A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education

29 episodes later, this is the last episode of Season 5! Listen up as we preview some topics we're thinking about and share some summer updates. Thanks for being such loyal listeners. Have a wonderful wrap up to your school year and we'll be back in the fall for Season 6.Robin, Abby and AngelaPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in as Robin and Abby discuss the recent appointment of the new OSEP Director.Here is the company that designs products to help feel more grounded and in control (Calmware).Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the recent  wildly inaccurate, incendiary and harmful statements from US Health and Human Services (HHS) Director, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about people with Autism.Click here to review the growing list of disability advocacy organizations that responded to his comments.The Autism Society summary of group statementSignatory Organizations:Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Colin Killick, Executive DirectorAutism Society of America, Christopher Banks, President and CEOAutism Speaks, Keith Wargo, President and CEOThe Arc of the United States, Katy Neas, Chief Executive OfficerAutistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Sharon daVanport, Executive DirectorAutistic People of Color Fund, Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn Brown, Founding Executive DirectorAutism Empowerment, Karen Krejcha, Co-Founder, Executive DirectorDan Marino Foundation, Mary Partin, CEOPivot NeurodiversityAssociation for Autism and NeurodiversityOrganization for Autism ResearchEls for AutismAutistic Doctors InternationalHussman Institute for AutismMilestones Autism ResourcesEasterseals, Inc.Autistic Women's AllianceNational Council on Severe Autism interview with NPRFact Checking RFK's statements - PBS articlePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in as Robin and Abby discuss the weird and wonderful (potentially) world of A. I. adoption in public schools. Everything from the politics at the State level to individual teacher and student decision making is being impacted by this new development.MADESE web resources on AILots of Resources on AIPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join us while we speak with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns about their book Connecting Through Conversation A playbooks for Talking with Students.Leveraging over forty years of combined experience, Erika and Tiffany are on a mission to empower every educator to transform student behavior and build a culture of connection in their school communities.Listeners get a coupon code for $50 off their course- CTCpodcastPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Prompting is a key component of specially designed instruction and is often misunderstood. Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the pros and cons of prompting and the many nuances of the most commonly understood prompting hierarchy.For more resources on this topic check out:https://www.unr.edu/ndsip/services/resources/tips/using-the-system-of-least-to-most-promptshttps://thinkpsych.com/blogs/posts/understanding-prompt-hierarchies?srsltid=AfmBOorBMSbBrRlmax3bGaYcXoOjomE5bh3vaYx5lB8Z8faB-U8MRn4rASHA statement on Facilitated CommunicationNIH article on Facilitated CommunicationDon't miss out on seeing Angela and her partner from Khan & Smagula at her upcoming legal workshop on all topics educational law!  You can join virtually! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

There are always signs before a student case goes south...here are some tips from Angela and Robin your team can take to get things back on track.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Happy International Down Syndrome Awareness Day (3/21/25). Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they talk about the 2025 campaign presented by CoorDown .No Decision Without Me- videoWorld Down Syndrome Day- websiteSecondary Transition Docs- DESE/MAPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Link to the original complaint in Texas v. BecerraLink to the link to the Status Report updating the case.Plain Language Explainer from multiple disability advocacy groupsPlain Language Explainer of Status Report from multiple disability advocacy groups.Link to mechanism to contact your Attorney GeneralPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

