Podcasts about IEP

Send us a textIn this casual solo episode, I'm just catching you up on what life has looked like lately over here. From solo parenting while Donald's been away for job training, to the kids catching colds (because of course they did while Donald's gone), to navigating IEP meetings and school plans for next year—it's been a lot, but also I'm surviving it!I'm sharing a peek into the daily chaos, the mental load, and some of the sweet moments too. Plus, we've got an upcoming trip on the calendar, and I'm talking a bit about what I'm looking forward to.If you're in a season that feels a little messy and a lot full, come sit with me for a bit. No big agenda—just a heart-to-heart from one rare parent to another.In this episode:Solo parenting + surviving the sick weekIEPs and what we're thinking for next school yearAn upcoming trip and what it means to plan as a medical familyGiving ourselves permission to take life one moment at a timeIf this episode resonates, I'd love to hear from you! Tag me on Instagram @confessionsofararediseasemama or send a quick DM. And if you've got a second to leave a review, it helps other medical and rare mamas find the show.

407: As the year winds down, Ryan gets into the frustrations of Senioritis and entitlement, ChalkBeat's article on Chicago Public Schools' rising truancy but somehow rising graduation rate, IEP and 504 meeting etiquette/head-scratchers, and more! Patreon: www.patreon.com/classroombrew Instagram: www.instagram.com/classroombrew

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, host Shannon Urquiola explores the often-overlooked challenge of working memory in autistic children and young adults.From missed steps in routines to emotional overload andsocial struggles, weak working memory can show up in ways that leave both you and your child feeling frustrated. Shannon breaks down the difference betweenworking memory in neurotypical vs. autistic individuals, shares relatable age-specific examples, and offers practical strategies you can start using today to support your child more effectively.

In this episode, we're giving you the tools and strategies you need to walk into your next IEP meeting with confidence and clarity. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the process or simply want to lead with more intention, you'll learn how to set a positive and productive tone right from the start. We'll walk through how to navigate challenging dynamics with professionalism and empathy, and share practical pre-meeting tools that will help you stay organized, prepared, and in control. By the end of this episode, you'll be ready to step into your role as a strong, effective leader at the IEP table. Key Highlights: Scripts to use when things get awkward Why a pre-meeting brief is a total game changer Quick confidence-building habits you can start today If you've ever second-guessed yourself before an IEP meeting, this episode will help you prep, plan, and present like a pro. Links and Resources End of the School Year Bundle Lessons to Lasting Income Summit 5-Day Spring Cleaning Challenge   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Today I'm gonna tell you about Tess's most recent IEP meeting and something we talked about for the first time in her education.

For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Jacie and Barbara get into dust testing for mold, discussing personal experiences and sharing expert insights. They highlight different testing methods, including why MSQ-PCR testing is better than other methods, and when to use the ERMI vs the HERSMI-2 test. They'll explain why dust testing is generally more reliable than air sampling. They'll also go over how to do dust collection properly and how to interpret mold test results. Most importantly: Jacie and Barbara recommend working with an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) to get a comprehensive understanding of your environment and how to properly remediate. None of this is medical advice: always consult your doctor and IEP before making any changes to your treatment plan. For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com 00:00 Introduction to Dust Testing 00:49 Different Methods of Mold Testing 02:08 Importance of MSQPCR Testing 02:52 Understanding Mold Species and Air Sampling 05:36 HERTSMI-2 and ERMI Tests 06:54 Additional Tests: Actino and Endotoxins 09:06 When to Test Your Environment 13:14 How to Properly Collect Dust Samples 22:01 Interpreting Your Test Results 24:40 Conclusion and Resources HELPFUL LINKS: Science behind mold testing: CIRSx talk by Bill Weber: https://vimeo.com/showcase/11385222/video/955676414 Sequencing of remediation: CIRSx talk by Brandon Apple: https://vimeo.com/showcase/11385222/video/955676522 ERMI test: https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/ermi/ HERTSMI-2 test: https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/hertsmi-2/ Our Endotoxin episode: https://youtu.be/O0iKndNzfYA?si=Fe6dJQmF4ZZoutuD Our Actino episode: https://youtu.be/q-KW5ZXUHVM?si=OOdQp6_cgd84wVQ2 Our interview with Michael Schrantz on hiring an IEP: https://youtu.be/_BEwFVdpRcY?si=DsFN5k9SL3qWZMdw Our GENIE episode: https://youtu.be/bCNp9qNqWWc?si=1B3MIykrvavbbqc6 Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie's book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

Mary J. Goodwin-Oquendo, Esq., discusses how the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (DoE) may impact students with ADHD and learning disabilities who receive special education services and accommodations through IEPs and 504 Plans. ADHD Accommodations and Educational Rights: Additional Resources Free Download: Your Child's Legal Rights at School Read: “Is My Child's IEP in Danger?” Read: When Schools Resist Evaluating & Addressing Learning Disabilities eBook: The Complete IEP/504 Guide Access the video and slides for podcast episode #554 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-accommodations-department-of-education-iep-504/ Thank you for listening to ADDitude's ADHD Experts podcast. Please consider subscribing to the magazine (additu.de/subscribe) to support our mission of providing ADHD education and support.

On today's show Shannon gives tips on how to handle your child's special diet restrictions at school.  Get the 411 on how to get is written in to your child's IEP and how to deal with birthdays, holidays and more!

