Reimagining Special Education: Jenna Rufo on How Inclusion Builds Equity for All Students

Dr. Jenna Rufo is an author, educator, and inclusive education consultant who founded empowerED School Solutions to help districts implement inclusive practices. She previously served as a special education administrator, director, and assistant superintendent, after beginning her career as an inclusion facilitator. Her work is deeply informed by her sister, Nina, who has multiple disabilities. Dr. Jenna Rufo co‑authored Reimagining Special Education with Dr. Julie Causton.

In this conversation, Tim Villegas and Dr. Jenna Rufo dig into what it really means to “reimagine” special education—using inclusion as the framework for equity and support for all students. They talk about shifting beliefs so the default is general education, wrapping services around students, designing instruction that’s engaging and differentiated, and building structures (like intervention/enrichment blocks and inclusion facilitation) that make inclusive schooling sustainable. They also touch on accountability for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), neighborhood schools, and practical steps educators can take to start change now.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/jenna-rufo-using-inclusion-as-a-framework-to-build-equity-and-support-all-students/