For more information about the articles Robin and Abby discuss in this episode check out:EdWeek February 13th - What Educators Need to Know About Dyslexia—and Why It's Not Something to ‘Fix'ASCD blog February 2nd - Redefining the Science of ReadingAnd Natalie Wexler's new book published by ASCD:Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of LearningPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join Robin and Angela as they discuss the TLC show Baylen Out Loud, which follows a young adult with Tourette's Syndrome and her quest for independence. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Tonight Abby, Angela and Robin answer a listener question from a Principal who is struggling with 1 or a few but mightygroup of students who are using up all the school resources. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Angela was asked to be a guest on Marisha Mets Podcast: Special Ed Leaders: Unplugged. to speak about Due Process. The full guide on the website is also up here and the YouTube video is here.  In the world of special education, due process is a cornerstone for protecting the rights of students with disabilities. At its core, it ensures fairness and accountability, offering a legal pathway for parents to address disagreements with schools regarding their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.To help unpack the complexities of due process, we turn to Angela Buchanan Smagula, a seasoned education attorney and co-host of the podcast A Special Education Teacher, Administrator, and Lawyer Walk into a Bar….all you ever wanted to know about special education. With years of experience representing schools and navigating the intricate landscape of special education law, Angela brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. In this guide, we'll explore the key elements of due process, its impact on special education administrators and families, and actionable strategies for fostering collaboration and avoiding conflicts. Whether you're navigating your first hearing or looking to strengthen your district's approach, this resource is here to support you.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

In the next months, each individual School District in Massachusetts will have to formally adopt requirements that confer a diploma. Listen in as the girls discuss the considerations inherent in this process and check out your local District's School Committee to find out more about what the local requirements in your town will be.Join Abby, Robin and Angela while they review the DESE Guidance 2.0 (12/11/24)Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join Robin while she listens to Angela review the Hingham decision:DALE and JENNIFER HARRIS, as parents and next friend of their minor son, RNH vs. Hingham Schools (defendents named specifically, Town of Hingham and School Committee)Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they run through hot topics for 2025 and potential podcast topics. If you have an idea or a question, please reach out to them via email at astalpodcast@gmail.comPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

In this Thanksgiving episode, Abby, Robin, and Angela take a moment to pause, reflect, and share what they're most thankful for in their professional and personal lives.  We are on a break until Jan. 2025- have a great holiday season! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

After multiple requests, Robin and Abby begin the transition convo. It's too expansive to cover in 1 episode so this is just the beginning! Do you want to be a transition specialist?Autism goes to collegeIntelligent LivesMA DESE Secondary TransitionPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Question 2:  Elimination of MCAS as High School  Graduation Requirement passed in Massachusetts- so what does that mean for students? Listen to Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the DRAFT Q&A provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Ever wonder how to support students who are home or hospital bound? Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss how to provide educational services to students who are confined to the home or a hospital setting.MA DESE Q&A (603 CMR 28.03(3)(c)Physician's Affirmation of Need for Temporary Home or Hospital Education for Medically Necessary ReasonsBrilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in while Angela, Robin and Abby discuss a complicated and emotionally challenging part of the special education legal landscape - when a Handbook/Code of Conduct infraction IS or IS NOT a manifestation of a student's disability. Legal reference: 34 CFR §§300.530-300-536For the flowchart mentioned in the podcast click here.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the importance of the role of the general education teacher in IEP meetings. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

In this episode Abby, Angela and Robin interview Kathleen Browning, a former SLP and current Early Childhood Program Director to learn more about the amazing world of Integrated Preschool.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss what they are thinking and how they respond when someone in a meeting makes an unexpected statement or decision. Check out the resource for developing comprehensive evaluations from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction here.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in as the girls debate key concepts of Extended School Year from how the determination of eligibility gets made, to the goals and mission of ESY services, all the way to the nuts and bolts of what kinds of programs for how many days and hours. We're referencing the MADESE ESY Q and A in its most recent form and don't all agree on everything it says or what it all means. BUCKLE UP for a spirited deep dive into ESY!MADESE Q & APlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join Robin and Abby as they geek out on our field's research base (and sometimes, lack thereof).  Listen in to a discussion of High Leverage Practices (HLP's); the 22 skills that we (sort of) have all agreed a special education teacher must consolidate to be effective in the role.For more information  and to read the Official HLPs  click here:https://highleveragepractices.org/ Check out the IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University's super cool think tank for more info and helpful visuals on HLP's here.Here is the link to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)'s 2024 publication:High Leverage Practices for the Inclusive Classroom, 2nd. Ed.Here is the CEEDAR Center's webpage (including a tool to check your school's alignment with HPL's). So freakin' neat!!And finally, here is a PDF of the whole  2017 book that is easier to read than the new one - happy HLPing!!!!!!Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

