Voices from the Highline Community
Inclusion isn't just a program or policy—it's an approach that enriches learning for everyone. Inclusion is where students of all abilities and needs learn and participate in the same classroom and school activities.
When we create inclusive classrooms, the benefits ripple across our community: students, teachers, families and administrators alike.
In their own words, we hear how inclusion is transforming lives and shaping the future of education.
When students with disabilities learn alongside their peers, something remarkable happens. As teacher Cari Casteel notes, "Learning is a lot more visual, and the strategies we use for [one student] help other students, too—especially multilingual learners." The specialized approaches that support students with disabilities often benefit all students.
Above: Cari Casteel is a teacher at Gregory Heights Elementary.
Inclusion extends beyond students with disabilities. It encompasses multilingual learners and highly capable students, and every child who brings a unique strength or need. In classrooms designed for diverse learners, teachers create rich, flexible learning environments where every student finds their appropriate challenge.
Highly capable students dive deeper into concepts. Multilingual learners receive supports that build understanding. All students access meaningful learning experiences tailored to their unique strengths.
Inclusion fosters essential social-emotional growth. Students develop empathy, compassion and adaptability—skills crucial for success in our diverse world.
A 5th grader from Bow Lake expressed how inclusion creates a sense of belonging: "I get to see people more like me... At my old school, a kid made fun of me. Having more kids who are different makes me feel so much better."
Families witness the transformations, too. Thavy Moses observed how her son Malachi went from "outcasting himself" to actively engaging with peers and sharing his experiences at home.
Malachi, a fifth-grade student at Gregory Heights.
Another parent at Bow Lake noticed that their child had a positive attitude toward school and improved relationships with their siblings. Inclusion doesn’t stop at the school doors.
For administrators, inclusion inspires professional growth and collaboration. As Corbin Busby, principal at Hilltop, reflects, inclusion requires "the head, the heart, and the hands," pushing educators to develop new skills and perspectives while working as a united team.
High school student Liz Som summarizes the essence of inclusive education perfectly: "This class is for everybody, with all abilities. We're all welcoming, no matter what." This culture of belonging creates ripple effects throughout the entire school community, as Courtney Wiley, an inclusion specialist, observes.
Liz Som is a Highline High School student whose experience in Unified PE helped her grow as a leader.
When we make space for everyone to participate fully, we don't diminish opportunities—we multiply them. Inclusion helps us recognize that differences are opportunities for growth, connection, and learning. As these voices from across Highline demonstrate, when we embrace inclusion, everyone flourishes.