The Inclusion Podcast

What if the key to changing behavior isn’t tracking what’s going wrong, but noticing what’s going right? In this episode, Kristie and Julie introduce the “success minutes” framework, a simple but powerful shift that helps teams focus on moments of engagement, regulation, and connection. You’ll learn how to spot small wins, uncover patterns, and use them to create more success throughout the day. D...

“They’re too distractible” is often used as a quick justification for pull-out, but what if it’s pointing to something else entirely? In this episode, Kristie and Julie unpack why distractibility is not a placement decision and how it often signals a need for better supports, not removal. You’ll learn what to say in the moment and how to redesign instruction, environment, and engagement so student...

“We’re preparing students for the real world”, but what if that version of the real world is outdated, inequitable, and not a life anyone would choose? In this episode, Julie and Kristie challenge common school practices that prioritize compliance over autonomy, especially for students with disabilities, and expose how systems like “life skills” classrooms often lower expectations instead of expan...

You may think you’ve moved beyond behavior charts, but what if they’re still showing up in disguise? In this episode, Julie and Kristie uncover the hidden ways behavior systems still operate through public tracking, rewards, and subtle comparisons that can shame and exclude students. You’ll learn how to spot these patterns and shift toward approaches that build regulation, trust, and belonging ins...

When a student is struggling, “they need a small group” can sound like the right solution, but too often, it’s code for removal and exclusion. In this episode, Julie and Kristie unpack the common trap of equating support with separation and show how small group instruction can, and should, happen within general education. You’ll learn how to shift from pull-out thinking to inclusive design using f...

Imagine someone supporting you all day—deciding when to step in, what to say, and how close to stand. In this episode, Kristie and Julie explore how even well-intentioned help can become intrusive, overwhelming, or counterproductive for students. You'll learn how to evaluate support through the lens of dignity, autonomy, and the true purpose of inclusion. Download the 30 Reflection Questions at in...

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 .

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 inclusiveschooli...

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 Goal...

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-wid...

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 t...

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 langu...

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...

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 inclusiveschoo...

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 ques...

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 S...

Before behavior escalates, the classroom environment can do the heavy lifting. In this episode, Julie and Kristie share 16 proactive tweaks that help prevent challenging behavior by reducing stress and increasing connection. From visual supports to relationship rituals, these simple shifts make classrooms calmer and more inclusive for everyone. Download the free resource: Classroom Tweaks That Pre...

When a student swears at you or lashes out, it’s easy to react. In this powerful episode, Julie and Kristie help you build a personalized response plan that prioritizes connection, not punishment—even in moments of shock or hurt. Discover mantras, phrases, and actions to keep dignity and trust at the center. Download the free worksheet: Build Your Own Response Plan at inclusiveschooling.com/downlo...

What your body says in the classroom matters just as much as your words—sometimes more. In this episode, Julie and Kristie break down how your posture, pace, tone, and eye contact can either regulate or escalate behavior. Learn to scan your body and send signals of safety and calm. Download the free tool: Nonverbal Body Scan at inclusiveschooling.com/download60.

Building trust with students doesn’t require big gestures—it’s about intentional mini moments woven into everyday interactions. Julie and Kristie share 23 simple ways to connect with students while teaching, even in packed classrooms. Learn how quick check-ins can boost regulation, trust, and inclusion. Download the free handout: 23 Connection Starters at inclusiveschooling.com/download59.

What if a student runs? Or refuses to participate? In this episode, Julie and Kristie go beyond labels to focus on nervous system states, explaining why behaviors like eloping or shutting down are signs of dysregulation—not defiance. Download the free resource: Human Ways of Being at inclusiveschooling.com/download58.

Sometimes behavior isn’t about a trigger—it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface. In this episode, Julie and Kristie unpack why searching for a single cause of behavior often leads us in the wrong direction, and how we can shift to listening beneath behavior instead. Learn how to identify the real messages behind actions like yelling out or withdrawing, and respond with empathy and clarity...

This courageous and nuanced conversation dives into one of the biggest fears around inclusion: safety. Julie and Kristie name the fear, challenge ableist assumptions, and provide seven steps to help educators feel equipped, empowered, and proactive when facing concerns about safety in inclusive settings. With humor and honesty, they tackle myths, share research-backed practices, and guide listener...

Tired of behavior challenges draining your team’s energy and stalling learning? In this special episode, we reveal why outdated approaches keep failing, what actually works, and how to shift mindsets across your staff—without adding another initiative to your plate. Walk away with clarity, strategies you can use tomorrow, and access to our free Behavior 360 Bonus Dashboard—packed with ready-to-use...

Julie and Kristie explore how paraprofessional support can be both effective and unobtrusive. With humor, heart, and powerful metaphors (yes, including Harry Potter's invisibility cloak!), they unpack what it means for paraprofessionals to “hide in plain sight.” The episode offers strategies to increase student independence, dignity, and social connection by camouflaging support and avoiding over-...