Send us a textIn this episode of the Better Boards Podcast, Professor Katja Langenbucher explores how boards can embrace AI to future-proof their decision-making.Dr. Sabine Dembkowski speaks with Katja, a law professor at Goethe-University in Frankfurt and affiliated with SciencesPo, Paris. She serves on the supervisory boards of BaFin and IEP and brings extensive boardroom and academic experience.Making Better Judgements: Why Boards Must Embrace AIAI is rapidly reshaping industries—from pharmaceuticals to finance—and boards can no longer afford to stand still. Katja outlines why boards must move past hesitation and actively integrate AI into their processes.She explains how leading organisations embed AI into strategy, what this means under the business judgment rule, and why AI should challenge—not replace—human insight.AI Isn't a Trend—It's Becoming a Legal ExpectationAI may still seem opaque to some directors—but that view is increasingly out of step with governance expectations. In jurisdictions applying the business judgment rule, directors must demonstrate informed, reasonable decision-making. AI is becoming part of that expectation.“Very soon, you cannot claim to be well-informed without consulting an AI.”Boards have long leaned on expert input for board evaluations and strategic oversight. Going forward, AI must be part of that toolkit—or boards risk falling short of legal standards.From Coffee Chains to Capital Markets: The Real-World Power of AIKatja cites practical use cases—like how Starbucks applies AI to optimise store locations using behavioural, geographic, and competitor data.“You can use AI to identify an M&A target, spot a hostile takeover risk, or even test how markets might respond to your messaging.”Yet, she observes that AI is still rarely referenced in board evaluations or agendas, despite its ability to surface risks, run scenario models, and sharpen decision-making.The New Role of Company SecretariesCompany secretaries are ideally placed to help boards adopt AI meaningfully. Katja is clear: directors don't need to code—they need to ask better questions.“Nobody is asking directors to code—but boards must ask the right questions.”Understanding a company's proprietary data and strategic priorities is a governance task. AI experts deliver the tools, but boards must frame the questions.Challenging Groupthink and Elevating DebateGroupthink continues to undermine board effectiveness. Katja shares a compelling example of using AI to simulate press responses—ranging from neutral to harsh—on a sensitive issue.“Seeing a mock ‘nasty article' on the big screen challenged the entire board's thinking.”Used this way, AI becomes a catalyst for challenge and debate, broadening the board's perspective.AI as Induction, Humans as InterpretationAI and human judgment are not competing forces—they are complementary. AI finds patterns. Humans interpret them.“A good strategic decision is always a combination of AI and human thinking.”Board evaluation frameworks must reflect this dual approach. AI accelerates insight; humans weigh impact.Three Key TakeawaysDon't Be Late to the Party - AI is fast becoming a market standard. Boards that delay its adoption risk strategic, legal, and reputational disadvantage.Blend AI with Human Judgment - Strategic decisions should integrate the pattern-finding power of AI with the contextual understanding of human directors.Use the AI That Suits Your Board - Every corporation has a unique data pool. Boards must define the questions AI should answer—and then select tools that match their specific needs.

Feeling overwhelmed by the end of the school year? Think your child's learning struggles can wait until September? Today, I want to talk about why waiting until September could be one of the biggest mistakes that you make for your struggling reader, and give you the confidence to take the critical steps that need to be taken right now. Don't let the summer lull you into a potentially detrimental delay! This episode will show you how to be a proactive advocate and set your child up for success before the new school year even begins. My brand-new mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered. Topics Covered: How to begin leveraging the wealth of year-end data, including teacher insights and work samples, for a more robust evaluation process [2:28] What to understand about the summer advantage for evaluations and how to avoid the “wait and see” trap that so many fall into [3:15] The importance of using the summer for emotional processing and building your advocacy skills related to your child's learning journey [4:08] The specific language to include in your formal email requesting an evaluation to trigger necessary legal timelines [4:41] What to do if you're not 100 percent sure that your child needs an evaluation [5:57] How federal regulations prevent schools from delaying evaluations solely due to summer break, and the way this can empower you to advocate for timely support [7:37] A reminder to embrace the end of the school year as a powerful beginning for proactive advocacy, setting your child up for success in the coming year [9:38] Key Takeaways End the school year strong by starting the evaluation conversation now for a smoother path ahead. Summer can be a strategic time for evaluations, potentially leading to quicker results and avoiding fall delays. Your formal, written request for evaluation triggers important legal timelines schools must follow. Don't let summer break be an excuse for evaluation delays; know your rights and advocate early. When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again! Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

María Luisa Burneo, responsable de la secretaría académica del SEPIA e investigadora del IEP, conversa con Glatzer Tuesta en el Bloque Cultural de No Hay Derecho de Ideeleradio. No Hay Derecho en vivo de lunes a viernes, desde las 7 a. m., por el YouTube y Facebook de Ideeleradio.

In this episode, Dawn shares her go-to tools that make IEP team collaboration not only doable—but enjoyable. From goal-setting templates to weekly check-ins, learn what's working in real special ed classrooms right now.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: What real collaboration looks like Tools to simplify team communication One story that proves these systems work If you're tired of chasing people down for input, or feeling like you're doing it all alone, these tools will help you lead your team without losing your mind. Links and Resources End of the School Year Bundle Lessons to Lasting Income Summit 5-Day Spring Cleaning Challenge   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

The latest episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric introduces a four-part mini-series focusing on executive functioning. The series aims to address executive functioning challenges not just among students but also among the adults on campus, such as administrators, speech pathologists, and school psychologists. Jenny is joined by Dr. Amy Merenda, a licensed educational psychologist, to discuss these challenges and announce the Executive Functioning Academy Educator Edition. This academy will feature nine live sessions covering twelve executive functioning skills, providing educators with strategies to improve both their work and home lives. The podcast highlights the importance of creating an 'executive functioning flight plan,' akin to an IEP, to help educators consistently apply these skills. The episode concludes with details about the academy's registration, which opens in early May, offering both summer and fall cohort options.Resources:Sign Up for our Executive Functioning Academy: Educator's EditionIf your workload feels unmanageable, your systems aren't working, and your own executive functioning is constantly on the back burner—this program was built for you.The Executive Functioning Academy is a structured, research-based program designed specifically for educators, school psychologists, administrators, and support professionals. Over the course of 9 live sessions, we'll focus on strengthening 12 executive skills that help you manage your day, reduce stress, and build better systems for sustainable success.Summer cohort begins July 8, 2025Fall cohort begins September 8, 2025Sign up early to receive special bonuses ⁠https://jennyponzuric.com/efacademy/ ⁠Grad student and EF Focus Group discounts available.-----------------------------------------------------------Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:Instagram: @jennyponzuric https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ponzuric-1562a8119/Join my FREE LinkedIn Group "Resources for Special Education Professionals": https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462888/Time stamps:00:00 Introduction to the Mini-Series on Executive Functioning00:39 Identifying Executive Functioning Challenges in Adults on Campus01:35 Introducing Dr. Amy Miranda02:35 The Importance of Executive Functioning04:13 Challenges Faced by Educators13:50 Executive Functioning Academy: Educator Edition20:45 Details and Registration Information25:43 Conclusion and Next Episode TeaserThe information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.

Join us as I speak with Jordan Casey, Victoria Casey and a fellow CDH mom Angela Morse about the IEP process. We discuss your rights as a parent and the appropriate language to use to ensure your voice will be heard as you advocate for what is best for your child. There is an accompanying powerpoint that can be found here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PuRvwokZFcU_sXp06qvtHtbwkAEYrwxa/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115294528082836604297&rtpof=true&sd=true.

