Inclusive Education Project Podcast

Today's conversation covers the impact of recent executive orders on DEI, the historical context of the civil rights movements, and the importance of local community efforts. Our guest is Dr. OiYan Poon, a community-engaged research scholar, educator, storyteller, and leader for intersectional racial equity. Her research is focused on the racial politics of Asian Americans, and her book is titled Asian American is Not a Color. Show Highlights:Dr. Poon's efforts to navigate her work under the new Trump administrationA historical context of civil rights, advocacy, and the push for DEIIt's up to OUR generation!The one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn't work.Less government or more government?The importance of building local communitiesLinks/Resources:Connect with Dr. OiYan Poon: Website, Public Pedagogy website, Instagram, and Asian American is Not a ColorContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's episode features a fascinating conversation about strategies to support students and schools during unknowns and big transitions in education in the US. We welcome Robert Barnett to the podcast to discuss his innovations in teaching math and how his nonprofit, The Modern Classrooms Project, is training teachers to teach differently. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights:Robert's background as a math teacher–and how he learned to do things differentlyThe Modern Classrooms approach to accessible learning for ALL studentsOur current educational structure does NOT match with what we know about various learning styles.Understanding how the Modern Classrooms model applies to every grade level and every subjectWhen tired, overworked, and exhausted teachers are unwilling to be flexible, the results are not good.Tools and strategies for an all-inclusive classroomWatch Rob's TEDx talk, Why Americans Hate Math--and What to Do About ItLinks/Resources:Connect with Robert Barnett and the Modern Classrooms Project: Website and Rob's TEDx talk, Why Americans Hate Math--and What to Do About ItContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Many parents of kids with disabilities share the same fear of what will happen to their child in adulthood and when they are no longer here to care for and advocate for them. Today's guest is Kimberly McCarten, CEO of Jonathan's Landing Foundation, in Orlando, FL. This remarkable organization is bringing innovation into how we service people in the adult transition by providing a bridge to communication and independence for adults across the autism spectrum. A division of Jonathan's Landing is Techtonic's Workforce Academy. This social enterprise certifies neurodivergent individuals in WISE certification, paving the way for sustainable careers in the rapidly growing tech repair industry. Join us to hear more from Kimberly!Show Highlights:Kimberly's background story in becoming the CEO of Jonathan's LandingThe story of Jonathan's Landing, its founding, and what the organization doesThe importance of “outside-the-box” thinking to highlight the strengths of these kiddosHighlights of the Techtonic Workforce AcademyClosing the gap by helping autistic kids identify an interesting career, working at this job, and keeping the jobWhat's next for Jonathan's Landing?The vision for an all-inclusive housing community to foster independenceLinks/Resources:Connect with Kimberly McCarten, Jonathan's Landing, and Techtonic: Jonathan's Landing Website, Techtonic Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and InstagramContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We love to offer solutions along with our discussions of the current problems in education today. Today's fresh perspective comes from Dr. Emily Affolter, the director of the Sustainability Education Ph.D. at Prescott College. The focus of this program is on the nexus of social and environmental justice as enacted in teaching, learning, and leading. Emily's interest is in culturally responsive teaching across grade levels to infuse social justice principles into education. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights:The battle for social justice in educationCulturally responsive teaching is NOT a political stance.Thinking about opening up the ways we teach and embracing pluralistic methodsExamples of a pluralistic approach to educationThe issues of systemic apathyResources for parents and teachers from the Equity Literacy Institute (ELI)Links/Resources:Connect with Dr. Emily Affolter: LinkedInContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

One of the benefits of hosting a podcast in our field of civil rights and special education is that we can do quick follow-ups to incidents as they happen. If you follow us on social media, you know we cover many topics there, and we utilize the podcast for more in-depth conversations about relevant happenings in our field. One such recent event is the "Dear Colleague" letter of 2/14/25 sent out by the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). It gives guidance clarifying how they will interpret federal laws about discrimination for educational institutions that receive federal funding. Let's take a closer look in today's episode. Show Highlights:Recent executive orders and memorandumsThe weaponization of DEIUnderstanding the “Dear Colleague” letterA breakdown of the January 21 Executive Order and its impactThoughts on civil rights, discrimination, and DEIWhat school districts need to understandAttempts to spread fear and chaosThere is power in the voice of the people! Stand up!Links/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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns!FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We are still in the early months of 2025, and there is a LOT happening in the state of California and across the country. There are many important conversations we need to have, and our guest, Mike Robbins, joins us to discuss the current state of affairs. We have concerns about what's happening with DEI and special education, but we want to keep things in perspective and learn how we can find common ground in an increasingly divided and disconnected world. Join us to learn more from Mike!Mike Robbins is a speaker, writer, workshop leader, and podcaster. His work focuses on inclusivity, connection, teamwork, and collaboration. Mike is a leadership expert who partners with top organizations to enhance culture, performance, trust, and belonging. He teaches people, leaders, and teams to infuse their lives and businesses with authenticity and appreciation. Show Highlights:Current circumstances have us asking, “What is happening, and what does this mean?”Mike's background–and how he learned valuable lessons about diversity and teamwork through baseballIt all comes down to connection.Understanding what it's like to NOT be in the majorityMike's perspective on current issues in the US: “We should stay informed and engaged without being constantly triggered and angry.”Understanding “healthy mental health”Leading with vulnerability produces empathyConnect with Mike Robbins: WebsiteLinks/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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

