Episode 405

full
Published on:

28th May 2025

How to run an Inclusive Special Education program and drive Whole Child Learning for Every Child

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Bryan Ballenger, Superintendent of Gustine Unified School District in California, as they explore the district’s journey to full inclusion for all students, K through 12th grade. This insightful conversation delves into Gustine’s innovative approach to special education, moving away from traditional pullout models to a co-teaching and full inclusion framework where special education staff support students directly in general education classrooms. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Background and Leadership: Dr. Ballenger began his career as a special education teacher and has extensive experience as a principal and administrator, bringing a deep understanding of student discipline, instruction, and school governance to his role as superintendent1.
  • Commitment to Inclusion: Gustine USD has transitioned from segregated special education settings to a full inclusion model, serving most students with disabilities in their home schools alongside general education peers3.
  • Shared Vision and Collaboration: The district emphasizes building consensus around inclusive education, fostering collaboration among special and general education staff, and adopting a “servant to servant” approach to family engagement3.
  • Student-Centered Decision Making: Gustine uses Instructional Support Teams (IST) and data-driven processes to tailor supports, focusing on academic achievement and social-emotional development, especially for English learners, students with disabilities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students23.
  • Professional Development and Capacity Building: The district invests in ongoing training for administrators and teachers to improve inclusive practices, clarify roles, and enhance instructional excellence3.
  • Parent and Community Partnerships: Gustine prioritizes respectful, productive relationships with families through special needs PTAs, webinars, and increased opportunities for parent involvement and training3.


Chapters:

00:00 Full Inclusion in Education

00:29 Meet Dr. Bryan Ballenger

01:06 Overview of Gustine Unified School District

02:24 Dr. Ballinger's Journey in Special Education

04:51 Implementing Full Inclusion at Gustine

08:15 Benefits of Full Inclusion

10:40 Challenges and Adaptations

18:51 Mental Health and Emotional Support

24:12 Personal Leadership Journey

33:57 Advice for Aspiring Leaders


Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Bryan Ballenger: linkedin.com/in/bryan-ballenger-79972647

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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About the Podcast

Principal Office Hours
Real principals. Real talk. No hall passes required.
Finally—a podcast that proves school principals have personalities (and killer insights, too). Every week, join us for candid conversations with K-12 principals who are navigating the beautiful chaos of educational leadership without losing their minds or sense of humor.

Each 40-minute episode features real principals sharing what actually works in school leadership—from handling helicopter parents and budget nightmares to building school culture that doesn't make everyone roll their eyes. Consider this your professional development that doesn't feel like professional development.

Our guests aren't afraid to share their epic fails alongside their victories. They'll tell you about the initiative that spectacularly bombed during assembly, right before revealing how they turned their school's reading scores around. It's educational leadership with the BS filter turned off.

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About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.