This November Massachusetts voters will determine the fate of keeping the MCAS exam as a high school graduation requirement. We had a longer debate last year when it was on the ballot as a citizen petition (Oct. 13, 2023 episode). This week we revisit the topic.We also plug Unified Sports    as people begin thinking about budget season (as well as starting fall athletics) because this initiative is a high impact, low budget culture booster! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

We're just getting back into the swing of things so join us as we preview some upcoming topics and catch up. Hope everyone's school year is off to a great start! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

We're interrupting our summer to record our response to a June 2024, 1st Circuit court decision regarding the case: L.M. v. Town of Middleborough that affirms a Massachusetts school's decision to forbid a middle school student from wearing two T-shirts to school that say, “There are only two genders” and “There are [censored] genders."  We hope you enjoy it! Here is a link to the full case document.What It's Like To Be...What's it like to be a Cattle Rancher? FBI Special Agent? Professional Santa? Find out!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Can you believe we've uploaded 100 episodes?! We're ending Season 4 celebrating our 100th episode and choosing our favs from each season. Please go back and listen to those if you started mid-way through our show. Here is a list of the top 20 downloads if you want listener favorites. We've already planning for season 5- be back soon! Thank you listening- Robin/Abby/Angela S1 Ep. 1. With Friends Like These: Intro PodS3 Ep. 6  The 1,2,3s of IEPs (meetings, that is!)S2 Ep. 26 Final Episode of Season 2! AKA Robin's Had It!S3 Ep. 25 Season 3 is a wrap!S2 Ep .11 What's so special about specialized instruction?S3 Ep. 8 Please stop saying that!S1 TrailerS4 Ep. 13 20 QuestionsS1 Ep. 10 What is the "Least Restrictive Environment" and Why Do We Keep Talking About It?S2 Ep. 22 Administration ConsiderationS3 Ep. 12 Inclusive Fitness: Interview w/Greg AustinS3 Ep. 22 We've Got Mail 2nd EditionS2 Ep. 7 Interview with Laura Gillis (parent side attorney)S2 Ep. 4 Discipline Deep Dive... Part 1S2 Ep. 2: Behavior IS Communication - Interview with Kristin Pas, BCBAS3 Ep. 5 There's something SPECIAL going on.....S4 Ep. 3 Top 10 Common Logical FallaciesS3 Ep. 1 What happens if there are no teachers?S3 Ep. 13 What do you do when things don't go the way one would expect?Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

James Lange is a CPA/Attorney and the author of 10 best selling financial books that help IRA and retirement plan owners get the most of what they've got. The Wall Street Journal has endorsed Jim's tax and estate planning strategies 36 times!Jim's daughter, Erica, has a disability. Jim's expertise with Roth IRA conversions and the impact of the SECURE Act on IRAs, disability planning, and legacy planning was critical in developing a long-term plan to secure his daughter's financial future and improve his family's quality of life.  Using his family's journey as the base, Jim authored a new book, Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability, with two experts in the disability field. Jim and his co-authors believe the book is the best comprehensive financial resource for parents of a child with a disability.You can get your free  book at https://DisabledChildPlanning.com/PodcastWe are also hosting a 3-day virtual summit titled Financial and Life PlanningSummit…for Parents of a Child with a Disability from June 18 to June 20. TatyanaMcFadden, one of the top paralympic athletes in the world will be our celebrityspeaker. The three co-authors and a host of other experts will be offeringeducational talks over the three-day period.Participants can choose which of the sessions they would like to attend. Many willalso be followed with Q&A sessions. And best of all, everyone can enjoy the talksfrom the comfort of their own living room.To receive updates on our June 18 th – 20 th Financial and Life Planning Summit, goto https://DisabledChildPlanning.com/JunePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in on the debate about the uses and misuses of IQ testing for students with disabilities and students of color. Robin, Angela and Abby dissect a recent article from the Hechinger report which can be found HERE titled: How flawed IQ tests prevent kids from getting help in schoolSchool psychologists are relying less on testing — but the change is too slow for some"by Sarah Carr and published on March 28, 2024.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Many of you have seen the ad #Assume I Can (and Maybe I Will)  created by the organization CoorDown.  Robin, Abby and Angela talk about the power of this campaign on the social inclusion movement. Check out some of the previous campaigns created by this organization (Esp. The Hiring Chain). Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