There is SO much going on in our country right now, and we are faced with many unknowns about what's coming next. We don't want to be part of the “noise,” but we want to give you accurate information about relevant topics. Today's focus is on ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly in schools. Our guest is Victoria Lucero, an immigration attorney, and returning guest from a few years ago. She practices special education law in New Mexico and US immigration law, so she's the perfect person to help us understand the ramifications of the new policies on students and their families. Join us!Show Highlights:An update on Victoria's life over the last few yearsNew policies about enforcement actions announced by the Department of Homeland Security (and how “safe zones,” like schools, are affected)The dilemma for school personnel, and Victoria's advice about what to doMisinformation is everywhere!At this point, anyone can be a target for removal. (What you can do.)The mental health ramifications for kids and families living in fearWhere to go for resources, information, and helpLinks/Resources:Connect with Victoria Lucero: 505-343-2009 and WebsiteAdditional Resources: United We Dream - To report a raid, call 1-844-363-1423 or send a text message to 877877. If possible, take photos, videos, and notes.National Immigration Detention Hotline: 1-209-757-3733 (open Monday through Friday 12pm to 8pm PST) or for more information on the hotline you can also go to: https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/hotlineContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Teachers are our “boots on the ground” partners for all we want to accomplish in education. There are real mental health challenges all around us, and teachers need our support more than ever. Nothing will impact a child's learning like a great teacher–and the reverse is also true, unfortunately. Join us as we explore this important topic!Karen Foley is the president and CEO of The Juvenile Protective Association, a Chicago nonprofit founded in 1901. The JPA provides therapy in schools and clinics to give children the mental health care and support that they need. Karen is a former corporate executive who left that field to care for her son and found her calling in nonprofit work. Show Highlights:Karen's background and passion for the work she does todayThe truth about teachers: 48% experience burnout and leave education within the first 5 years.A real-life example of a teacher's impact on a studentThe work of the JPA to make a difference in schools and communitiesKaren's advice for administratorsSigns of teacher burnout: increased turnover, mindset shifts, and overloaded responsibilitiesKaren's experience with social-emotional development in the school settingTips for teachersThe importance of building rapport with studentsData that validates the success of the JPA's work with studentsLinks/Resources:Connect with Karen Foley and the JPA: Website and Karen's emailContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Executive functioning is more than a catchy buzzword phrase in the world of education. What does it mean, how can we understand it better, and how can we do a better job of helping students? Join us as we explore this topic in today's episode!Dr. Tara Williams is the owner and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, which assists students with learning difficulties via a personalized plan based on their strengths and weaknesses. Students learn to hone their executive functioning skills and build confidence in an online environment through working with the staff at ICC. Show Highlights:What are executive functioning skills?Differences in executive functioning skills for elementary, middle school, and high school studentsThe balance needed in providing an accommodation skill AND teaching the child how and when to use the skillThe problem when kids are good at maskingChallenges for older students who have to advocate for themselvesIdentifying a student's motivationIt's all about building confidence!The difficult transition from high school to college (or life)Links/Resources:Connect with Dr. Tara Williams and Innovative Collegiate Consultants: Website and InstagramContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Grassroots efforts usually work to bring about change. Unfortunately, our political leaders don't look closely at education, disability rights, and reform in the same way we discuss these topics here in this space. Our goal is always to spur more conversations about education, disability rights, civil rights, and support for marginalized communities. Patrick Jones, aka “Mr. JonesX,” joins us for today's discussion in light of the current political climate in the US. Join us!Show Highlights:Patrick's background and path to the advocacy work he does todayInclusion and educational equity challenges are everywhere.Being a good person matters most.Patrick's perspective on “laying out the facts” without ulterior motivesWhy we can't stop talking about equity and inclusionPatrick's experience as a basketball coach who focused on much more than just basketballWhat we vote for has an impact on our kids and their educationPatrick's thoughts on the 2024 election When the most marginalized are lifted up, so is everyone else.Patrick's beginnings on TikTok, thanks to his kidsLinks/Resources:Connect with Patrick Jones: YouTube, TikTok, and InstagramContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Believe it or not, October is over. It was a busy month for IEP meetings, and the holiday rush is about to begin. In today's episode, we want to give helpful insights about community building in a classroom through a simple, actionable technique; this conversation will benefit teachers, parents, and administrators–anyone who wants to foster confidence and community in kids. We are joined by Rob Sanders, a children's book author who spent time as a 4th grade ELA teacher and writing coach. Rob is the author of several books, including the newly published picture book, We Are a Class. Show Highlights:Rob's writing journey by way of the classroomThe biggest classroom challenges in building communityWhy Rob wrote We Are a Class. Empowering students to be confident writers through embracing a common purposeCreating a good classroom culture through pledgesStudents take ownership when they know what to expect.The inner voice that a student can rely on to recognize their purpose through a simple pledgeAlternatives to the word “pledge” to fit your culture and preferences (i.e. agreement, promise, guarantee, etc. )Links/Resources:Connect with Rob Sanders: Website (Find Rob's other books!), Facebook, Instagram, Email, and We Are a ClassContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's episode includes a look into the controversial Project 2025 plan, a 900-page roadmap created by far-right think tanks, like The Heritage Foundation. With the elections looming, we are giving our perspectives on some of the alarming implications of this proposal, particularly its potential to dismantle essential educational protections, erase civil rights language, and threaten public education across the United States.Tune in as we discuss how Project 2025 threatens diversity, equity, and inclusion, how it threatens The State Department of Education and Title 1 funding, and the risks posed to students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income families. We also discuss how this could have broader consequences for public education and society, as a whole.Please be sure to share this episode with your family, friends, and others!Show Highlights:Deleting terms—and the effects on the American education systemPotential defunding of public schools through voucher programsTransfer of IDEA and Title I funding to private block grantsRisks posed to students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income familiesForcing more segregation: Is that what we want?P. 319–”Federal education policy should be limited.”How the removal of federal oversight would widen educational disparitiesProject 2025's attack on key civil rights laws (Section 504, IDEA, Civil Rights Act)Connection to policies from the Trump administration and Betsy DeVosReal-world impacts on school lunch programs and state education departmentsThese kinds of changes outlined in Project 2025 affect everyone, whether you have young children or not. Have questions about Project 2025? Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.orgLinks/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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