This episode breaks down the messy truth about IEP team dynamics and gives you actionable steps to lead with confidence. Dawn shares why teams fall apart and how a simple tool—the IEP Team Input Survey—can help restore clarity and collaboration. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Top 3 reasons IEP teams fall apart Why proactive planning is your secret weapon How to use an input survey to cut down on surprises Links and Resources Parent and Teacher Input Surveys (Printable + Digital) 5-Day Spring Cleaning Challenge   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Exceptional Collective Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

On today's episode, I sit down with a long-time friend and powerhouse in the world of educational advocacy, Christine Levy. Christine and I go way back—we met during our grad school days at NYU, and since then, she's become a fierce advocate for children with disabilities and their families. With over 20 years of experience in education, Christine has sat on every side of the IEP table—as a teacher, admin, RTI coordinator, and now as a passionate parent advocate.In this conversation, Christine and I dive into what parents really need to know about navigating the special education system when their child is diagnosed with ADHD or other learning differences. From decoding neuropsych evaluations to tackling 504 plans and IEPs, we unpack what services and support are actually available—and how to get them. Whether you're just starting your journey or you're deep in the trenches of school meetings and documentation, this episode is filled with clarity, strategy, and heart. Christine's calm, connected approach brings hope and real tools to families feeling overwhelmed by the process.Christine Levy, M.Ed., is a leading expert in Educational Advocacy with over two decades of experience in special education as a teacher, administrator, and MTSS coordinator. She holds advanced degrees from NYU and Bank Street College of Education and is the founder of Levy Educational Advocacy. Christine empowers families by guiding them through the complexities of special education, ensuring their children receive the support, services, and placements they need to thrive. A passionate advocate and parent herself, she brings both expertise and empathy to every case she supports. Episode Highlights:[0:57] - Meet Christine Levy: educator turned advocate with a mission to empower families[3:26] - Our shared journey from grad school to special ed leadership[5:50] - When ADHD is diagnosed: What happens next?[6:52] - Misconceptions around diagnosis and eligibility for services[8:43] - Why RTI/MTSS documentation is critical before special ed referrals[10:02] - The importance of parent-provided data: binders are more than paper—they're your child's story[12:49] - “Behavior” is often misinterpreted ADHD—how advocacy can change the narrative[14:30] - Supporting emotionally dysregulated parents through the process[16:58] - Do ADHD and anxiety automatically qualify for a 504? The nuance explained[19:50] - Advice for parents on the verge of burnout or considering school changes[23:46] - Understanding the types of advocates and what support really looks like[27:02] - Breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma through calm, effective advocacy[28:46] - Executive functioning at home: how parents can build consistency with the school[30:54] - When a child “looks fine” at school but struggles at home—how to present the full picture[33:23] - Twice-exceptional students: the challenge of advocating for kids who mask their needs[34:17] - Final words of empowerment: “You are not alone, and we see you.” Connect with Christine Levy:Christine Levy's Website: levyadvocacy.comChristine Levy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levyadvocacy/ Christine Levy's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077923336637 Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.Want to be ‘SuccessFULL with ADHD' by Activating Your ADHD Potential?Order our 3x best-selling book/workbook for adults with ADHD ▶️ http://bit.ly/activateadhd

Surprise! April had five Wednesdays, so you're getting a bonus episode to wrap up our Inclusion Series—and this one is all about action.Throughout the month, we've broken down the barriers to inclusion, defined what inclusion really means, explored reverse inclusion, and shared how to build strong inclusive teams. But there's one piece we haven't covered yet: how to actually implement inclusion successfully.In this episode, I'm sharing practical, realistic tips to help you support students in general education settings with confidence and purpose—whether you're a special education teacher, paraprofessional, or co-teaching partner.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why “hovering” isn't the best strategy—and what to do insteadHow to use roaming support to increase student independenceIdeas for using small group instruction effectively in inclusive classroomsWhat true co-teaching should look like and feel likeThe biggest dos and don'ts for providing support during inclusionHow to keep collaboration strong and student dignity intactKey Takeaways:Inclusion isn't about perfection—it's about progress. It's about taking small, intentional steps to help every student feel seen, valued, and supported.The less you are doing for your students, the BETTER you are doing your job!✨ Free Resource Alert!To celebrate the week before Teacher Appreciation Week, I've teamed up with 12 amazing special education educators to give you a bundle of FREE resources! From task boxes to IEP tools, impact statement support to classroom visuals—you'll find tons of useful goodies for your program.

It can get very confusing hearing all special education terms . Many times as parents we struggle to understand them .In today's episode I am speaking on What is IEP? What are IEP meetings and what you can do to prepare for them .I hope you listen to the full episode and if you find it helpful leave me a 5 star rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music

What if understanding how your child thinks and learns could completely change the way you support them—and help them thrive in the process? Dr. Yael Rothman and Dr. Katia Fredriksen of Neuropsych Moms are joining me this week to demystify neuropsychological evaluations and empower parents with the tools to better understand and advocate for their children.   The surprising ways neuropsych testing can help unlock your child's potential (hint: it's not just about diagnoses). Why leaning into your child's strengths matters—and how to do that without tipping into toxic positivity. The conversation around diagnosis that so many parents fear—and why not talking about it might actually be more harmful. The 3 questions to ask yourself to help you determine if you should get your child a neuropsych evaluation and what you can expect from the process once you've made the decision to move forward. Is there an ideal age for children to receive a neuropsych evaluation? The importance of connecting all your child's doctors and mental health providers and why so many parents don't know this is an option. Clearing up some of the most common myths and fears surrounding a diagnosis like ADHD and autism.  Before you have a conversation with your child about their diagnosis, what parents should do first.   Whether you're wondering if a neuropsych evaluation is right for your child or you're looking for guidance after a diagnosis, tune in now to feel more confident and informed.       LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUESTS: https://www.neuropsychmoms.com/ https://stixrud.com/staff/katia-fredriksen/ https://www.rothmanpediatricneuropsychology.com/    READ THEIR BOOKS:

This week on the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I'm resharing one of my favorite episodes with Destiny Huff — and trust me, if you missed it the first time, now's your chance to tune in! We dive into all things IEPs — with a focus on accommodations and modifications that are truly neurodiversity-affirming. I know so many of us are working hard to write IEPs that are strengths-based and aligned with our values. This conversation will leave you inspired and more confident in doing just that. Destiny also shares such powerful insight about partnering with advocates. Instead of viewing them as adversaries, how can we team up and work toward shared goals?

In episode 307, Steve talks about the equipment your IEP (indoor environmental professional) should have to perform a proper mold inspection and testing. If your potential inspector doesn't have the basic tools to perform an inspection, you should seek another inspector. Steve offers VPAs (virtual property assessments) if you can't find anyone in your area. Copy and paste the link below, to book your VPA. https://www.cnccontractorservices.com/consulting We appreciate all of you and look forward to working with you! Have a great week.

Hey there, friend!

¡Es temporada de IEP! Hoy Shannon repasa todas las partes de la reunión de IEP y lo fundamental que hay que entender en cada fase. Para los padres que no han pasado por el proceso o que sienten ansiedad, esta es una conversación fácil de entender que puede ayudarles a obtener la mejor experiencia educativa posible para su hijo.

