special education advisors, and ongoing professional development training that
supports academic inclusion and high-quality instructional materials. Lockhart ( 2025) makes
note that less than five percent of principals have s any specialized training in special education
therefore inferring special education guidance and training would be necessary to support the
needs of the principal and the school as a whole. That support would include peer observations
and weekly check-ins with the sped advisors, inclusion teachers, and principal leaders to
address concerns and ensure follow-through of support to ensure compliance.
What role does building relationships play in this scenario? Discuss this in terms of the
superintendent's relationship with the principals and in terms of the principals’ relationships
with their staff.
Building strong relationships is the most important role in this scenario. According to Klamm,
Schuch, and Patterson (2017), integrity, character, and being a strong communicator who also
listens impact your ability to make sound decisions and therefore drive the work of the
superintendent. Building trust fosters collaboration and is crucial to shifting from an autocratic
approach to a more inclusive leadership style. As Swaner and Wolfe (2021) emphasize, "Building
personal relationships that foster trust is key to achieving such a vision and will necessitate
intentional and sustained work by leaders. There is a significant parallel with building trust and
Reflective Journal Assignment 3
the story of Noah's Ark. God commissioned Noah to build an ark that would save his family and
ultimately mankind. Despite the challenges he faced, such as gathering animals that didn't seem
to fit together and building a massive ark that seemed insurmountable, he steadfastly adhered
to the instructions he received from God. The level of faith in what is unknown, obedience in
what is not yet seen, and trust in the rising water and trembling winds proved Noah to be a
leader who we should all strive to be like. Similar to Hebrews 11:6 (NIV), it is impossible to
please God without faith. I believe that without faith in your ability to lead, listen, and be led,
it will be impossible to build anything great and live our purpose—a purpose ultimately
designed by God as the ultimate leader.
Reflective Journal Assignment 4
References
Drolet, R., & Pires, A. (2023). From Surviving to Thriving. Rowman & Littlefield Publishing
Group. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781475868906
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2017). YouVersion Bible.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/heb.11.6
Klamm, D., Patterson, J., Schuch, D. ( 2017) Completing Gods Challenge.[Video]
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/757302/pages/watch-completing-gods-
challengeto-moses-during-his-leadership-tenure?module_item_id=78407990
Lockhart, J.(n.d) Principals Matter in the Special Education Process. [Video]
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/757302/pages/watch-principals-matter-in-the-
specialeducation-process?module_item_id=78407998
Swaner, L. E., & Wolfe, A. (2021). Flourishing together : A christian vision for students, educators,
and schools. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
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