In today's episode, Vickie and Amanda discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO of HAI Analytics. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on admissions, highlighting the shift away from standardized testing and the importance of considering diverse factors in admissions decisions. Emily shares insights on the challenges faced by students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and emphasizes the need for more equitable admissions policies. If you are a parent navigating the college admissions process, tune in!Show Highlights:The evolving landscape of college admissions post-COVID-19Implications of standardized testing in admissions processesImportance of considering diverse factors in admissions decisionsChallenges faced by students from different socioeconomic backgroundsThe need for holistic admissions processes that recognize individual circumstancesEconomic biases in traditional admissions metricsThe role of student engagement and interest in the admissions processAccessibility of online resources for prospective college studentsFinancial challenges and the true cost of college attendanceLinks/Resources:Connect with Emily Chase Coleman: Website (complete contact form) LinkedInContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's episode focuses on a Supreme Court case in favor of eliminating affirmativeaction, which has huge implications in the world of education. In reality, what theSupreme Court does and how they make decisions stems from who the justices are.With every decision, we should evaluate if it aligns with what we believe and what isbest for our country. The upcoming election is a pivotal time because of the impacton the Supreme Court and who our justices are. Join us for more!Show Highlights:● The case in question concerning Harvard, UNC, affirmative action in highereducation● The dissenting justices' statements: Are our justices in touch with ourpopulation?● The reality of racial inequality in the US today● The issue goes beyond college admissions and permeates other areas, eventhe rights of children with disabilities.● This ruling sets the stage for what we could face in the future.Links/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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram – We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's focus is on accommodating children in the general education classroom to provide a truly inclusive environment. It's vital for all of us involved in education to understand the WHY of these accommodations with an emphasis on empathy. Join us for a closer look.Dr. Jessica Werner is the founder of Northshore Learning, a team of consultants based in Minneapolis. They support schools, parents, and teachers worldwide to work with students of ALL types by incorporating cutting-edge neuroscience insights into their coaching and training programs. They offer support for inclusion, classroom management, instructional excellence, executive coaching, and educator wellness. Jessica's experience with her 9-year-old son's educational needs has opened her eyes to learning challenges and how to better train teachers in accommodating ALL learners. Show Highlights:The truth about educators and their training (and why they need more)Many ADHD accommodations can be applied to every student–and will be beneficialAlternatives to “the old ways” are necessary in education today.Threading in neuroscience to understand executive function deficits from an empathetic viewpointUnderstanding why classroom environments really do matterWhat we call defiance in a student isn't always defiance.Teacher pushback is often fear-based.Fresh perspectives on the anxiety epidemic in today's classroomsLinks/Resources:Connect with Jessica and Northshore Learning: Website and EmailContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram – We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Teaching Inclusion, Acceptance, and Responsibility Through Character Development with Kristin Woodward-Vaassen and Icle FreelandCharacter education can happen in many forms. Today's episode highlights a unique program that is fun, effective, and quickly growing in popularity. What child doesn't love taking care of a pet? Join us to hear more from our two guests.Kristin Woodward-Vaassen founded Two by Two Character Development in 2005. The program fosters positive character traits in thousands of youth and families across the nation. It has grown from its beginnings in Dubuque, Iowa, to 36 states and several other countries. Kristin spent many years as a 3rd-grade teacher and noticed that kids' socio-emotional needs were not being met, so she started this innovative program in an effort to make a real difference.Icle Freeland is the Community Outreach Director at Two by Two. From his initial background as a 2nd-grade teacher, he has worked in character education with elementary through college students. He works with schools to help implement the Two by Two program. Show Highlights:Highlights of the programming offered by Two by Two for all grade levelsThe basis of Kindhearted Kids, which uses ten lessons about kindness, empathy, responsibility, and more to grow productive citizens“Pet ownership” opens the door for connections with students.Encouraging and supporting inclusion and acceptance in classroomsReal-life results of Kindhearted KidsThe components of Kindhearted Kids are important in building many real-life skills in versatile ways. The impact of using pets to break down barriers, address challenges with communication and expression, and teach responsibilityLinks/Resources:Connect with Kristin, Icle, and Two by Two: Website and EmailContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Most of the country is off and running into another school year, and it's a great time to reflect on where we can improve and how we can be more knowledgeable in supporting students and addressing their needs. This episode focuses on training for school staff, district staff, and parents. Today, we share part two of our interview with Andrew Goff. Part one aired at the end of the last school year and share his perspective as an early childhood teacher advocating for students at IEP meetings. If you missed part one, listen to Episode 311 here. Join us to learn more about ongoing trends in teacher training. Andrew Goff taught early childhood special education in five different least restrictive environments spanning 12 years. He is currently the lead instructor at Colorado Northwestern Community College, not far from Steamboat Springs. He wrote a memoir, Love is a Classroom, and is a fierce advocate for “inclusion–early, everywhere, and always.”Show Highlights:Andrew's role at community colleges training in the virtual spaceThe importance of collaboration in developing and implementing accommodationsTeacher experiences and three components of curricula: indirect, direct, and temporalThoughts about co-teachingA big root of the problem is that we aren't educating all teachers on all the varieties of ways kids learn.All children deserve to learn equally and have their needs met.Barriers to learning—and how they show upRelationships and connections allow students to learn better!Teaching teachers to create cultures in a classroomTeachers with biases find it difficult to show up and give a child what they need.Links/Resources:Connect with Andrew Goff: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Love is a Classroom Podcast, and Love is a Classroom bookContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Today's episode is a replay of our session at the BOOST Conference from a few months ago. It relates specifically to next week's conversation, which is the reason we want to air it again. This episode was also featured as an encore episode over the summer. Enjoy!We loved having the opportunity to speak at the BOOST Conference about our podcast, the IEP system, and special education in general. The BOOST Conference is an annual event to inspire youth, learning, and change. Many different educational professionals attend the conference in Palm Springs, California, to participate in classes, workshops, networking events, and to explore the latest in technology and innovation related to education. Join us to hear this live presentation and the Q & A session!Show Highlights:An overview of the IEP podcastWhat is an IEP? What are IEP meetings?The importance of collaboration in the entire IEP processIndividualization, not comparison, is most helpful in the IEP process.The vital need for parents to talk to the teachers before the IEP meeting95% of the conflict in IEP meetings is due to a breakdown in communication.Vickie and Amanda field questions from the audience about IDEA provisions for school-sponsored events, supporting students with extreme behaviors, and expanded learning programs in the IEP process. Links/Resources:Find out more about the BOOST Conference: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Last week's episode was about central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) and its impacts on a student's ability to learn. For this episode, we are excited to welcome Dr. Stephanie Meyer to the show. She is an audiologist in the Rio Rancho public schools who will share her perspective about how instructional audio can be more inclusive. Her career as an audiologist in public school systems spans almost 30 years!Show Highlights:Dr. Stephanie's journey into audiology and working with kids in impactful waysThe difference it makes for students when the proper audio systems are in place in the classroomsCommon audio systems that teachers can use in classrooms to be inclusive for every learnerDr. Stephanie's insights about the benefits of proper audio technology in the classroom–(and how she conveys her message to teachers/administrators)Success stories of helping students with CAPD and hearing lossThe benefits of instructional audio as an accepted learning tool–for students AND teachersDr. Stephanie's advice for teachers and audiologistsThe need for equipment specifically designed for educational spaces instead of the cheaper alternatives on AmazonLinks/Resources:Connect with Dr. Stephanie Meyer: EmailContact 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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's show expands on our previous episode with Dr. Connie McReynolds in which we discussed central auditory processing deficits in kids with autism or ADHD. Even though many experts would argue that this is a medical disorder, it has profound impacts on education and certainly qualifies as an area of unique need for many children. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights:Common pushbacks from school districts and characteristics of CAPD (central auditory processing disorder)Children with CAPD will typically “hear” with no difficulty, but information processing is deficient.Digging into the underlying root causes of processing issues requires proper assessments and evaluations.The dangers of an early misdiagnosisTypical signs that a child should see an audiologistStrategies that are helpful for kids with CAPDIEPs, accommodations, and services may not bring improvement if they don't target the specific issues with CAPD.Links/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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

It's the beginning of another school year, and we are coming to you with many informative episodes to prepare and support you in whatever challenges this new school year may bring. Today's episode focuses on a better way to assess, intervene, and support kids with ADHD by identifying and addressing the root causes. We welcome today's guest, Dr. Connie McReynolds, a licensed psychologist and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with well over 30 years of experience working with children and adults with ADHD and anxiety. She is the author of Solving the ADHD Riddle and hosts the Roadmap to the Brain podcast. Show Highlights:Dr. Connie's background and work as a rehabilitation psychologist and clinic founderUnderstanding the evolution of a deeper and broader perspective of the root causes of ADHD and how it affects peopleCommon problems in the current IEP process that Dr. Connie encounters regularlyThe outdated picture of current assessments—and how we can do betterAn overview of Dr. Connie's assessment process of 37 different areasIdeas to improve the assessment and intervention process with a brief, 20-30 minute evaluationDr. Connie's work within school districts to effectively address the root causes of ADHD–and keep more kids in general ed classroomsDr. Connie's book, Solving the ADHD Riddle, and how it helps people understand neuroplasticity and neurofeedbackLinks/Resources:Connect with Dr. Connie McReynolds: Website (Find a free assessment, tips, and resources!), Solving the ADHD Riddle book, and the Roadmap to the Brain 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Welcome! Today's episode takes a big-picture view of what's going on in education with our taxpayer dollars and how we can educate more parents about their general rights in advocating for their children. We use a recent California case as an example of how things can go so wrong–and cost millions of dollars–in special education law. Tim Adams has been in law practice for over 23 years after working as a lay advocate in the special education legal clinic at the Pepperdine Law School. As president and CEO of the disability rights law firm Adams & Associates, Tim has worked with numerous families to help them advocate for their children and has firsthand experience in this role because of his younger brother with special needs. He sees his career as a special education attorney as a unique opportunity to help and support families.Show Highlights:Tim's recent high-profile case: Irvine Unified School District V. Landers and GaglianoThe money side of this case (what the school district spent on litigation—over $1.1 million)The point of the recent Wall Street Journal article highlighting this caseThe facts: what parents and their attorneys are asking for in intervention and services is a drop in the bucket compared to what is spent in litigationTim's perspective on how often school districts are appealing court decisionsWhy this case has been a “win at all costs” endeavor for the school districtDigging deeper into the argument that this case was a pushback attempt at anything jeopardizing the school district's control, such as school choice, privatization, charter schools, etc. Tim's decision-making process on which cases to appealWhy there will be many COVID cases in litigation for years to comeThe toll that a litigation process takes on familiesLinks/Resources:Connect with Tim Adams: Website, LinkedIn, and FacebookContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP...

We are joined today by a special guest, Michael Hingson, host of the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. We have shared a lot of time on each other's podcasts and learned a lot from Michael's perspective on special education, especially what he experienced in the very early days of special ed. Join us to learn more about Michael's life and work!Michael Hingson has a unique story. With a master's degree in physics, Mike is an educator, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and disability advocate–and he is blind and a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor. When his premature birth called for a pure oxygen environment, his retinas were irreparably damaged, and he has been blind ever since. His parents were urged to institutionalize him because “no blind child can ever amount to anything or contribute to society”---or so the doctors said. His parents refused and gave him every chance to learn, sending him to public schools throughout his life. He earned his physics degree and secondary education teacher credential, going on to become an accomplished salesman and sales manager. He is a coveted keynote speaker and the author of the bestseller, Thunder Dog: The Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust. Show Highlights:Mike's story: science, sales, the early days of disability law, and a life of advocacyMichael's learning process with guide dogs and white canesMichael's 9/11 experience at the World Trade Center which led to his book, Thunder Dog“Disability does not mean a lack of ability.”We will have Mike back very soon for Part 2 of this conversation, in which we will discuss his involvement in technology development to help many people with disabilities of all kinds. Stay tuned!Links/Resources:Connect with Michael HingsonWebsiteUnstoppable Mindset podcastThunder Dog bookContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:Facebook

We're happy to bring you some of our listener favorites during the next few weeks. These episodes are sure to pique your interest by featuring topics important to each of us Enjoy!We are pivoting from our normal education-centric topics today to take a broader view of the financial side of raising a child with a disability. We want to make sure that families, and people working with these families, have all the resources and tools for a well-rounded toolkit for supporting their kids. We welcome James Lange to the podcast to share his practical insights and expertise.James Lange is a CPA, a state attorney in Pennsylvania, and the author of nine best-selling financial books. He is a nationally recognized IRA, 401(k), and retirement plan distribution expert. As a result of his daughter's disability, James developed a passion for helping parents who need to provide sufficient care for a disabled child even beyond their own lifetime. He explains how he and his wife are providing for their daughter's future and what parents of a disabled child should do right now to ensure the financial future of their child. Show Highlights:James' plan to provide for his daughter for the rest of her lifeJames' mission to help parents of children with disabilities optimize their financial assetsThree steps to take right now for your disabled child: Get your child qualified for government benefits in the SSI or SSDI. (James explains the #1 mistake most parents make in applying for these benefits.)Get your estate planning done appropriately with the proper trust or conservatorship option. (Don't rely on “Joe Schmo Attorney” for this!)Get the Roth IRA conversion strategy done right by a financial professional. (The difference in doing this correctly and incorrectly can amount to a huge difference in available funds for your child.) Best resources for parents to use in their education and planning:Get James' FREE book, Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability. Click here!Sign up for Expert Advice for Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Virtual Summit, June 18-20, 2024. Click here for more information about this FREE event!Links/Resources:Connect with James Lange: Disabled Child Planning, Pay Taxes Later, and LInkedInContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be...

We're happy to bring you some of our listener favorites during the next few weeks. These episodes are sure to pique your interest by featuring topics important to each of us Enjoy!We recently had the chance to speak at the BOOST Conference about our podcast, the IEP system, and special education in general. The BOOST Conference is an annual event to inspire youth, learning, and change. Many different educational professionals attend the conference in Palm Springs, California to participate in classes, workshops, and networking events, and to explore the latest in technology and innovation related to education. Join us to hear this live presentation and the Q & A session!Show Highlights:An overview of the IEP podcastWhat is an IEP? What are IEP meetings?The importance of collaboration in the entire IEP processIndividualization, not comparison, is most helpful in the IEP process.The vital need for parents to talk to the teachers before the IEP meeting95% of the conflict in IEP meetings is due to a communication breakdown.Links/Resources:Find out more about the BOOST Conference: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We are taking a summer break for July to soak up a little summer fun with our families, so we are replaying some of our most popular episodes that are packed with information and inspiration. We will be back in August with new episodes to prepare us for the 2024-2025 school year. Today's replay first aired a few weeks ago during Mental Health Awareness Month. Maria Barrera helps us understand the need for a more comprehensive and relevant curriculum focused on skill-building and emotional awareness instead of reacting to students' mental health needs “after the fact.” Doesn't it make more sense to support “mental wellness” than to simply address “mental illness”? That's the idea behind Clayful! Join us to learn more!Maria Barrera is the founder and CEO of Clayful, a company that began as a way to address the mental health crisis in a more preventative way. Clayful offers supportive tools and resources to help students become more resilient and emotionally aware before they get to their breaking point. Maria is committed to addressing the youth mental health crisis, and her dedication to training a diverse mental health workforce and establishing partnerships with schools have impacted thousands of students across the country. Show Highlights:The need for more targeted interventions and skill-building in schoolsThe origins of Clayful to address students' needs during the pandemicThe challenge in supporting students with behavior regulation issuesLabels and language have POWER!The gist of CA Assembly Bill 2173: to change the language from “emotional disturbance” to “emotional disability”Clayful's work in destigmatizing the need for emotional supportClayful allows students to connect with a coach every week to develop a “protective layer.”The mental health crisis is here! We need to partner together to help as many young people as possible!Links/Resources:Connect with Maria Barrera and Clayful: Website and EmailContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us:

We promised you a Part 2 with Michael Hingson—and here it is! We don't always get the opportunity to follow up a guest interview with a second part, and that's why we are thrilled to bring you more of Michael's inspiring story and his important work in the field of accessibility. Michael first joined us last May for an episode titled, “Approaching Life with an Unstoppable Mindset.” (Click here to listen!)Michael Hingson has a fascinating life story. With a master's degree in physics, he is an educator, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and disability advocate—and he is blind and a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor. When his premature birth called for a pure oxygen environment, his retinas were irreparably damaged, and he has been blind ever since. His parents were urged to institutionalize him because “no blind child can ever amount to anything or contribute to society”---or so the doctors said. His parents refused and gave Michael every chance to learn as any other child, sending him to public schools throughout his life and demanding that he adapt to his disability to live an independent life. He earned his physics degree and secondary education teacher credential, going on to become an accomplished salesman and sales manager. He is a coveted keynote speaker, author of Thunder Dog: The Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust, and host of the Unstoppable Mindset podcast.Show Highlights:Diversity, inclusion, and disability (According to the CDC, 25% of Americans have some sort of disability.)Why we don't talk about disabilityFear can be a powerful tool to focus us when we feel blinded, paralyzed, or overwhelmed.Michael's next book (August 2024), Live Like a Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs about Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Walking in FaithMichael's work with AccessiBe to advance accessibility with AI technologyAccessibility technologies for those with cognitive disabilities, ADHD, etc. Changing the thinking around disability and “visual impairment”A glimpse into Michael's full life today: traveling, speaking, podcasting, and working tirelessly to advance accessibility for everyoneLinks/Resources:Connect with Michael Hingson: Website, Thunder Dog book, Live Like a Guide Dog book, and the Unstoppable Mindset podcast.Find out more about AccessiBe.Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center:...

Today's episode is Part 2 of our conversation with Santanna Ficken, a mental health practitioner who proudly identifies as a disabled, autistic/ADHDer with multiple neurodivergencies. Santanna is a passionate advocate with MnNEAT (Minnesota Neurodivergent Education, Advocacy, and Therapy Services), which focuses on building trust and relationships in the neurodivergent community while advocating for social justice for all disabled people. Today's episode is focused on how IEPs can be improved to be neurodiversity-affirming. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights:Understanding what it means to be neurodiversity-affirmingIEPs for neurodiverse students should respect autonomy, validate differences, assume competence, adjust expectations, encourage self-advocacy, adapt to systems/environments, and honor ALL forms of communication.The goal in IEPs should NOT be to change or “fix” the student!Examples of trauma for students caused by the IEPSantanna's experience in school as a neurodivergent studentThe process of rewriting IEPs to be neurodiversity-affirmingIEP data misses a lot of relevant information about the student's experience.What Santanna would like school administrators to knowLinks/Resources:Connect with Santanna Ficken and MnNEAT: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's episode is Part 1 of our conversation with Santanna Ficken, a mental health practitioner who proudly identifies as a disabled, autistic/ADHDer with multiple neurodivergencies. Santanna is a passionate advocate with MnNEAT (Minnesota Neurodivergent Education, Advocacy, and Therapy Services), which focuses on building trust and relationships in the neurodivergent community while advocating for social justice for all disabled people. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights:Santanna's background in advocacy and support for neurodivergent children and their familiesAbleism—what people should know about this form of discriminationUnderstanding the three types of ableism: institutional, internalized, and interpersonalThe IEP process is clearly systemic ableism, as Santanna explains. Our focus on “fixing” a disability is wrong. The difficulties in trying to redirect IEP conversations to ensure that every child has an affirming educational experience with accessibilityWhat Santanna wants every school team to knowThe need for plain language in IEPs that focuses on supporting the childLinks/Resources:Connect with Santanna Ficken and MnNEAT: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

June is here! That means many school districts are on summer break, and many more are in the last week or so of the school year. Wherever June finds you, we are glad you're with us for this exciting episode.We have mentioned bullying on the show many times, but we've never dedicated an episode to it. We welcome Alain Pelletier, a professional youth speaker on the topic of bullying. He has been fully engrossed in this topic for several years, and he shares with us how he finds a connection with youth on bullying through theory and emotion. Show Highlights:The emotional process around understanding bullying: utilizing empathy and sympathyWhat parents should know about bullyingAlain's process when he speaks to children about bullyingAlain's story of “the kid in the back of the room”“How can we stop bullying?” is the wrong question.The most critical emotional education of your children takes place in their first 12 years.Links/Resources:Connect with Alain Pelletier: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We are honored to visit again with Dr. Alexander Tan to discuss the integrity of evaluations and assessments of English-language learners. This topic aligns perfectly with our goal of helping all parents better understand the IEP process. Are we providing culturally- and linguistically-responsible evaluations? Do parents of different cultural backgrounds understand the numbers and data that we are using? Join us to learn more in today's episode! Dr. Alexander Tan is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and supervisor at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). His expertise is in the assessment of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. He is an internationally recognized expert and frequent speaker about topics such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health. He recently joined us for Episode 310: A Holistic View of Language and Cultural Context. Show Highlights:Dr. Tan's role in the assessment process: to inform and educate the parentsThe value of conversations in context to equip and empower the parentsCultural and language differences can impact the integrity of assessments at the most foundational levels.The feedback session is the most important part of any evaluation.A holistic perspective of contributing factors and inconsistencies in evaluations is essential.The overriding question in my role is, “Are we as evaluators painting an accurate picture of this student and their needs?”Dr. Tan emphasizes the four major guidelines in test/evaluation fairness for diverse populations: maximizing comfort in evaluations, minimizing biases in tests and test items, maximizing accessibility in testing, and maximizing the validity of our interpretationsLinks/Resources:Connect with Dr. Alexander Tan: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