Struggling to figure out the best summer plans for your dyslexic child? Are you torn between the need for academic support to prevent summer slide and the desire for your child to have a fun, relaxing break? What if I told you that you could find a way to do both? This week, we dive deep into the world of summer options for dyslexic learners, exploring everything from specialized academic programs and supportive traditional camps to the power of individual tutoring and passion-based special interest camps. I'll help you navigate the overwhelming choices and uncover what truly makes a summer program dyslexia-friendly, along with the crucial factors to consider when evaluating staff, program structure, and learning philosophies. You'll even discover what you can expect to pay for these types of programs, as well as options to alleviate the burden of this cost. Keep in mind that whatever summer option you choose, summer should feel like summer and be both fun and beneficial to your child's development. My intent for this episode is that it helps you find that sweet spot between academic support and good old fashioned summer fun! If you'd like to learn more about Kildonan's Camp Dunnabeck, an option that I mentioned in this episode, you can visit their website at https://www.kildonan.org/camp-dunnabeck to see all that a program like this has to offer. Topics Covered: What to consider when navigating the summer balance for your dyslexic child and balancing fun versus. preventing the "summer slide" in reading [1:23] The different types of specialized academics summer programs that exist and specific questions you can ask to determine if they are dyslexic-friendly [2:42] Why finding the right summer fit is personal and what you can do to ensure the one you choose is right for your child [5:15] Action steps to take to set your child up for success once a program is chosen [6:42] What you can expect to pay for a specialized program and a few options you have if cost is a major constraint [7:46] Summer reading tips and why consistency matters more than quantity [9:15] Key Takeaways Summer is a balancing act and It's about finding the sweet spot between relaxation and skill maintenance. Diverse summer options exist and there's a wide range of choices beyond just academics to consider. Child-centered decision-making is crucial, so actively involve them in the decision-making process. Focus on holistic development and recognize that various activities indirectly support reading skills. When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again! Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

Let's be real—IEP meetings can sometimes feel like a lot. But with a few simple strategies, they can actually be super productive and way less overwhelming. In this episode, we're chatting about why taking minutes is more important than you might think, how to keep your notes focused (without writing a novel), and ways to use data to make smarter decisions for your students. We'll also share some of our favorite tools and tips to keep your meetings on track and your team all on the same page. If you're looking to make your IEP process smoother and more meaningful, you're in the right place! What You'll Learn in This Episode: The importance of taking minutes: Why documenting your IEP meetings is crucial for accountability and decision-making. How to take effective meeting minutes: Best practices for capturing important points while staying focused on the discussion. Using data to drive decisions: How to incorporate data into your IEP meetings to ensure outcomes align with students' needs. Tips for staying on track during the meeting: Strategies to keep the meeting focused and on-topic. Tools to streamline the process: The best tools and templates for tracking data and taking minutes without getting bogged down by details. How to integrate data into your IEP process: How to use data to create meaningful goals and track progress throughout the year. Thanks for tuning in! I hope you're walking away with some helpful tips to make your next IEP meeting a little smoother and a lot more effective. Don't forget to grab those templates and tools we mentioned—and as always, keep doing the amazing work you do for your students. Catch you in the next episode!

In this reflective milestone episode, Cheri Dotterer, host of The Writing Glitch, celebrates the 100th episode by revisiting some of the standout moments from the past school year. From interviews with experts on dyslexia and dysgraphia to product reviews and real-world classroom insights, Cheri recaps the evolution of handwriting, learning disabilities, and educational innovations that have shaped Season 3. She also opens up about the future of the podcast—what's next and why listener feedback matters now more than ever. If you've ever found value in these episodes, this is the one to share, celebrate, and reflect on.

About the Episode Introducing: RISING ABOVE DADS – The Podcast for Dads Raising Exceptional KidsCalling all dads in the special-needs world—whether you're navigating IEP meetings, meltdowns, or just trying to get through the day without stepping on a LEGO... this one's for you.Rising Above Dads is the podcast where we talk real-life parenting with humor, honesty, and a whole lot of heart. No sugarcoating. No expert-only jargon. Just dads supporting dads, sharing laughs, and reminding each other we're not in this alone.Tune in for funny fails, small victories, dad wisdom, and stories that'll lift you up (or at least make you feel slightly more sane).Because fatherhood doesn't come with a manual—but at least now, it comes with a podcast. Related Links Common Man, Extraordinary Call

Do you feel like you're always scrambling to get ready for IEP meetings?

Leidy Medrano es una defensora apasionada de su hijo, hace poco diagnosticado de trastorno del espectro autista. En este episodio del pódcast, Leidy comparte su viaje de convertirse en la voz de su hijo y descubrir su propia defensa.   Los padres y las familias son a veces los defensores más fuertes en la vida de un niño. Desde sus ideas sobre cómo ser persistente y eficaz en el mundo de la discapacidad hasta cómo utiliza la comunidad que la rodea, la historia de Leidy es una inspiración de la que aprender.

Is your child moving from elementary to middle school? Is the thought of middle school sending shivers down your spine, especially for your dyslexic child? Are you wondering how they'll navigate the maze of multiple teachers, lockers, and skyrocketing academic demands, or what I like to refer to as “The Middle School Minefield? If you're grappling with these questions, you're not alone, and I want to help you navigate it confidently. In this episode, I reveal why this transition is so critical for dyslexic students and I share what you should be thinking about to ensure your child doesn't just survive it, but thrives in this new environment. Remember, with the right support and preparation, your child can handle any educational transition like a pro! Topics Covered: Some of the unique challenges dyslexic students face when transitioning from elementary to middle school [0:55] The typical timeline for school transitions, including crucial IEP meetings and orientation events to ensure a smooth change [1:55] A look at the key areas of focus during transition planning and the essential elements that are addressed in transition meetings [5:26] What the common obstacles are that parents encounter during their child's transition to middle school [6:26] The critical warning signs to watch out for that indicate your child needs extra help [7:12] Things you can do right now to maximize the effectiveness of the transition process for you and your child [8:01] Key Takeaways Transition planning should start early (Jan/Feb of 5th grade) with active parent involvement in IEP meetings Existing IEPs must be thoroughly reviewed and adapted for the demands of middle school's multiple teachers and increased workload Parent advocacy is essential and you must be diligent in monitoring for warning signs When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again! Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

In this episode, we'll cover proven strategies for IEP meeting prep, including organizing data, setting clear goals, and encouraging team collaboration. I'll also share time-saving tips and resources to make your prep efficient and stress-free. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to align your team and ensure they're prepared. The importance of organizing meaningful data to support decisions. Simple tools and strategies that make IEP prep easy and effective. Links and Resources Special Education Case Manager Bundle Exceptional Collective IEP Workshop   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked art of writing clear, measurable goals for executive functioning. Unlike other academic or functional goals, executive functioning focuses on internal processes—making it harder to quantify and observe. Whether you're a teacher, therapist, or part of a school team, this episode will give you actionable tools to create meaningful IEP and therapy plan goals that truly support student growth.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why executive functioning is all about the process—and why that's tricky for traditional SMART goals.✔️ Examples of goal formats that keep things simple, specific, and actionable.✔️ How to differentiate between goals that focus on behavior versus those emphasizing strategies.✔️ A sample list of accommodations to support executive functioning without over-accommodating.✔️ Tips to ensure students build independence with their accommodations over time.

