New Orleans – School Study Tours Resources

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In October, the Educating All Learners Alliance (EALA) led a School Study Tour in New Orleans, where educators had the opportunity to explore inclusive approaches designed to better support students with disabilities. Through school visits and in-depth conversations with practitioners, participants examined how inclusive practices are embedded into classrooms, school culture, and leadership strategies. This resource bundle captures those insights—featuring case studies, reflection guides, videos, and school-developed tools—to help school teams translate what they learned into meaningful, actionable change in their own schools and districts.

Feedback from Participants:

“Seeing how schools implement promising practices in a myriad of ways pushes me to think beyond what I’m comfortable with and reminds me of what is possible.”  – New Orleans School Study Tour Participant

“It was great to see different schools and the impact of a collective mindset and vision. This is something that our schools are currently lacking so this has helped me identify a starting point.”  – New Orleans School Study Tour Participant

“I got a lot out of the reflection summit at the end of the tours. I appreciated the opportunity to debrief from the experience with colleagues/ counterparts who work at schools in different communities. The discussion really focused on student needs and what leaders can do to make instruction for students with disabilities, and those who may be struggling learners without IEPs.”   – New Orleans School Study Tour Participant

“Having the ability to engage with my colleagues in a completely different environment has been invaluable to our collective practice. We have become equipped with so many tools that we can add to our toolbox, and share with our school and professional learning community!”  – New Orleans School Study Tour Participant

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Resources:

From Insight to Action: DreamHouse’s Journey Through the School Study Tour: In this episode, EALA chats with Jessica Russell, Student Service Coordinator at DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach Public Charter School in Hawai‘i, about her experience as a School Study Tour attendee. Listen in as she shares what inspired DreamHouse to join, the biggest eye-opening moments, and how the school is already putting key takeaways into action. Plus, hear how these changes are impacting students and teachers and what’s next on their journey.
Transforming Learning: Equity and Critical Thinking at Mildred Osborne Charter School: In this episode, Amber from the Educating All Learners Alliance explores how Mildred Osborne Charter School is redefining education through a commitment to critical thinking and providing opportunity for every student. Featuring insights from Mary Ellen Costello, Director of Special Education at Crescent City Schools, this episode highlights mission-driven practices, innovative support structures, and success stories that show the power of inclusive education. Discover how this New Orleans school supports all learners in achieving academic excellence and character development.
Learning, Leading, and Innovating: DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach’s Transformative School Study Tour: In this case study, we explore how DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach Public Charter School, a rapidly growing institution in Kapolei, Hawai’i, leveraged the Educating All Learners Alliance School Study Tour to enhance equity, inclusion, and student engagement. By participating in this transformative experience, the school gained valuable insights into innovative educational practices and strengthened its commitment to supporting all learners.
How to Plan an Impactful School Study Tour: A Case Study with George Washington Carver School: This webinar offers a behind-the-scenes look at how George Washington Carver High School, in partnership with EALA, planned and hosted a powerful school study tour experience. Learn practical strategies for designing immersive, mission-aligned visits that spotlight inclusive practices for students with disabilities and learning differences. Presenters share key mindsets, planning tools, and logistics tips for schools looking to open their doors and share what works.