It's a busy, busy time of year as schools are finishing up! We wanted to get this episode in before the end of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our guest today helps us understand the need for a more comprehensive and relevant curriculum focused on skill-building and emotional awareness instead of reacting to students' mental health needs “after the fact.” Doesn't it make more sense to support “mental wellness” than to simply address “mental illness”? That's the idea behind Clayful! Join us to learn more!Maria Barrera is the founder and CEO of Clayful, a company that began as a way to address the mental health crisis in a more preventative way. Clayful offers supportive tools and resources to help students become more resilient and emotionally aware before they get to their breaking point. Maria is committed to addressing the youth mental health crisis, and her dedication to training a diverse mental health workforce and establishing partnerships with schools have impacted thousands of students across the country. Show Highlights:The need for more targeted interventions and skill-building in schoolsThe origins of Clayful to address students' needs during the pandemicThe challenge in supporting students with behavior regulation issuesLabels and language have POWER!The gist of CA Assembly Bill 2173: to change the language from “emotional disturbance” to “emotional disability”Clayful's work in destigmatizing the need for emotional supportClayful allows students to connect with a coach on a weekly basis to develop a “protective layer.”The mental health crisis is here! We need to partner together to help as many young people as possible!Links/Resources:Connect with Maria Barrera and Clayful: Website and EmailContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We recently had the chance to speak at the BOOST Conference about our podcast, the IEP system, and special education in general. The BOOST Conference is an annual event to inspire youth, learning, and change. Many different educational professionals attend the conference in Palm Springs, California, to participate in classes, workshops, and networking events, and to explore the latest in technology and innovation related to education. Join us to hear this live presentation and the Q & A session!Show Highlights:An overview of the IEP podcastWhat is an IEP? What are IEP meetings?The importance of collaboration in the entire IEP processIndividualization, not comparison, is most helpful in the IEP process.The vital need for parents to talk to the teachers before the IEP meeting95% of the conflict in IEP meetings is due to a communication breakdown.Links/Resources:Find out more about the BOOST Conference: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We are pivoting from our normal education-centric topics today to take a broader view of the financial side of raising a child with a disability. We want to make sure that families, and people working with these families, have all the resources and tools for a well-rounded toolkit for supporting their kids. We welcome James Lange to the podcast to share his practical insights and expertise.James Lange is a CPA, a state attorney in Pennsylvania, and the author of nine best-selling financial books. He is a nationally recognized IRA, 401(k), and retirement plan distribution expert. As a result of his daughter's disability, James developed a passion for helping parents who need to provide sufficient care for a disabled child even beyond their own lifetime. He explains how he and his wife are providing for their daughter's future and what parents of a disabled child should do right now to ensure the financial future of their child. Show Highlights:James' plan to provide for his daughter for the rest of her lifeJames' mission to help parents of children with disabilities optimize their financial assetsThree steps to take right now for your disabled child: Get your child qualified for government benefits in the SSI or SSDI. (James explains the #1 mistake most parents make in applying for these benefits.)Get your estate planning done appropriately with the proper trust or conservatorship option. (Don't rely on “Joe Schmo Attorney” for this!)Get the Roth IRA conversion strategy done right by a financial professional. (The difference in doing this correctly and incorrectly can amount to a huge difference in available funds for your child.) Best resources for parents to use in their education and planning:Get James' FREE book, Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability. Click here!Sign up for Expert Advice for Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Virtual Summit, June 18-20, 2024. Click here for more information about this FREE event!Links/Resources:Connect with James Lange: Disabled Child Planning, Pay Taxes Later, and LInkedInContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:Facebook

We are joined today by a special guest, Michael Hingson, host of the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. We have shared a lot of time on each other's podcasts and learned a lot from Michael's perspective on special education, especially what he experienced in the very early days of special ed. Join us to learn more about Michael's life and work!Michael Hingson has a unique story. With a master's degree in physics, Mike is an educator, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and disability advocate–and he is blind and a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor. When his premature birth called for a pure oxygen environment, his retinas were irreparably damaged, and he has been blind ever since. His parents were urged to institutionalize him because “no blind child can ever amount to anything or contribute to society”---or so the doctors said. His parents refused and gave him every chance to learn, sending him to public schools throughout his life. He earned his physics degree and secondary education teacher credential, going on to become an accomplished salesman and sales manager. He is a coveted keynote speaker and the author of the bestseller, Thunder Dog: The Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust. Show Highlights:Mike's story: science, sales, the early days of disability law, and a life of advocacyMichael's learning process with guide dogs and white canesMichael's 9/11 experience at the World Trade Center which led to his book, Thunder Dog“Disability does not mean a lack of ability.”We will have Mike back very soon for Part 2 of this conversation, in which we will discuss his involvement in technology development to help many people with disabilities of all kinds. Stay tuned!Links/Resources:Connect with Michael Hingson: Website, Unstoppable Mindset podcast, and Thunder Dog bookContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:Facebook

It's a very busy time of year for everyone involved in IEP meetings, for sure! In today's episode, we are discussing IEP meetings and the roles of compassionate educators who want to look beyond strict compliance to genuinely meet the needs of students with disabilities and special needs. Join us for the conversation!Andrew Goff taught early childhood special education in five different least restrictive environments for 12 years. He took this unique insight into his doctoral program, from which he graduated in 2017. As he moved into the community college system in Colorado, he is currently the lead instructor at Colorado Northwestern Community College, not far from Steamboat Springs. Based on his life as an educator, he has written the memoir, Love Is a Classroom and is a fierce advocate for “inclusion–early, everywhere, and always.”Show Highlights:Andrew's unique perspective on IEP meetings after teaching across early grade levels and into the college systemThe key to effective IEP services is to start early and not wait until the teenage years.Andrew's book—and the emotions it stirred up in himThe need for more training for educators in compassion and creativityThe value of teaching assistants in creating a compassionate community in the classroomA focus on compliance puts special education in a restrictive box.What Andrew wishes teachers and parents knew before going into IEP meetingsLinks/Resources:Connect with Andrew Goff and his work: Website, Love Is a Classroom book, Love Is a Classroom podcast, podcast on Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with...

