110. The Real Reason Students Refuse Work

Work refusal is one of the most common challenges teachers face, but we often make the mistake of assuming all refusals are the same. In this episode, Lisa breaks down the powerful “Can’t Do or Won’t Do” framework, a simple way to identify why a student is refusing work so you can respond with strategies that actually stick. You’ll learn to recognize signs of overwhelm versus signs of avoidance, quickly assess the root cause, and adjust instruction, motivation, and support to help students build confidence and independence. This episode will leave you feeling clear, empowered, and ready to tackle work refusal with purpose and precision.

Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode110