San Diego – School Study Tours Resources

Posted on • Reading Time: 3 min read

In January 2023, EALA hosted a School Study Tour in San Diego, bringing together educators from across the country to explore how schools are creating equitable, inclusive learning environments for students with diverse learning needs. Through visits to local schools and conversations with educators, families, and community members, participants gained firsthand insight into innovative practices that promote equity and belonging. The resources below capture key learnings from the tour, featuring case studies, podcasts, and reflection tools designed to help educators adapt and apply these strategies in their own contexts as part of EALA’s ongoing effort to turn insight into action for all learners

“On the reflection day, Tuesday, I was stretched to really think about what I learned that was specific to Educating All Learners and how I am going to implement what I learned. When attending conferences, I usually sit and get and am told what impactful practices I am seeing. I enjoyed that I was able to take in what I saw, that we were asked to reflect, and the protocols with mixed groups really made us think through what was most impactful and how I will use it when I go back to my home school.”

– Visiting School Team, San Diego

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Resources:

EALA case study - mathematical thinking thumbnail In Mathematical Thinking Classrooms, Everyone’s a ‘Math Person’: In this case study, we discover how one middle school teacher uses the strategy of mathematical thinking to make math instruction engaging and approachable for all students.
Unlocking teacher strengths title graphic Unlocking Teacher Strengths: Fostering a Collaborative Culture of Learning: In this case study, we’ll give readers an inside look at how one elementary is leveraging the strategy of teacher strength assessments to drive a collaborative culture of learning. 
Case Study: Music For All Music for All: Fostering Inclusion in the Arts Through Adapted Professional Development: In this case study, we explore how one middle school brought together music teachers and special education professionals to ensure full access and inclusion of all students within the arts.
Building Empathy in STEM Title Graphic Building Empathy & Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences Through STEM Education: In this case study, we highlight how one teacher uses an inquiry-based approach to foster critical thinking, problem solving skills, and a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts.
Systems for Positive Learning Culture: Systems for Positive Learning Culture: In this podcast episode, EALA is joined by Jenny Chien, and Elizabeth Weiser from Casita Elementary School in Vista, California. In this episode, Casita’s administrative team sheds light on one of the School Study Tour participants’ favorite takeaways by discussing how to leverage strengths to develop systems of high quality teaching and learning with a positive spin.
Honing the Teaching Craft: Honing the Teaching Craft: In this podcast episode, EALA is joined by Devin Vodicka, CEO of Learner Centered Collaborative. Discover the transformative power of learner-centered education and the importance of listening to students to create meaningful learning experiences that cater to individual strengths, leading to higher levels of engagement and achievement for all learners.