In this (almost) solo episode, Abby analyzes a new article that was published on March 6, 2024: America's Most Popular Autism Therapy May Not Work — and May Seriously Harm Patients' Mental HealthA Perspective From Today's ABA- Dr. HanleyBCBA Ethics codePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the TV show Love On the Spectrum (Season 2 - Netflix)Tait's Take (youtube)The Color of Autism Foundation (mentioned on Tait's Take) Important because people of color tend to be diagnosed later in life due to stigma, biased testing protocols, medical racism etc.) Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in on the discussion with Elizabeth C. Hamblet the author of  7 Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities.7 Steps is a well regarded book in its third edition that provides important common sense advice for adult students and their family supporters as they navigate through the college application and admission process. Once they are at college, the fun really begins and Ms. Hamblet provides important legal and regulatory information to support adult students with disabilities as they navigate the college landscape. Anyone who wants a discount on her book can get 20% off if they order directly from the publisher. The code and link, plus other purchase options are at bit.lyECHbookAlso, Elizabeth created a 20% discount for our listeners for her on-demand webinars. They can enter SpEdPodcast at checkout for her overview webinar or her webinar focused on academic accommodations that are and aren't commonly approved: https://bit.ly/ECHNZ1Resources from the book:The Importance of Transparency in College Preparation for Students with Disabilities: https://bit.ly/LDblog154x How to Find College Disability Documentation Requirements - https://bit.ly/LDblog109x Myths About Disability Documentation for College Accommodations - https://bit.ly/LDblog150x College Disability Accommodations Request Preparation Form (to see how much students know) - https://bit.ly/LDAF2x Here's how to reach out to Ms. Hamblet if you want to access her expertise on this important topic: Instagram - ld_advisory (https://www.instagram.com/ld_advisory/) Twitter (X) - @echamblet Facebook - Elizabeth C. Hamblet, LD Advisory (https://www.facebook.com/LDadvisory/) LinkedIn - Elizabeth C Hamblet https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-c-hamblet Threads – ld_advisory Bluesky - @echamblet.bsky.social Youtube - https://bit.ly/LDadvisoryCTPlaylistPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss a recent request from several members of the Brockton School Committee for the Governor of Massachusetts to send the National Guard to Brockton High School. As you can imagine this has attracted a LOT of attention. Here are some articles related to the request and how the Governor responded:Here is an article about the original request from the Business InsiderHere is a link to the actual letter from the Brockton School CommitteeHere is a summary of the Governor's Response (she declined)And finally, Angela was right AGAIN! - the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)'s response is here.Here is a great resource about the Spectrum of Attention Moves from the Skillful Teacher by Jon Saphier that is a classic reference in the field of management.And finally here is the graphic of the five pronged test of if you management philosophy is "effective" according to the work of Leiber.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