Today's episode is Part 2 to our recent solo episode about English language learners. We are focusing on the bigger picture of language as only one part of a child's entire cultural context affecting performance on all educational and neuropsychological evaluations. Join us to learn more from today's guest!Dr. Alexander Tan is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and supervisor at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). His expertise is in the assessment of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. He is an internationally recognized expert and frequent speaker about topics such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health. Show Highlights:Dr. Tan's background and how he came to the work he does today in private practice and at CHOCUnderstanding language, cultural context, neurodiversity, and why there are limitations and problems with inappropriate assessment methodsBilingualism—a multifaceted construct that always requires “digging deeper”Dr. Tan's experience with parents' frustrations at evaluations that don't show a fair and accurate representation of their childA neuropsychological evaluation that is culturally and linguistically responsive can help avoid major risks.ALL aspects of a child's culture must be considered in evaluations, including language, nonverbal communication, values, economics, etc. Links/Resources:Connect with Dr. Alexander Tan: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Are you paying attention to the calendar? As we find ourselves in the last few weeks of the school year, this is your friendly reminder to act fast for the annual transition IEP meetings that should be happening. In today's episode, we are discussing the power of “stay put” as it applies to keeping things the same in IEP accommodations and services while being in disagreement with a proposed change. Join us for a closer look!Show Highlights:“Stay put” is not just for due process cases but is one of the most important parental legal rights.The federal law is consistent but state-to-state nuances depend on consent status.Understanding how stay-put reverts to the last consented-to IEPReal-life examples of stay-put scenariosOur recommendations for a partial consent/partial stay-putUnderstanding the word placement as it's used in IEP languagePotential exceptions to the stay-put ruleLinks/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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's show is a replay of a very popular and informative episode that we hope you'll enjoy.Today's topic has popped up recently in some of our cases, and it's an important one to cover because it is under-supported and often overlooked in the IEP world. We are discussing the ELL designation, which stands for “English Language Learner.” Join us to learn when a child should be designated as an ELL, how things should progress from there, and what the school district's obligations are when that designation is given. Show Highlights:A student's ethnicity can prompt false assumptions that come with an ELL designation (which can mean different things in different cases).Understanding the differences in an ELL designation, an ESL designation, and a dual immersion programA student's language proficiency impacts their ability to learn in different environments–and the IEP should reflect this fact.A student's primary language can have unique nuances that are very different from English, which greatly affects testing, evaluations, and assessments. Considerations about inherent racial bias in assessments–and why they should be done in a student's native languageLinks/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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Welcome to a very special episode! Karen Odell-Barber with Neurologics was a recent guest on our show, so we returned the favor by appearing on her podcast, Tackling Brain Health. We are excited to share that episode today. You'll learn more about our journeys, the origins of our law firm and podcast, and the important work that calls to us on behalf of students and families. Join us!Show Highlights:The varied paths that led Amanda and Vickie to be special education attorneys after meeting in law schoolSpecial education law: “The wild, wild west”Karen's personal experience in being diagnosed with a profound learning disabilityAmanda and Vickie's approach in helping families, filing for due process, and working with school teamsThe reality of trying to get needed accommodations for students–and why Vickie and Amanda are doing things differentlyThe difference between a special ed attorney and an advocateAmanda and Vickie's message to parents about the services and role of a special ed attorneyIn identifying and securing accommodations, early intervention is the key!The problems when teachers don't understand the law and make assumptions about studentsExamples of students who can benefit from the help of a special ed attorneyLinks/Resources:Check out the Tackling Brain Health podcast with Karen Odell-Barber!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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We are in the season of Spring Break and Easter, which means transition IEP meetings should be happening. If you have procrastinated, it's not too late! If your child is transitioning from preschool to kindergarten, from sixth grade to middle school, from middle school to high school, or even beyond high school into a vocational program, you'll learn valuable information in today's episode. Join us!Show Highlights:Be proactive in scheduling transition IEPs and annual/triennial meetings.The importance of assessing your student's current accommodations for proper implementation and effectivenessExamples of accommodationsSpecifics in accommodations are necessary so the interpretation of the IEP words “as needed” isn't left up to the teacherThe problems with vaguely worded accommodationsBest practices for meetings that generate specific and solution-oriented IEPsAny modification or accommodation that works for your student should be written into the IEP. Links/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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We are learning more and more all the time about how our brains function and what it means to be neurodiverse. In this episode, we explore cutting-edge technologies in the field of brain optimization, which has huge implications in special education. Join us to learn more!We are joined by Karen Odell-Barber, the founder and CEO of Neurologics, a technology company that does brain mapping and optimization of the brain producing permanent cognitive repair. This optimization leads to an additional 15 functional IQ points for every person who does optimization, regardless of age, along with a wild improvement in memory. As a traumatic brain injury survivor with a severe learning disability, Karen is passionate about brain health and helping people improve their lives. Show Highlights:Neurologic technology was developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and incorporates psychometric testing measures.The significance of adding functional IQ points through brain optimizationWhy brain function is the foundation of everything we doKaren's work with addicted people A child can utilize a higher-functioning brain and still have learning differences.Karen's message: “Brain optimization can have a huge impact on learning and life.”Karen's examples of how even a 40-point jump in functional IQ points is possible with brain optimization!How “pruning” occurs in the brain at ages 6-7, 14, and 19-25—and what that meansThe hurdle of getting schools to use science and technology in special educationLinks/Resources:Connect with Karen Odell-Barber and Neurologics: Website, YouTube, and Tackling Brain Health podcastContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's topic has popped up recently in some of our cases, and it's an important one to cover because it is under-supported and often overlooked in the IEP world. We are discussing the ELL designation, which stands for “English Language Learner.” Join us to learn when a child should be designated as an ELL, how things should progress from there, and what the school district's obligations are when that designation is given. Show Highlights:A student's ethnicity can prompt false assumptions that come with an ELL designation (which can mean different things in different cases).Understanding the differences in an ELL designation, an ESL designation, and a dual immersion programA student's language proficiency impacts their ability to learn in different environments–and the IEP should reflect this fact.A student's primary language can have unique nuances that are very different from English, which greatly affects testing, evaluations, and assessments. Considerations about inherent racial bias in assessments–and why they should be done in a student's native languageLinks/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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

On our very first episode of 2024, we were joined by Dan Jordan to discuss the transition to college and accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 Plans. Dan joins us for Part 2 to that conversation to educate us on the student's responsibility. We are taking a close look at the actual steps students need to take as they transition past high school and what we should realistically expect college freshmen to do on their own. Join us to learn more!Dan Jordan worked for ten years as a therapist on a college campus, providing information about accommodations for students with disabilities, and he now works in a college counseling center. Because his son has numerous learning disabilities, Dan understands the world of special education and learning accommodations both from a parental and professional perspective. Show Highlights:Why a student has to decide if they are going to ask for accommodations in college or not (Dan's advice: Ask for them anyway!)How accommodations can provide a sense of familiarity in the transition to an unfamiliar environmentHow students have to account for how they use unstructured time in college and have support in placeDan's advice about choosing a college and considering academic coaching and servicesHow students have to ask for accommodations and ask the right questions about testing, scheduling, policies, etc. Why students need practice at an early age in self-advocacy and speaking up for themselvesLinks/Resources:Connect with Dan Jordan: Website (Check out the courses and other resources!), Facebook, and InstagramContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's topic is interesting and timely as California joins 22 other states in requiring public schools to teach cursive writing. This has been a hotly debated issue, and today's guest has a lot to share about the benefits of cursive writing. Dr. Christina Bretz is an Occupational Therapist from Lexington, KY, who is passionate about how handwriting skills help students across all academic areas. She is currently the Senior Internal Learning Manager at Learning Without Tears, where she has worked for 25 years. Show Highlights:How cursive faded from the curriculum when states adopted Common Core standardsThe benefits for students who begin cursive writing instruction in 3rd gradeHow Dr. Christina sees students gain confidence with handwriting skillsHow cursive writing provides practical help for students with ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphiaHow cursive writing helps provide multi-sensory learning stylesWhy there is pushback about teaching cursive writingHow cursive writing can be integrated into all academic subject areas and implemented with special education studentsLinks/Resources:Connect with Dr. Christina Bretz and Learning Without Tears: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