The U.S. Department of Education allocates funds to states,which then distribute the money to local school districts. These districts mustjustify their actions to state authorities to receive funding. This funding impacts resources and training for specialeducation teachers. Last year, 70% of public schools reported vacancies in thisarea, with half of the teachers leaving within five years, according to PBS NewsHour.Dr. Diana Fannon, an educator and advocate with over 23years of experience in special education, has a background as a bilingualschool psychologist and special education director. She has attended thousandsof IEP meetings and helped many families understand special education.Diagnosed with epilepsy at 17 and raising a child with autism, she knows thechallenges firsthand. Through DisabilityEdPros, Dr. Fannon provides parentswith the tools to navigate special education and advocate for their children. Sheis dedicated to ensuring every child has access to necessary education andresources.For more information: https://www.disabilityedpros.com/ Follow: @disabilityedpros

In episode 304, Steve talks about the importance of a mold inspection. He covers the equipment your IEP should have. He also talks about questions to ask your IEP when hiring the professional. We appreciate all of our listeners and look forward to working with you! https://www.cnccontractorservices.com/

Welcome to Season 7 of OTP! We are  starting a new series on the transition IEP. The episodes are "Snack Size" so you can listen to short episodes to gain information. Each episode will include links in the show notes to resources that support the topics. Episode one covers Supported Decision Making and Inviting the student to the IEP meeting as well as ideas to engage the student in their IEP. Resource Links for this episode: Gen. Supervision, Priority Area 5 SDM 1-pager Handbook link for Invite the Student OTP Gmail: oregontransitionpodcast@gmail.com   

In this episode, Dawn Ellis shares her top strategies for streamlining IEP meetings to make them more efficient, collaborative, and less stressful. By preparing effectively, using the right tools, and boosting collaboration, special educators can transform the IEP process and set their students up for success.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Importance of Preparation: How being prepared with templates, visuals, and organized data saves time and reduces stress. Tools and Templates to Streamline Your IEP Meetings: The IEP Organization Bundle, Special Education IEP Bundle, and Visual Schedules. Boosting Collaboration: How setting clear goals, using visuals, and being open to feedback can increase collaboration with team members. How to Maintain Organization: Best practices to stay organized in the long term and ensure that your IEP meetings run smoothly every time. Links and Resources Ultimate Special Education Bundle Improve Your IEP Meeting Efficiency Workshop Tickets   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Inclusion is a word we hear constantly—in IEP meetings, PD sessions, and school mission statements. But for many special educators, inclusion still feels more like a buzzword than a practical reality.In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, I discuss what inclusion really means—and why it's more than just placing a student in a general education seat. I share my personal perspective on the true purpose of special education, offer real-life stories that bring inclusion to life, and outline 5 inclusive practices that special educators and paraprofessionals can use to create more meaningful opportunities for students with disabilities.Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to take action—because inclusion isn't just a philosophy. It's a practice.