You asked for it......this episode is alllllllllll Angela! Join us as we break down Endrew v. Douglas and what it means for FAPE. Endrew v DouglasThe USDOE considers Endrew to be such an important case they have devoted significant resources to unpacking the decision - you can find the whole discussion here:USDOE summary of the case.  If you are interested in a brief summary, here is what USDOE has to say today:"On March 22, 2017 the U.S. Supreme Court (sometimes referred to as Court) issued a unanimous opinion in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District Re-1, 137 S. Ct. 988. In that case, the Court interpreted the scope of the free appropriate public education (FAPE) requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Court overturned the Tenth Circuit's decision that Endrew, a child with autism, was only entitled to an educational program that was calculated to provide “merely more than de minimis” educational benefit. In rejecting the Tenth Circuit's reasoning, the Supreme Court determined that, “[t]o meet its substantive obligation under the IDEA, a school must offer an IEP [individualized education program] that is reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child's circumstances.” The Court additionally emphasized the requirement that “every child should have the chance to meet challenging objectives.”The Endrew F. decision is important because it informs our efforts to improve academic outcomes for children with disabilities. To this end, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) is providing parents and other stakeholders information on the issues addressed in Endrew F. and the impact of the Court's decision on the implementation of the IDEA. Because the decision in Endrew F. clarified the scope of the IDEA's FAPE requirements, the Department's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is interested in receiving comments from families, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to assist us in identifying implementation questions and best practices. If you are interested in commenting on this document or have additional questions, please send them to OSERS by email at EndrewF@ed.gov."Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby sort through the similarities and differences between PTO and School Sponsored activities. Learn more about what needs to be accommodated and what does not based on the ADA and special education compliance requirements.Happy Listening!Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of ReadingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

The decision to move to a "functional curriculum" is fraught - for teachers, specialists, administrators and especially, for parents.  During this episode, Robin, Abby and Angela consider ways to help teams discuss moving from an academic track to a functional academic track.  Pros and Cons abound and communication can make or break a Team's trust in the process and have a major impact on Student programming.  Listen in while Angela, Robin and Abby unpack the dynamics and discussion points Teams should consider when considering the move to a functional curriculum.  Check out this resource from the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community to get a sense of the universe of curriculum choices available.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Welcome to the back end of season 4! Join Abby, Angela and Robin as they review how to handle the most common IEP rejections. The editing program was a little wonky this week- sorry! Also Angela's ending was too good to edit :) Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

It's time for our mid-season break! But first, who loves those fun Facebook polls? We do- so get to know us a little better.  Be back in 2024!Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Tune in this week to hear Robin, Angela and Abby respond to a listener question about how to work with professional advocates.  The discussion ranges from the logistics and details of how to incorporate an advocate into the dialogue to the emotions and feelings that advocacy can raise in school staff.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

During this episode, Robin and Angela talk about how to manage severe food allergies in school.MA DESE guidanceFAACT- 504 guidancePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they discuss emergency removals and the latest discipline stats from the Discipline and Behavior Blog Series from the OSEP website.Discipline and Behavior -Blog SeriesDiscipline Dear Colleague Letter (2022)5 Action Steps To Reduce exclusionary disciplineResources (keep digging through the links!)Valerie C WilliamsPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

The recent events in Israel leftThis week's episode is a reminder to listen to S2 Episodes 18 and 19 for tips on how to speak with students about difficult events. Talking to students about crisesPlanning ahead for emergenciesGreater Good: How to talk with your child about the war in Gaza and IsraelPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

**sorry for the weird ending- editing got a little funky this week**In this episode Robin, Angela and Abby answer a listener question involving if services are tied to a specific disability, when is it a good idea to terminate speech services for a student with autism and how related services are provided in an online school setting. MA technical guidance: 8/25/06Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast

Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss the Massachusetts high stakes competency exam required for a high school diploma (MCAS exam) with Laura Gillis , parent side special education attorney. There is a movement by parents and the MA Teacher's Union to end it as a diploma requirement while at the same time, DESE is proposing to raise the bar for proficiency. Here are some articles to read more about it:MTA/MassLive articleAdvocates ask leaders to end MCAS Leaders vote to raise the MCAS proficiency scorePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast