Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

Inclusive Education Project
  • 4.7 (75)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Disability rights is the next frontier in civil rights. We believe education is the key to building an inclusive society and ensuring that all students are given an equal opportunity. The Inclusive Education Project Podcast, hosted by Special Education and Civil Rights attorneys, Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett, offers a fresh, smart perspective on what it takes to truly make our educational systems and communities inclusive. Tune in each week as Amanda and Vickie share insight on topics ranging from education reform to advocating for equal rights for all students, and participating in modern activism. This show will also offer user-friendly resources to help you and your family navigate the educational playing field.

  1. NOV 25

    A New Look at Misbehavior: Creating Upstream Solutions for Dysregulated Students with Dr. Doug Bolton

    This episode will be the final one of 2025, as we take a break from the podcast over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Before we introduce today’s topic and guest, we want to address the “elephant in the room”: the shifts happening in the Department of Education under the Trump administration. Just a heads-up: following us on Instagram is the best way to stay up to date on current happenings in our world. Please keep in touch! Today’s topic is behavior and discipline with our guest, Dr. Doug Bolton. Join us! Dr. Doug Bolton is a clinical psychologist who has always been drawn to working with kids who experience behavioral problems. Knowing that being in schools gives him the best vantage point from which to help kids, Doug became a school psychologist and later a principal at a therapeutic school. He is currently a consultant working with families to help vulnerable kids become more resilient. From his unique perspective and wide range of experience, he wrote the book Untethered.  Show Highlights: When it comes to discipline and punishment with our kids, we are getting it wrong.Incentives, motivations, and punishmentsRegulation and dysregulation show up differently for different kids. (“Misbehavior is stress behavior.” –Stuart Shanker)Figure out the “why” of the stress—and help them learn to cope.How punishments reinforce failure and create shameUnderstanding upstream vs. downstream behaviorsOur expectations of students under the guise of “academic rigor”The results of our insensitivity to kids’ developmental needsAn issue of development: Kids born in August are 31% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than kids born in September.Steps to create upstream solutions to help kids build resilience when they misbehave:Focus on assisting them to get regulated.Get curious, and listen to what’s going on with them. Get them talking to each other to create a community of belonging.The value of taking a classroom to “pause and ponder.” Resources: Connect with Dr. Doug Bolton:  Website and Untethered Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.  If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.  Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook,a...

    31 min

  2. NOV 11

    The Current State of DEI in the US: What is Worth Fighting For?

    With so many school holidays fast approaching, there are many kids who need interventions right now, and their parents are panicking. Furthermore, the effects of the government shutdown are being felt as Head Start programs are having to close their doors. Families are scrambling, and we are witnessing significant shifts that are having a profound impact on our kids. Today’s guest shares her perspective on anti-DEI sentiment and the current state of our country, affecting both education and the corporate world.  Nadine Jones is a 2003 graduate of Howard Law School, with a background in antitrust and corporate law as a general counsel. In January of 2025, she left that corporate position to work from home as a consultant. As the mother of a special-needs son, she has insight into what parents in the US face today.  Show Highlights: Nadine’s perspective on the most immediate risks to legal compliance in the shutting down of DEI programsAnti-DEI sentiment, which causes major problems for contractors whose top customer is the federal governmentDiverse workforces and better marketplace competitionNadine’s advice for educators who want to do the right thing for their students (in lower and higher education)Ethical considerations when funding is not availableWhat was so attractive about eliminating DEI?Nadine’s thoughts about what’s coming and what our attitudes should beThe importance of letting the data ground what we doDEI work can go on, even when it’s not termed “DEI.” Resources: Connect with Nadine Jones Website and LinkedIn  Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.  If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.  Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

