Transcript [pdf]

SHOW NOTES

Key Takeaways

• Students with disabilities should not have to prove their value to participate. No other students are required to do so— this is a higher, unfair standard.   

• The question “What will they get out of it?” is often used to justify exclusion. But inclusive education is about access, not proof of potential.                                                                                                                                                                                                        
• Stephanie’s story shows what’s possible. When she was included in an 11th grade English class, she not only kept up— she thrived.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
• The better question is: What do we, as educators, need to do to support this student’s success in this class?                                                                                                                             
• Be prepared with strong responses. The downloadable guide offers 20 ready-to-use, meaningful ways to answer this common question.

Episode Download/Handout

Get 20 powerful, equity-centered responses to the question, “But what will they get out of this class?”— perfect for IEP meetings, tough conversations, and everyday advocacy. This download includes research-backed talking points on access, learning styles, empathy, and more, all in a ready-to-use format for educators and families. Download it now at inclusiveschooling.com/download45. 

Highlights from the Handout

• Julie’s Favorite: “Long-term success” – Inclusive classrooms prepare students for life beyond school, where they’ll live and work with diverse people​                                                                                                                                                                                       
  
• Kristie’s Favorite: “Empathy and understanding” – Inclusion helps every student practice compassion, patience, and perspective-taking in real-time​

Practical Tips

1️. Know the Core Response
No one else has to prove they’ll benefit from a class to be included— students with disabilities shouldn’t have to either.

2️. Shift the Question
Instead of: “What will they get out of it?”
Try: “What do we need to do to help them succeed?”

3️. Practice Your Responses
Use the handout to prep for meetings where inclusion is questioned. Choose 2–3 talking points that feel natural and authentic to your voice.

4️. Lead with Presumption of Competence
Always assume a student can learn, grow, and engage— sometimes in ways that surprise even the educators.

Additional Resources

• “But Inclusion Isn't Fair to Other Students!” – A statement that sparks frustration, anger, and heated debates in education. But what if we gave you 22 clever and well-crafted responses to that statement? Get them here.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
• Want classroom-ready phrases, discussion prompts, and age-specific adaptations? This handout helps replace the “equal = fair” myth with neurodiversity-affirming practices. Download them here.                                                                                                                                           
• What if the student can’t keep up? Special Education lawyer Pat Radel challenges the common notion that students must “keep up” in a general education setting to be considered effectively included. Drawing on relevant case law examples, Radel clarifies the legal landscape, highlighting that true inclusion goes beyond mere pace. Join the conversation on redefining standards for inclusivity by watching this video.     

• What about students with significant support needs? In this AMA, we tackle the legal requirements surrounding this issue by exploring how the law mandates a thorough exploration of all available tools for supporting students in the general education setting before considering more restrictive environments. Engage in a conversation about fostering inclusivity and meeting diverse needs by checking out this video.                                                                                        

• Stop deficit thinking in its tracks and build a strengths-based culture instead.  This toolkit gives you the language, tools, and a quick training to help shift from a deficit-based mindset to an equity lens. You'll get strength-based responses to common questions, a practical guide for moving beyond the medical model, and a six-minute mini-training video that shows what real inclusion looks like in action. Perfect for educators and school leaders ready to challenge old thinking and lead lasting change. Get it now.