In large and small ways, mattering is essential. Self esteem depends on our ability to contribute to the lives around us. You may know Jennifer B. Wallace from her stints on morning television or her journalism in the Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She and Kelly discuss her first book: Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It. (Previously aired) Please note: In this episode, Kelly and Jennifer discuss the high cost of having a child see a private neuropsychologist for an evaluation. However, every parent/guardian is legally entitled to refer their child to Special Education.  Schools typically have a procedure in place.  For example: the parent(s) might need to meet with the principal and psychologist to discuss building level interventions. If the parent decides to go through with the referral, the school has 45 school days to complete an evaluation and determine eligibility - if the child has a disability that adversely impacts their learning the child is classified and an IEP is created.  Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) guarantees access to all. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, Jon Eckert interviews Chris Mihealsick, the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year from Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD. They discuss her passion for expanding access to high-level science education, the importance of mentorship for new teachers, and the challenges facing public education today. Mihealsick shares insights on supporting students new to AP coursework, fostering a collaborative classroom culture, and navigating the demands of teaching while avoiding burnout. The conversation also explores the impact of uncertified teachers and the role of teacher preparation programs.  The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Mentioned: Armadillos to Ziziphus: A Naturalist in the Texas Hill Country by David Hillis Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave by Ryan Holiday Connect with us: Baylor MA in School Leadership EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership Jon Eckert LinkedIn X: @eckertjon Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl     Jon Eckert: All right. This week we have Chris Mihealsick, the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year from Westwood High School. She is in Round Rock ISD, and so she's representing educators across the state of Texas and we're really excited to have her here today. So Chris, welcome in. Chris Mihealsick: Thank you so much. It's so good to be here. Jon Eckert: And just give us a little background about how you got into teaching in the first place. I always love teacher origin stories, so how did you get to doing what you're doing now? Chris Mihealsick: Well, both of my parents were in education and for a really long time I thought, "Nope, nope, not for me, not for me." When I started college, I was a bio major. I worked in a lab. I thought maybe that would be my path. I kind of thought I was going to switch to environmental engineering, but my freshman year, I tutored some at-risk kids in biology and chemistry and I just loved it. I loved seeing them grow. I loved them going from really struggling in biology to being able to get Bs on their tests and be excited about science. And even as hard as I pushed against the family business, I just couldn't deny that that was where I was meant to be. I really liked working with teenagers and helping them learn and grow. Jon Eckert: The kids are always the draw. That's always the thing. And I feel like other professions that don't get to work with kids and see the way they become more of who they were meant to be, they miss out on that joy. And so that's cool that that's what pulled you in even though you were fighting the family business. So we're glad that you broke through that barrier. So tell us a little bit about... You have a platform this year as the 2025 teacher of the year. What are you most passionate about as an educator? Chris Mihealsick: I am incredibly passionate about students having access and being able to do higher level science. I teach AP Environmental Science, and I really say, "My course is a course for anybody." I work really, really hard to build students up that have never taken an AP class before. I also oftentimes will have some of the top students at our school, and I work very, very hard to make my class engaging for all levels. So I really believe that every kid deserves to have a higher level science experience before they leave high school. And that's kind of my mission as an educator. Jon Eckert: Oh, that's such a gift. As a former middle school science teacher, I always loved being able to pass my kids along to science educators like you because kids are naturally curious about the world. Environmental science, what a great place to try to explore where we fit in the world and how is this made to work and how can we be better stewards of this earth? That's something that a great teacher, I think, can hook any kid into. And so I love this idea that any kid can access those higher level courses because for so long we've been tracked in ways that some kids never get access to that class. Do you have any examples where you've seen a kid who maybe would've not gotten that opportunity in another school or with another teacher where you've seen some incredible growth that gives you belief that this is the right thing for each kid? Chris Mihealsick: Yeah. Every year I get students that this is their first time taking it. For example, I have two students this year. I have a student that has never taken another AP class and she started out getting 30s or 40s on most of the quizzes, and she's worked really hard. She stuck with it. I checked with her a semester, "What support do you need?" She just needed some extra help with some of the writing props because we do essays. Which is sort of a little bit unusual, I guess, in a science class, you don't tend to think of science classes doing essays, but our AP tests, they take a multiple choice part and they have to write three pretty large robust essays. So we do a lot of lab report writing, but we also practice that skill a lot because that's where the kids that have never taken an AP class before really tend to struggle. They can answer the multiple choice questions, okay, they're great in lab, they're fantastic in class, but they really struggle with that writing component. So really working with her this year and helping build her writing up as well as helping build her confidence up. She wasn't quite sure she fit in the class when we started this year, and she absolutely belongs there, I think every kid that comes to my door that's willing to take that chance, and that's a risk for kids, right? They've never taken a higher level of science before. Maybe they had a bad science experience before and they're jumping into this advanced class. So I want to honor that courage that those kids show, that decide, "I'm going to try this, I'm going to take this." So just giving them enough support. And I think also building that culture where the kids really work on helping each other. I try to build up really tight lab groups and then we switch them and they have to build up tight lab groups with a whole new group of kids. So really working with their peers quite a bit is a big cornerstone of my class as well. Jon Eckert: That's one of the things I love about AP is that it forces the writing, because writing is where you really see how kids are thinking, and that's the power in that. It's not rote memorization. You have to be able to think. And as an educator, it's the closest thing we get to getting inside a kid's head. And so I love that that's where you started. And people that listen to this podcast will know I'm always talking about joy through struggle. And it's so true that that student who struggles at the beginning and then gets to the point where she gets a three, four or five on that AP exam in her first attempt at an AP class, she's going to experience so much more joy than the kid who's taking their eighth AP class and they're getting their eighth or ninth four or five. That's great, that's success, but you don't experience the same level of joy if you haven't had that struggle. And so what I also love, the last thing you said really sticks with me, I've been pushing this for a while, that schools obviously have to be safe and psychological safety and physical safety all matter, but what you're celebrating and respecting is that struggle that kids do with others. And so it's not about being safe because those kids don't feel safe when they sign up for that first AP class. That feels like a risk. And so if kids feel like, "Feeling safe is not taking risks," that's a problem. And so what you've created is an environment in your classes where kids know, "Hey, this is a place where I can take risks," and then it's going to be celebrated and respected. And so I love that you're moving kids into that in tangible ways. What have been the benefits to other students in the class? Not the kids who are taking their first AP class, but to other AP students that are seeing a wider range of students in your class than, say, they might in another AP class. Have you seen any benefits to the classroom culture from that? Chris Mihealsick: I think students seeing anybody at our school attempting an AP class and being successful and being part of our group is really important. I think sometimes the highest flying kids at the school tend to think like, "I'm here and everybody else is not as academically robust as me." So really seeing, "Nope. You know what? A lot of people can succeed in a lot of different ways." Sometimes I have some of the kids that are the super high-flyer academic students that struggle with some of our lab work, and then other students are able to step in and be like, "Oh, nope, I got this. I can handle this procedure," or whatnot. And it just shows that there's huge value in everybody working together. There's huge value in everybody having access to these classes. And I think it opens everybody's eyes a little bit in terms of working with all kinds of different kids. Jon Eckert: Well, and again, going back to middle school science. In the lab, I felt like the lab was the grade equalizer because you had some high-flying students that never want to be wrong because that's identity threat to them. And so they don't want to take risks in labs because they don't want to look like they don't know what they're doing. And you can't fake your way through a lab very easily. And so I felt like getting kids partnered up of different abilities was gold because sometimes the kid that you thought would be leading in the lab is not. It's the kid who's like, "Oh, I'm willing to jump in and try this and we don't know what's going to happen and we're going to do this and we're going to track the procedure and we're going to do it safely." But I think that's a great point that I think science has some nice advantages when you have those labs because it's a vulnerable thing, especially for those high-flying kids that never want to be wrong. And that's really problematic for learning if you're not willing to acknowledge, "Hey, I don't know how to do this." That's the whole reason why you're in class. So it's good. So love that you came up with that. I also like... We've talked earlier about how you see building the profession. So we've talked about students, but where are your passions for the profession? Because you don't get to be teacher of the year in a state like Texas if you're only focused on kids. I mean, that's always our primary focus, but what's your hope for other educators in Texas and beyond? Chris Mihealsick: So I really, really care about good teacher leadership. I want every teacher to work in a department or a learning team that has a really competent, caring teacher leader. I want everybody to have a department chair that's a competent, caring department chair. I want people to be able to be mentored. I've been mentored five different times in my career and I'm getting mentored right now by the 2024 Texas Teacher of the Year for my next role. And just that ability for somebody that's there with you in the trenches. We're still in the classroom. I'm still teaching full-time. Teacher leaders are still there. They know the struggle, but they also can help guide you in really great ways that help you grow. I would not be where I am right now without mentorship I got when I first started teaching AP I didn't know what I was doing, Holy cats. And I had two AP teachers that kind of took me under their wing. They weren't even AP environmental science teachers at my school and really helped me learn what it was to help kids learn how to write for AP and how to do the more advanced lab skills. So I think teacher leadership is so important, especially right now when we're talking about, "How do we keep good teachers in the classroom?" Well, it's having people that support them that can help you grow to the next level. Really helping set that culture of your department is so important as well, that support system that... I am very, very fortunate I work for an amazing principal and I'm so grateful to have her support, but at the end of the day, there's one principal, right? But there's 200 of us in our building, and having those teacher leaders in the departments or in the learning communities is just really, really important in smoothing over the day to day, when you have questions about different strategies for working with a kid or how do I teach this in a more engaging way? Those teacher leaders can grow the staff and there's a lot more job satisfaction and working with people that are invested in you staying. Jon Eckert: And I think what you're saying is more important now than ever that the session that I met you in, they had put up a slide... This is from Raise Your Hand Texas, that 56% of new teachers in 2024 were uncertified. So this need for mentoring has never been greater because you have... And there's some great people who have come into the profession without certification, but the only way they're going to succeed is with great coaching and mentoring from people that have done this before because those uncertified people, for the most part, will not have gone through a teacher training program, they won't have done student teaching, they won't have had all those pieces, and now they're in your building. And over half of new teachers in Texas, that's their story. Have you seen an increased need for mentoring, or is this just kind of more of the same? Chris Mihealsick: No, we've seen a huge increase in the need for mentoring. There's a huge difference in getting a pre-service teacher that's gone through student teaching and has had some courses and knows the lingo, right? 