"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. 

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. 

In this episode Dr. Tanya Fredrich and I bring our collective years of expertise together leading Inclusion Institutes to offer you a road map to host your own inclusion institute in your area with our help.  We share all of the exciting logistics to build a sustainable network of support for inclusion in your own backyard.  Listen, take notes and share this with your administrators.

If you support, teach or love any person whose behavior is not easily understood, you must listen!  Brianna explains some very humorous and very serious examples of how challenging behavior is often a sign of intelligence and is ALWAYS important communication.  

Join us for this episode where Brianna Dickens shares many thoughts about the best and worst ways to help students create friendships in schools.  You will not want to miss it!  Also share with anyone who teaches or loves a person with Autism who may be longing for friendships and connections.

In this Episode Brianna Dickens tells you how to honor all different types of communication. If you work with, know, or love anyone who does not use speech reliably-- you MUST listen!  

In this episode, Brianna Dickens and I discuss her experience in a self-contained special education and the work it took for her to be seen as competent.  This is the perfect episode to share with anyone who knows and loves a person whose intelligence is not immediately obvious because of communication issues.  

Everyone who is looking to create a more inclusive school district MUST listen to this one.  Here I interview Dr. Tanya Fredrich- a giant in the area of inclusive leadership and director of student services in Elmbrook, WI. Please share it with every administrator in your life!  We discuss many shortcuts and we warn you of potential obstacles on the way to making your inclusive dreams a reality.  Have a seat—grab some paper and a pen (trust me).

In this podcast, my co-author Caitlin Caron and I discuss our brand new children's book The Too Much Unicorn.  This book empowers girls everywhere to embrace the beauty of being joyfully, stylishly, and confidently your just right self.  Share wildly with your TOO MUCH unicorns.

On this episode, we change places and Pat interviews me!  This interview is unscripted and so much fun!  Enjoy!

Episode 11 more myth busting!  This episode covers 5 more common special education myths.  You do not want to miss this one! 

You will not want to miss this conversation and episode 11 too.  Pat Radel and I discuss the most common myths related to special education and inclusion. For example, "students need to be on level in order to be included."   In episode 10 we cover 5 myths, and 5 more in episode 11.  I am so grateful for this discussion and I know that you will be too!  Please subscribe and rate too.  

This podcast 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. 

As many of you know Paula and I have written 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom.  In this podcast, Paula and I join forces to ask and answer eachother questions about co-teaching! This is a must listen! Please send this to anyone who is co-teaching, anyone who is thinking about co-teaching or anyone who knows what co-teaching is. You are going to LOVE this!

This is EXACTLY what you need to kick off your school year!  This two-part podcast will get you in the right frame of mind, spirit and heart.  Send this to every educator you know. Because YOU ARE BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem & SMARTER than you think.  -- Winnie the Pooh. Kick off this year right!  xo Julie

This is EXACTLY what you need to kick off your school year!  This two-part podcast will get you in the right frame of mind, spirit and heart.  Send this to every educator you know. Because YOU are BRAVER than you Believe, STRONGER than you seem & SMARTER than you think.  -- Winnie the Pooh

In this episode, I introduce you to my dear friend Dr.  Kate MacLeod. Together we answer the question about how to support a student with an "intellectual disability" in a high school class.  Tune in!

In this episode, I help people get ready for co-teaching this school year.  Listen, enjoy and share with anyone who is co-teaching.

Get set for summer with these incredible summer resources!  You will kick off the school year relaxed and ready --if you prepare for next year like this. 

This podcast explores the question many administrators have about inclusive schools.  What can I do to make sure that inclusion can take root and grow.  Check out this important piece, rate and send to every school administrator that you know and love!

Everyone is on board with inclusion except our special education director.  This episode dives into this question and provides responses to give anyone who is resitant to creating more inclusive schools.  Come join us and fill up your toolbox. 

Here I introduce the podcast and discuss some common questions related to including students in general education classrooms.  Join us for 20 minutes of new content each month.  

This podcast is all about how to cope during this new and weird time!  Paul has an abundance of thoughtful advice to keep everyone thriving!  Enjoy!

In this episode we discuss the legal and practical decisions that school administrators, educators and parents have to understand during these changing times.  I am joined by Patrick Radel an incredible special education lawyer and Tanya Fredrich a talented and passionate school administrator.    Please enjoy and let us know what you need in our next episode.  Sending you love and good health!

Becky Anderson is an incredibly inclusive English teacher.  In this awesome episode she share how teachers can lead inclusive change in their own classroom.  From how to create true community to  how to be sure students can see themselves on the shelf (or in the books they read) and so much more.  Share this with every general education teacher you know.  Because, as Becky says... our students are waiting!

When it comes to Inclusive Education, the first thing that needs to shifts are outdated ideas and MINDSETS about special education.  For example, "But this student needs functional skills."  Or, "I can't do it because --they can't keep up." or "Our system is just fine as it is- why make any changes" 

The IEP is the tool for designing and documenting inclusive education.  This episode covers everything you need to know if you are on an IEP team in any capacity. Great for parents, teachers and administrators alike to really understand how the special education laws work together to help you document and create inclusive school experiences for students.  

I love this episode!  Here I am joined by artist and friend Sherrill Knezel. First, we discuss "seeing" in terms of visual representations (sketch noting) as an access point for students in inclusive classrooms.  Second, she shares the art of really seeing students, loving them, and reflecting their best selves back to them- in a story about Jaden.  You won't want to miss this one.  AND she shares my favorite strategy for supporting a student who challenges the regular flow of the classroom.  So...have a challenging student?  Listen with your whole heart. 

Superintendent Dr. Paul Gordon and I discuss what does honest conversation and courageous perseverance have to do with creating truly inclusive schools.  Send this to your superintendent.  Share with your administrators.  Listen, enjoy and let's make schools excellent together!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Download the free resource: Steps and pro tips for the Five-Minute Strategy at inclusiveschooling.com/download37.

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. Download the free resource: Yes Brain and No Brain Comparison Chart at inclusiveschooling.com/download38.

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. Download the Inclusive Systems Change Cycle at inclusiveschooling.com/download39.

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. Download the free resource: 32 Inclusive Grading Solutions at inclusiveschooling.com/download40.

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. Be sure to have a highlighter at the ready and download the free guide with 60 uplifting replacement phrases at inclusiveschooling.com/download41

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. Download the free resource with 21 ways to discuss differentiation at inclusiveschooling.com/download42.

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. Download the free guide featuring the Four Filters framework at inclusiveschooling.com/download43.

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. Download the 20 powerful phrases for free at inclusiveschooling.com/download45.

In this special episode, three essential mindset shifts every school administrator must make to lead real, lasting inclusive change are shared. You’ll learn why it’s time to move beyond "buy-in," how simple shifts can spark massive results, and how to lead from a place of commitment—not just compliance. Plus, find out how to join our FREE Interactive Inclusion Workshop with Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, where you’ll discover exactly how to overcome resistance, shift mindsets, and build schools where every learner thrives. Sign up now at https://theinclusionworkshop.com. 

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. Download the free guide with 150 practical strategies at inclusiveschooling.com/download44.

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. Download the episode handout at inclusiveschooling.com/download46.

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. Download the episode handout with a summary of both course cases at inclusiveschooling.com/download47.