The Inclusion Podcast

Ep. 71 Less Praise, More Learning: 7 Reasons to Shift Toward Intrinsic Motivation

Praise might feel positive—but it can actually backfire. In this episode, Julie and Kristie dig into why overpraising can reduce motivation, damage trust, and even increase student anxiety. You’ll walk away with seven key shifts educators can make to support authentic, internal motivation in every learner. Download the Praise Reframe Guide at inclusiveschooling.com/download71.

Ep. 70 When “Doing Nothing” Is Actually Doing Something: Reframing Engagement

What if we’ve misunderstood what engagement really looks like? In this powerful episode, Kristie and Julie unpack why rest, quiet moments, and nonverbal participation are all valid—and vital—ways students engage with learning. You’ll hear how reframing “doing nothing” can create more equitable classrooms for neurodivergent and disabled learners. Get the reframing language guide at inclusiveschooling.com/download70.

Ep. 69 Completing Unpreferred Tasks Should NOT Be an IEP Goal

Is “doing hard things” really the right benchmark for students with disabilities? In this episode, Julie and Kristie challenge the idea that completing unpreferred tasks is an appropriate or meaningful IEP goal. They explore what makes a goal truly inclusive, and offer guidance on how to write goals that support autonomy, dignity, and real-world relevance. Download the 5 Questions to Test IEP Goals at inclusiveschooling.com/download69.

Special Episode of The Inclusion Podcast: You Say You’re Inclusive… But Your System Says Otherwise

You say you’re inclusive—but what does your system actually show? In this special episode, Julie and Kristie unpack seven clear indicators that reveal whether a school is truly inclusive or just aspiring to be, from unclear definitions to practices that unintentionally exclude students. You’ll walk away with practical ways to spot misalignment and take immediate steps toward meaningful, system-wide change. Register for The Way Wednesdays Book Club and get the Facilitator’s Guide and Self-Study Guide at https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/book-club.

Ep. 68 The Inclusive Schedule Trap: What Schools Keep Getting Wrong—and What to Do Instead

Too often, what looks like an inclusive schedule on paper falls apart in practice. In this episode, Kristie and Julie explain the common traps teams fall into when creating student schedules—and how to build ones that truly support belonging and participation. You’ll learn how to spot “support-based scheduling” and replace it with a plan that centers access, collaboration, and student needs. Get the Inclusive System Scheduling Process at inclusiveschooling.com/download68.

Ep. 67 Steal This Script: How Leaders Talk About Inclusive Education

In this episode, Julie and Kristie reveal the exact words school leaders can use to promote inclusion with clarity, confidence, and compassion. From responding to resistance to inspiring buy-in, you'll get ready-to-use scripts and strategies for navigating tough conversations about inclusive practices. Whether you’re a principal, coach, or advocate, you’ll leave feeling prepared to lead with language that unites. Download the free guide at inclusiveschooling.com/download67.

Ep. 66 The Relationship Behind the Roles: Co-Teaching That Clicks

Before you can have trust, share a classroom, or divide lessons, you have to build a relationship. In this episode, Kristie and Julie explore what makes co-teaching work—from shared routines to honest conversations—and why relational trust is the foundation of everything. You’ll get practical ways to deepen connection with your co-teacher, whether you’re starting fresh or have worked together for years. Download the free guide: 101 Ways to Get to Know Your Co-Teacher at inclusiveschooling.com/download66

Ep. 65 Read the Room, Regulate Yourself: What to Do When Behavior Escalate

When a student yells, swears, withdraws, or melts down, it’s not about control—it’s about regulation. In this episode, Julie and Kristie share how to shift from managing behavior to calming nervous systems in the moment. Learn 20 real-time strategies that help de-escalate intense situations with compassion, not compliance. Download the free guide: 20 De-Escalation Ideas That Work at inclusiveschooling.com/download65

Ep. 64 A Para Is Not an Environment: Clearing Up the LRE Confusion

There’s a lot of confusion around what Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) really means—especially when paraprofessional support is part of the plan. In this episode, Julie and Kristie clarify how LRE works under IDEA, why needing support doesn’t mean a student should be removed, and how we can shift from gatekeeping to problem-solving. You’ll walk away with language, mindset shifts, and team questions that build a stronger culture of inclusion. Download the free resource: A Para Is Not an Environment at inclusiveschooling.com/download64.

Ep. 63 Giving Breaks Isn’t the Problem—It’s How We’re Using Them!

When students are dysregulated, offering a break can feel like the right move—but is it always helpful? In this episode, Kristie and Julie unpack how well-meaning adult-led breaks can unintentionally reinforce escape patterns or erode access to learning. You’ll learn how to offer breaks with purpose, equity, and intention—so students stay connected, not sent away. Download the free resource: The Stay-Put Toolbox at inclusiveschooling.com/download63.