504, IEP, all the acronyms. And somebody that has a good heart for kids and knows the content, but knows none of the management skills. So mentoring has been hugely critical. I've noticed a huge uptick in the mentoring that we've done on our campus in the last two to three years, for sure. Jon Eckert: Well, and it feels kind of crazy that we will turn kids over to someone who has no certification to teach when... My favorite statistic on this, I think this is right. In Ohio, to become a barber, you need 1500 hours of supervision. And I'm grateful. I don't want somebody coming in and hacking my hair up. But if you're requiring 1500 hours to cut somebody's hair and then nothing to be responsible, to be the teacher of record for children who are only going to get one shot at environmental science, who are only going to get one shot in third grade to increase their reading or to become a better human in first grade, to be... No certification. In some states it's even worse than in Texas where we're now... In some states, we're not even requiring a bachelor's degree. It's like we're having college students come in and be teacher of record because we're hurting in the profession so much. So my question for you... Obviously, when we have those teachers in our building, we're going to do everything we can to serve those teachers, but I do not want to burn out teachers like you who feel this burden not only for their students, but then for teachers who are coming in who are underprepared and who might be good in two or three years, but in those first couple of years, that's a lot of intensive work for you. What do we do to make sure we don't add more to plates that are already overflowing so that those teacher leaders don't burn out and leave? Chris Mihealsick: That is a really, really important question because I've seen that happen at our school where we've had good teachers leave because they've had two uncertified teachers they've needed to work with. And it's just overwhelming because you have all of your regular day-to-day responsibilities. You're maybe the team lead, so you're also working with your team, plus you also have to support the people that are working on training and getting into teaching. So it's really, really, really challenging. Our school tries to be really judicious about who we assign as mentors. So somebody isn't mentoring... Like for example, we had a biology teacher last year mentoring a brand brand new teacher, and this year we took her off mentoring. She's the team lead for our bio team, but we're like, "Nope, we're not going to have her mentor anybody else this year," because it was a lot last year. It was a lot. And you don't want to burn people that you know are effective and are doing good things for kids and really helping them grow. You don't want them leaving either. Jon Eckert: That's right. Well, I love that rotation idea, and that just means you have to develop a wide, wide range of teacher leaders because you have all different disciplines, especially in a comprehensive high school like you're in. You have all different disciplines. You have department chairs, but you just can't keep putting more on department chairs. Administrators, if they don't have background... If you've never been a science teacher, it's very difficult to give very specific feedback for how to get better if you've never run a lab. You can give general classroom management practices and think about student engagement, but you've got to have people with a lot of different kinds of expertise to give the mentoring just in time for people that are really needing that kind of feedback. So as you look around Texas, are there any real bright spots you see where you're really encouraged by some of the things that you've come across, maybe through the teacher of the year process or just people that you've worked with? I'm sure you're in networks of educators, but is there anything that has been really encouraging to you as you step into this role as teacher of the year? Chris Mihealsick: So I was really fortunate to do two different kind of talks. I did one in late February at Weatherford College with the Jack Harvey Awardee teachers. And first of all, I love, love, love hearing the good work that teachers are doing across the state because it just fills my bucket to hear how much teachers around the state truly care about the kids that they're in charge of. And Weatherford College is a two-year college, but they have some four year degrees and they have a teaching program, and their teaching program is growing. So that was really exciting. They're in North Texas. And I am a University of Texas grad. I will always be proud that I'm a UTeach teaching program graduates. They are doing some really, really... They've done historically since 1998... '99 I think is when they started. And they do some really great work at teacher prep. We consistently try to hire their graduates if we can because we know their graduates have the content knowledge, but also they've had a lot of field experience so they really know how to work with kids. So I think there's some really good stuff still happening all over the state in our teacher prep work. And that's something... Obviously, I want more people to join those programs. Lower enrollment is an issue that both of the schools have talked to me about, but I think that there's some really good work preparing some of our university students. And that's for sure. Besides all the great work from the teachers that I've just kind of talked to anecdotally as I've been kind of tootling about with my work is good. Jon Eckert: And I think why I love talking to educators like you is we have to stop cannibalizing our profession. So we have administrators making administration look so miserable that no teacher wants to step into it. And we have teachers making teaching sound so miserable that students don't want to step into it. And teachers told my own children, I've heard it said multiple times to their children, "Don't go into teaching right now." And what they don't understand is they're looking out for that person. They're saying it in love, but what they're doing is, is they're cannibalizing the profession. And if we don't have a strong teaching profession, we don't have other professions. And so that is really troubling to me. So I really respect what University of Texas does. Good to hear about Weatherford. When I came to Baylor six years ago and saw the program that they run for... I don't get to work in the pre-service teacher program, but they've done six different placements in a full year student teaching internship. Now in many districts, it's a paid internship if they're in high need districts. That is amazing. That is blowing away what we were doing in Illinois with our teacher preparation program where they had a 12-week student teaching placement and they had four practicum placements. That experience is gold when you're in with good teachers like you, and they can see, "Here's how I set this lab up and here's what it looks like at the beginning of the year, and here's what it looks like at the end of the year. That is powerful. And I am not a big fan of bureaucratic requirements that are unnecessary, but I certainly want good preparation for my kids' teachers, which means I want it for every kid in the state of Texas. And so really grateful for the way you're representing education. So let's shift into our lightning round here. I usually have three or four kind of common questions that I go across, and these are just pretty brief answers, if you have them. So best and worst advice you've ever given or received, you can start with either best or worst, but let's start with those two. Chris Mihealsick: Okay. Worst advice for sure was, "Don't smile till Christmas." Who thinks that's a good idea? You don't build relationships with your students by being a jerk. So worst advice for sure. Best advice was from my mentor who helped me when I was first teaching AP, Joy [inaudible 00:20:00]. She said, "You only have so much life energy, so decide what you're really passionate about and what you feel really skilled at, and just work to be really, really great at that." And I thought that was amazing because you get asked to do so many things as an educator, I am not great at facilities. I probably shouldn't sit on the facilities committee. So focus on what you're really good at and use your energy and your passion to get better at that, to make a bigger difference. Jon Eckert: Yeah, that's really, really helpful advice. So follow up on that, what is the most life-giving part of your job and what is the most soul sucking part of your job? Chris Mihealsick: For sure, working with the students. Even with all of amazing things I've gotten to do as Texas Teacher of the Year so far. And I love working with teachers. When I'm back in my classroom, which is most of the time, and just working with the teenagers and seeing them grow. I could teach for another 15, 20 years probably. We'll see how that all works out. But... Because I'm 23 years into my career, but for sure life-giving is just... I love working with the teenagers. Every single day is a little different. They'll say something funny or unique or they'll make a new discovery. Soul sucking, I would say probably paperwork. Not a fan. I'll do it because it's all the laws and all the things and I like my job. I'll do all the paperwork, but not my fave. Jon Eckert: Yeah, there's always some component of the job that is the reason why you need to get paid for the job. And I say paperwork for most of us is there because that's always going to be part of it. But all right. Best book that you've read in the last year. This could be education-related or just a fun read. Anything that jumps out at you as a good book you've read. I'm always looking for recommendations. Chris Mihealsick: So I read a mix of science and historical fiction and kind of leadership books. So my favorite that I've read lately is Armadillo's to Ziziphus by David Hillis. He is a professor at UT in biology. He actually discovered the Barton Springs Salamander. And it's just a whole bunch of short essays about natural history in Central Texas. And I am currently in the middle of reading Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday. I like his work too. He's a stoic, so he kind of talks about when things happen in life, we can't control that, but we can always control how we react to things. And I think his book right now has a whole bunch of little anecdotes about historical figures and their courage in different things. And I think it's just really relevant right now. I think being a teacher takes courage always, but I think especially right now, it's good to hear about other people's struggles and things they've overcome to make the world a better place. Jon Eckert: No, it's beautiful. I love those two. I have not read either of them, so I've got them written down. So thank you for that. Last two questions. What do you think is the greatest obstacle facing teachers right now? And then the second, the follow-up is what gives you the most hope? As you look around the state of Texas, what gives you most hope about what's happening in education? Chris Mihealsick: So challenging... I'm just going to be honest. I think the budget situation is really challenging right now. I'm hoping that changes for us because I'd like to see smaller class sizes for all of my colleagues and me so that we could give students the more individual attention that they deserve. But what gives me hope is two things. First of all, the students that I work with... I just... Every single year, I think, "You guys are going to change the world. You're going to go out, you're going to do something amazing for Texas and it's going to be phenomenal." So just seeing the potential and the energy that... I love working with juniors and seniors, they're my jam. Seeing them kind of grow and change and get ready to go off and then go off into the world and... That energy and that passion. Texas is in good hands with the teenagers that are continuing to graduate from our public schools. Yeah. Also hope the teachers that I've been meeting across the state... As a teacher in Central Texas, I'm a little bit insular and this is my world, but being able to get to travel a little bit and talk to people in other parts of the state has been really phenomenal. And I have a lot of hope for the kids of Texas because of the people I've been meeting. And I hope to meet a whole bunch more. So my hope for the next year is just to get to meet some more folks and to be able to start highlighting some of their good work as part of what I do. Jon Eckert: I love that. Well, Chris, thank you for what you do. And Round Rock, thank you for what you're going to do for the state of Texas. Thanks for your heart, for students and for educators. So grateful to be able to highlight your good work, and hope this year is amazing and we'll have to catch up with you at the end of your year. So thank you for joining us. Chris Mihealsick: Thank you so much for having me. This has been delightful.

