This episode features Wendy Clifford, a special education leader at Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona, who speaks about building inclusive systems at the secondary level. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in education, Wendy explains how Westwood’s teaming model brings general and special educators together to co-plan instruction, personalize supports, and create meaningful pathways for students.
The conversation explores the role of inclusive scheduling, Universal Design for Learning, career-focused academies, and collaborative partnerships in helping students access rigorous coursework while developing the skills needed for life after high school. Wendy also reflects on the importance of preparing students to understand and advocate for their own accommodations, ensuring that inclusion is not only about belonging today, but about long-term success beyond graduation.
Click here for more information about Project OASIS, or to learn more about today’s co-host, Kathy Hoffman.
