In this episode, Julie and Kristie take on a question that educators are often asked to justify excluding students with disabilities: “But what will they get out of this class?” Through real-life stories—including a powerful example of Stephanie's success with Romeo and Juliet—they reveal why this question is misguided and provide 20 practical responses to advocate for inclusion

In this episode, Julie and Kristie break down two landmark court cases that have shaped inclusive education: Roncker v. Walter and Endrew F. You'll learn how the Roncker portability test supports bringing services directly into general education settings and how Endrew F. raised the standard for meaningful educational progress. Discover how these legal principles can empower you to advocate for students with disabilities and strengthen inclusive practices in your school.

In this episode, Julie and Kristie take a critical look at resource rooms and why they often fall short of supporting students with disabilities. From social isolation to lowered expectations, they discuss the real-world challenges and myths surrounding these segregated supports. You’ll also learn actionable strategies for providing portable, inclusive supports within general education classrooms, promoting both academic success and belonging for all students.

In this episode, Julie and Kristie take on a question that educators are often asked to justify excluding students with disabilities: “But what will they get out of this class?” Through real-life stories—including a powerful example of Stephanie's success with Romeo and Juliet—they reveal why this question is misguided and provide 20 practical responses to advocate for inclusion.

Overloading students with verbal directions can hold them back. This episode shares a simple formula to reduce auditory overload, foster critical thinking, and encourage autonomy. Learn strategies to lower stress, strengthen relationships, and improve engagement, backed by real-life examples.

Writing IEPs can feel overwhelming, but focusing on quality over quantity makes all the difference. This episode introduces the Four Filters framework to identify meaningful, impactful goals that drive progress for students. Avoid common pitfalls, use our litmus test for IEP-worthy goals, and transform your approach to writing IEPs.

Discover how differentiation transforms classrooms into spaces where all students thrive. This episode dives into strategies to meet diverse needs, build equity, and foster inclusion, including an unforgettable activity to explain fairness. Whether you’re new to teaching or experienced, these tips will help you create a dynamic, equitable classroom.

The words we use about students shape their futures. This episode explores how to shift from deficit-based language to strength-focused narratives in IEPs and educational reports, empowering students and inspiring possibility. Learn practical strategies like the "Language That Lifts" approach, reframing lead words into gold statements, and why focusing on strengths matters.

Grading can either create barriers or build equity. Julie and Kristie share 32 inclusive grading strategies to ensure fairness for all learners, covering rubrics, assessments, and aligning practices with IDEA requirements.

Inclusive change is challenging, but understanding the six stages of transformation can make it manageable. Julie and Kristie outline the Inclusive Systems Change Cycle and offer practical strategies to guide educators from resistance to lasting progress.

Creating inclusive schools starts with fostering a “yes brain” mindset in educators and leaders. Julie and Kristie share research-based strategies to shift from fear and rigidity to creativity, connection, and adaptability, empowering teams to thrive.

Facing challenges in education doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Julie and Kristie introduce the Five-Minute Problem-Solving Strategy, a simple tool for crafting focused questions, brainstorming creative solutions, and celebrating progress—all in record time.

Fading paraprofessional support is essential for fostering student independence and interdependence. In this episode, Julie and Kristie share actionable strategies to help paraprofessionals step back effectively while maintaining student success, with a focus on using tools like the prompting ladder and natural supports.

Today, we're unpacking the impact of stressors on student behavior and learning. Join us as we explore the four domains of stressors—biological, emotional, cognitive, and social—and reveal how they shape actions in the classroom. We’ll also share 10 strategies to help reduce stressors and support a more inclusive environment.

In this episode, we tackle a common question: How do we explain to families that moving toward more inclusive educational services isn’t about reducing support, but rather enhancing their child’s experience? We discuss strategies for effectively communicating the benefits of inclusion, grounded in the principles of IDEA and FAPE, and provide 20 talking points to help educators answer families' concerns.

In this episode, we explore how educators can navigate challenging behaviors in the classroom using the 'Boat Captain' analogy. We discuss how to support students in moments of fight, flight, freeze, or faint and share 10 lifeline strategies to help bring them back to a ready state. Tune in to learn how to stay anchored and create a safe, inclusive environment for all learners.

In this episode, we explore how educators can navigate challenging behaviors in the classroom using the 'Boat Captain' analogy. We discuss how to support students in moments of fight, flight, freeze, or faint and share 10 lifeline strategies to help bring them back to a ready state. Tune in to learn how to stay anchored and create a safe, inclusive environment for all learners.

What does true inclusion in education look like? In this episode, we break down the nine essential ingredients needed to create a genuinely inclusive environment. From redesigning systems to partnering with families, we share actionable insights and strategies to help schools embrace and implement inclusive practices

Understand the impact of ableism in education.
Learn compassionate and effective ways to respond.
Equip yourself with language that supports inclusive education