The Inclusion Podcast

Special Episode of The Inclusion Podcast: The Training Your Paras Need—And What School Leaders Can Do Today

Paraprofessionals are essential for inclusive schools, and this episode shows you the #1 way to set them—and your students—up for success. Get practical tips, including "lifelines" for behavior support, and learn how to make an immediate impact in your district. Don’t miss this special sneak peek and invitation to our FREE workshop on training and retaining paras. Download the free handouts and register at inclusiveschooling.com/workshops.

Ep. 36 Fading Paraprofessional Support: Strategies for Success in Inclusive Classrooms

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. Download the free resource: Prompting Ladder and Fading Support Guide at inclusiveschooling.com/download36.

Ep. 35 Why Behavior Charts Fail and What to Do Instead

Behavior charts and other public behavior management tools can damage trust, create fear, and undermine relationships in classrooms. Julie and Kristie discuss why it’s time to replace these outdated systems and share nine practical, inclusive alternatives to support all students. Download the free resource: Nine Inclusive Ideas for Replacing Behavior Charts and Clips at inclusiveschooling.com/download35.

 

Ep. 34 Recognizing and Reducing Stressors: Tools for Teachers and Administrators

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. To help you recognize and reduce stressors in your own classroom, download our free checklist and top tips at https://inclusiveschooling.com/download34.

Ep. 33 How to Communicate the Shift to Inclusive Education to Families

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. Download this essential resource to support your conversations with families at https://inclusiveschooling.com/download33.

Ep. 32 The Educator’s Lifeline: 10 Strategies to Support Challenging Behaviors

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. Don’t forget to download your free one-pager with all 10 lifelines at https://inclusiveschooling.com/download32!

Ep. 31 Understanding LRE and Its Role in Supporting All Learners

In this episode, we dive into the concept of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and explore how it plays a crucial role in creating inclusive classrooms. Through the real-life story of a student with Down syndrome, we discuss practical strategies for supporting all learners and ensuring they thrive alongside their peers. Tune in as we break down the key elements of LRE and share tips for implementing these practices in your own educational setting. Don’t forget to download our free multiple-page checklist of supplementary aids and services at https://inclusiveschooling.com/download31 as your key to success.

Ep. 30 The Recipe for Real Inclusion: 9 Must-Have Ingredients

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. Download the handout to get the full recipe at inclusiveschooling.com/download30.

Ep. 29 But inclusion isn't fair to the other students: What to say!

"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?  In this episode of The Inclusion Podcast, hosts Kristie and Julie tackle common and misguided objections to inclusive education. They explore why the phrase "Inclusion isn't fair" is not only harmful but rooted in ableism, and offer practical, compassionate responses—whether you're a parent, teacher, or advocate for students with disabilities.

Don’t miss our free handout: "22 Ways to Respond to the 'Inclusion Isn't Fair' Statement" - download here: https://inclusiveschooling.com/download29. This resource will equip you with actionable tools to turn difficult conversations into opportunities for change. 

Ep. 28 Yes! Even students with VERY complex communication needs, with Darlene Hanson (part 2)

This is the second part of my conversation with Darlene Hanson. It is for the most challenging students in our system.  Listen and share with everyone you know who supports students without verbal communication.  Darlene Hanson and I are finally teaming up together to work on the concept of inclusion with students with limited communication. Can't wait to let these episodes (episode 27 and 28) take flight in the world.