    26 min

  3. OCT 28

    How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It) with Lindsey Cormack

    Today’s topic is one that not many people are talking about, but it’s a big problem in our country. We are discussing the deficit in our children’s education about civics, government, and basic politics. As parents and educators, we have a huge responsibility to do better, and today’s guest is taking on the challenge. Join us to learn more! Lindsey Cormack is a professor of political science at Stevens Institute of Technology, a little-known but premier engineering school in Hoboken, NJ. Seeing extremely bright students every day who don’t understand the basics of our government prompted her to write How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It). The guidebook is geared toward parents to help them produce good citizens who are active and knowledgeable participants in our government and politics.  Show Highlights: Lindsey’s extensive research and writing processIdentifying the deficit and what can be done about itOur educational plan in civics and government is NOT working.The “We don’t talk about politics” attitude is not helping our children.Two ends of the spectrum about politics in the USIt’s not fair (or true) to say that all politics are bad.Kids need to see specific behaviors modeled, like collaboration through difference, information-seeking techniques, normalizing disagreement, and how to consider another perspective.The beauty of American democracy is based on collaboration and compromise, and our kids need to learn this.“Raise an athlete—not a fan.”Parents should be the agents of change.An overview of Lindsey’s bookKey takeaways from Lindsey Resources: Connect with Lindsey Cormack: Website and How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It) Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.  If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.  Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

    22 min

  4. OCT 14

    A Look at CA Assembly Bill 461 and a New, Much-Needed Approach to Truancy

    Typically, October is a busy month for us as we are already a couple of months into the new school year; reality has set in, and winter/holiday breaks are fast approaching. Today’s focus comes from a lively topic of discussion that was posted on our Instagram last week: an update on CA Assembly Bill 461, which repeals a 2011 Truancy Law. That law provided for criminal misdemeanor charges, fines, and jail time for parents of chronically truant children or for a student over 18 with chronic truancy. The problem is that the law disproportionately affects low-income students and those with disabilities, some of whom are fighting for the accommodations and support they need. The new law repeals the 2011 law and sets forth a plan for supportive strategies instead of punishments. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: The backfiring of the 2011 law: The first case prosecuted a person of color with a child with sickle-cell anemia while she was trying to get additional accommodations in place.Governor Newsome’s perspective on the new law, effective January 2026, is that this is a social issue and not a criminal problem.The problems families face in receiving attendance letters when they are actively trying to get their kids into schoolMany parents are trying to find ways to ensure it is safe for their child to go to school. Local change CAN happen!The new law offers a more collaborative approach to the truancy problem. The ramifications of the CA law that might spread to other states Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.  If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.  Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

    19 min

  5. SEP 30

    What Do Our Kids Really Need? Moving Forward with the “Next Great Iteration” of our Educational System with Dr. Annalies Corbin

    We’ve become accustomed to the normal back-to-school craziness this time of year, but this year seems more chaotic than usual! Numerous lawsuits are being filed to challenge the funding cuts, which are having a significant impact on programs, services, staffing, and students. There are numerous unknowns that contribute to the turmoil. We are doing our best to keep our listeners informed as much as possible. In this episode, we refer back to the Supreme Court decision from earlier this year, in which $65 million in educational funding was cut. Join us to learn more! Dr. Annalies Corbin is the founder and CEO of The PAST Foundation. Her work focuses on educational research and development, aiming to be not only a thought leader but also a thought partner with school districts, states, and the federal government. The overriding question driving Dr. Corbin’s work is, “What do our kids really need?” Show Highlights: A breakdown of the Supreme Court’s decision to withhold $65M in teacher grant fundingInclusion is EVERYTHING!The implications of withholding the $65M, specifically relating to ongoing researchRamifications for national security, citizenship, the future economy, and other aspectsWhat can we do to forge educational reform?The current state of affairs: “Education is to be controlled by the states.”Dr. Corbin’s call-to-action: “We need to spend the time, energy, and work at the state levels to advocate for the things kids need.”Understanding a frustrating system for educatorsThe next great iteration of our educational system Resources: Connect with Dr. Annalies Corbin: Website, Instagram, and the Learning Unboxed Podcast  Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.  If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.  Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

    24 min

  6. SEP 16

    Virginia District Funding Cuts Jeopardize Education For All

    Here we are, on the front lines of the fight for inclusive education. Now, a month or so into the new school year, we are already in the thick of the fight, and we are seeing numerous lawsuits being filed as things are changing daily. Many of our listeners are already feeling the impact of funding cuts to education. Today’s episode focuses on the actions of the US Department of Education at the beginning of August regarding five school districts in northern Virginia. Join us to learn more. Show Highlights: $50 million is being withheld from the states in the form of formula funding, discretionary grants, and impact aid grants.The example of attempted resolutions for trans kids—and the stance of VA school districts who won’t back downThe far-reaching budget impacts of the withholding of this funding The chilling fact: Our children are the ones who suffer the most.Practical results in terms of staffing, programs, hiring, and critical servicesThe legal perspective and ramifications of this decisionLook out for the domino effect! Contact your representatives.Key takeaways about the federal government’s power and our fragile systemWhat you can do today to help Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.  If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.  Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, or Email.

    20 min

  7. SEP 2

    Racial and Cultural Responsiveness and Accountability in Education with Jebeh Edmunds

    Our goal is always to keep people informed about what’s going on in today’s world that directly affects the education of our students. It is essential to consider the communities that are forming within the broader context of the current political climate. How are conversations being navigated around important topics like race and culture? Today’s guest has valuable insights to share! Join us! Jebeh Edmunds is the founder and CEO of Jebeh Cultural Consulting, a firm that helps disseminate multicultural lesson plans for K-12th grade. Part of her essential work also includes providing training sessions on DEI and cultural responsiveness. Jebeh was a classroom teacher for 18 years before she became an entrepreneur. Proud of her heritage, Jebeh is a first-generation Liberian-American who came to the US as a toddler.  Show Highlights: Foundational steps to set yourself up as a culturally responsible educatorWe should ALL learn from our mistakes.Watch out for biases.Children are capable of having hard conversations.Common ineffective strategies around cultural responsiveness:“I don’t see color.”“We don’t have any people of color here, so we don’t need this lesson.”Books help open the door for brave and honest discussions.Jebeh’s advice to educators about reacting in “the hot moment” regarding the following:Handling harmful statements (You cannot ignore them.)Asking for help from your school administratorsJebeh’s key takeaway: “Look to families as a resource and support. They are giving you their best resource: their child.” Resources: Connect with Jebeh Edmunds: Website (Find resources and courses.) and Jebeh's podcast, Cultural Curriculum Chat with Jebeh Edmunds. Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.  If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.  Please feel free ​​to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X), our IEP Website, and Email.

    27 min

  8. AUG 19

    The Ripple Effect of Losing $65 Million in Federal Education Support with Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez

    We are in the middle of the start of another school year across the country, whether your students have already returned or have a later start date. One of the most important events from last school year was the Supreme Court decision to withhold $65M in federal funding for education, and we are seeing those impacts across the board. Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez is here to unpack the decision and the far-reaching effects. Join us to learn more! Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez is the CEO at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, an organization that is almost 50 years old. Their mission is to serve ALL students, their families, their educators, and their future employers. Dr. Rodriguez has a background steeped in education, from teaching special education at all levels to being an administrator. Her passion for advocacy and equity for all students is the central theme of her work, always focused on a more inclusive and equitable education system.  Show Highlights: The story of the $65M earmarked for DEI efforts—now withheld by the Supreme Court decisionWho will feel the impacts? Every single student!The uproar from multiple states about the withholding of grant money, most of which was to combat the nationwide teacher shortageSpecific examples of what these grants were doing in teacher retention and residency programsThe politicization of teacher preparation is a dangerous precedent.The average layperson is unaware of what’s happening and what the effects of this decision are.The need for awareness and the dangers of staying silentAction steps you can take todayDr. Rodriguez’s admonition to school leaders, superintendents, and any concerned person who wants to take action Resources: Connect with Dr. Rodriguez and the NCLD: Website (Click the “Take Action” tab at the top!) Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.  If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.  Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

    30 min
See All (213)

4.7
out of 5
75 Ratings

About

Disability rights is the next frontier in civil rights. We believe education is the key to building an inclusive society and ensuring that all students are given an equal opportunity. The Inclusive Education Project Podcast, hosted by Special Education and Civil Rights attorneys, Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett, offers a fresh, smart perspective on what it takes to truly make our educational systems and communities inclusive. Tune in each week as Amanda and Vickie share insight on topics ranging from education reform to advocating for equal rights for all students, and participating in modern activism. This show will also offer user-friendly resources to help you and your family navigate the educational playing field.

Information

  • Creator
    Inclusive Education Project
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    213
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2017-2018. Inclusive Education Project. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

You Might Also Like