In this episode, we delve into the details of a landmark settlement in California, where a $2 billion fund has been allocated to address the learning loss experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This historic agreement, known as the Kala J. settlement, aims not only to recoup the losses suffered by students but also to narrow the opportunity gaps that existed even before the pandemic, particularly for Black and Latino communities. Led by the Public Council and other organizations, this settlement is poised to bring about significant changes in the education landscape, focusing on evidence-based programs and new legislation.However, amidst the optimism, there are concerns about how this settlement will be implemented and whether it will truly benefit all students, including those with disabilities who often face additional challenges. As attorneys who specialize in education law, we examine the implications of this settlement and the potential hurdles that lie ahead. Join us as we explore the intricacies of this groundbreaking agreement and its impact on the future of education in California.Show Highlights:Introduction to the historic settlement in California, focusing on learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemicThe settlement, not a special education case, aims to address learning loss across demographics.Public Council and other organizations led the lawsuit, emphasizing the need to close opportunity gaps for black and brown studentsThe $2 billion settlement will not directly go to families but will fund evidence-based programs and propose new legislation.Concerns are raised about public perception, potential lack of consideration for kids having IEPs, and the need for effective implementation of programsThe settlement earmarks existing funds for specific use, requiring legislative action and potential challenges in enforcement and implementation.Links/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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We are excited to celebrate this 300th episode! It's been a long time coming! What a great time it is to reflect back on the start of this podcast and why we wanted to have this avenue to start—and change—the conversation about education, civil rights, and disability rights. Today's guest is the epitome of someone who wants to change the way we approach education, taking how things have “always been” and seeing what's possible for the future. She shares specific examples of inclusive education from a big-picture view of someone who is in the trenches of today's educational system. Maybe it's time for our educational system to do a lot of things differently! Join us to learn more!Lacey Robinson began as an early childhood teacher and later moved into various school administration roles. As the CEO and president of UnboundEd, she sits shoulder-to-shoulder with educators, providing professional development that is engaging and affirming to inspire organizational and institutional change. Show Highlights:What Lacey sees in our current educational system as she conducts trainings How educators have become political pawns–but not prioritiesWhy it should be “Us vs. the issue” instead of Us (teachers) vs. Them (parents)How Lacey began her journey into advocacy for studentsLacey's practical tip for teachers to be more inclusive: Make it a priority to KNOW your students and build a supportive relationship with them.Why we have lost what it means to teach and learn in the USHow our current educational system needs a revamping and a resetHow dramatic changes happened at Lacey's middle school one year when she had the special education team write the bell scheduleLacey's #1 takeaway: “Whether you are a parent, educator, classroom teacher, or principal, understand that you are part of a community. Together, we can solve the barriers and issues that confront us.”Links/Resources:Connect with Lacey Robinson and UnboundEd: WebsiteContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today's episode is a replay of Lynzy Coughlin's podcast, Motherhood Meets Medicine, where Vickie recently appeared as a recent guest. She provided a lot of helpful information for parents about a 504 plan or when an IEP is in place. You will learn what rights parents have in these cases, along with what a parent can ask and advocate for in their child's education. Join us!Show Highlights:What led Vickie into special education lawWhy Vickie and Amanda decided to provide pro bono and low bono rates at their practiceHow the Inclusive Education Project came to be to help spread information about the law, the rights of parents, and to normalize the conversation around special educationWhat the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act) provides as a federal law and how state laws can vary widelyWhere parents can begin when an IEP is first put in placeWhy it's frustrating from a parent's perspective to understand 504s and IEPsRecommended resources to help parents prepare for IEP meetings and understand the law and their rights: www.wrightslaw.com and www.inclusiveeducationproject.org A rundown of parents' rights in requesting frequent updates, identifying accommodations that work best, and requesting additions to the IEPWhat issues parents might face that would signal that the help of a special education attorney is neededVickie's advice to parents: “Trust your gut. You are the expert on your child.”Links/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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram –We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.orgConnect with Lynzy Coughlinhttps://lynzyandco.com/podcast/

Here we are, well into January and the second half of the school year. As we often do, we like to remind you not to let deadlines pass concerning transitions, charter school lotteries, special program enrollments, and IEP meetings. Don't let the time get away from you if your child is ready for one of these changes. In today's solo episode, we are focusing on some of the difficulties and roadblocks we encounter around the IEP process, specifically how open communication and a spirit of collaboration are always beneficial to the process. Join us!Show Highlights:How we, as special education attorneys, function in our roles as middlemen between the family and their school districtHow to approach an IEP meeting in which you want to ask for changes to your child's program and accommodationsWhy everyone on the IEP team should have the ultimate shared goal to support the student–no matter what that looks like!How a collaborative approach benefits the student's progress in many ways and makes things easier for everyoneExamples of client situations that turned around because ONE person on the IEP team stepped in to cooperate for the student's successLinks/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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The New Year is always a great time for a fresh start, especially as we get back into the swing of the school year after the holiday break. It's a time to set intentions and make a plan for the second half of the school year, and we are here to remind you to think about scheduling those transition meetings now before the second semester gets away. Today's guest gives us a young person's look at neurodiversity, advocacy, and inclusion. In championing the cause of neurodiversity, she gives us ways to be more inclusive of people living with disabilities. Join us to learn more!Alyssa Lego is an author, community builder, and junior at Boston College. She is the creator behind You, Me, Neurodiversity, the children's book series on a mission to change the way we write about and read about autism and neurodiversity. Because Alyssa's younger brother, Michael, is on the spectrum and non-vocal, she saw a lot of the ableism and discrimination he faced as a young student. She wanted to leverage her talents and interests to advocate for him and others and is carrying that mission into her adult life. Show Highlights:How Alyssa began taking action as an advocate as a 14-year-oldHow we can shift the perspective about autism and neurodiversityHow the younger generation is leading the way in tolerance, inclusion, and acceptanceThe resources available through You Me Neurodiversity: four books about Max, Lily, Henry, and Julie; You Me We Circle Time Kits, and interactive activity and coloring booksLinks/Resources:Connect with Alyssa and You Me Neurodiversity: Facebook, Email, and Books on AmazonContact 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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

There are so many misconceptions about special education that we hear frequently. In today's show, we address those, along with understanding how behavioral tools are used in the classroom. Join us to learn more!We are joined by Hayley Montelongo, a Behavior Interventionist for a public school district with a career history in early childhood education. Hayley is a special ed teacher with a focus on behavioral analysis, and she is passionate about her role in helping students, parents, and educators. Show Highlights:What drew Hayley to the behavior analysis aspect of special educationHow Hayley functions as the middleman between IEP teams and the BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)What the training looks like for a behavior aideHow Hayley works with teachers to implement a behavior planWhat Hayley wants parents to understand about a behavior planHayley's perspective about common misconceptions around special education regarding token boards, positive reinforcement, and consistencyLinks/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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: admin@iepcalifornia.org