Patricia Zárate, jefa del Área de Estudios de Opinión del IEP, conversa con Glatzer Tuesta en No Hay Derecho de Ideeleradio. No Hay Derecho en vivo de lunes a viernes, desde las 7 a. m., por el YouTube y Facebook de Ideeleradio.

Is Spring testing season a source of dread for you and your dyslexic child? Do standardized tests feel like they're designed to highlight their challenges, not their strengths? Today is all about how to help your kids navigate test anxiety during Spring testing season, to avoid the “perfect storm” that these tests often create. In this episode, I share practical steps you can take right away that will help move beyond cramming to using effective, multi-sensory study strategies, tips for creating a calm morning routine the day of the test and how they can manage their time effectively. As well, I reveal what you need to know to make sure you're offering the right support to your child when it's all over, including what not to do immediately after the test is completed. Ultimately, it's all about shifting the focus from scores to growth, and developing rituals that foster a positive mindset and experience for your child! Topics Covered: How standardized testing can create a "perfect storm" for dyslexic students and the importance of recognizing the signs of test anxiety in your child [0:53] What you can do to ensure your child has documented testing accommodations in their IEP or 504 plan and the role that having proper documentation has in this process [2:57] Effective study strategies that can be used by your child to prepare for success, plus ways to develop a confidence-building routine to help shift your child's mindset positively [3:27] What can be done on test day to reduce anxiety and set up your child for success [5:01] Post-test support and perspective and what not to do immediately after test as a parent [5:53] Key Takeaways Dyslexic students face unique testing challenges, so understanding the signs of anxiety is crucial for effective support What you need to know to ensure your child's IEP or 504 plan accurately reflects their needs for consistent and fair testing experiences How shifting from cramming to multi-sensory learning approaches and emphasize growth over test scores There are many strategies to use that will minimize anxiety and maximize your child's confidence, before, during and after the test When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again! Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome professional parent advocate Danielle Ward. Danielle started out advocating for her own kids, several years ago. Now, through her company Encompass Parent Solutions, she offers families of kids with learning and thinking differences non-legal help with advocacy, support, and education counsel. Danielle chats with Gretchen and Rachel about some of the most important dos and don'ts for parents who are advocating for their child at school. Danielle outlines the steps to take when your child is struggling and how to recognize when a parent advocate might be necessary. She also explains the difference between a parent advocate and a special education attorney.For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resources8 steps to advocating for your child at schoolWhere to find legal helpThe difference between special education advocates and attorneysWhat is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?Listen: An attorney's advice on special education disputesTimestamps(00:59) What does a parent advocate do?(02:56) Description of Danielle's first IEP meeting(04:57) Understanding the difference between parent advocates and lawyers(08:13) Whether or not kids should be in meetings at school(09:22) Steps to follow when you sense your child is struggling(10:33) What to do when your child has a diagnosis(15:24) Tips for writing an effective letter or email(19:02) Dos and don'ts for child advocacy(22:06) Guidelines for recording meetings Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

My blood boils every time I see it—the IEP trap. It usually shows up as a proud post from an autism parent:“My child is doing so well that the school reduced their IEP support!”Sounds like progress, right? Wrong.The harsh reality is this: a child's progress is not a reason to remove supports—it's proof that those supports are working. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way.In this episode, I'm breaking down: What the IEP trap really is. The real reasons it happens. What you can do to protect your child's services and mental health.If you've ever been told your child's progress means they don't need as much help, this episode is for you. Tune in and get the clarity you need to keep advocating for your child's true needs.Want more support? Book your complimentary consultation call here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

If you've watched the news recently, you know that there are some HUGE changes happening in our government, especially with the Department of Education. We're breaking it all down today with our guest host, Ashley Barlow! She's a mother to a son with Down syndrome, special education attorney advocate, IEP expert, former teacher, current speaker and podcaster. We are so grateful she's here to cover all these topics:Why did the administration take action so quickly?What exactly is the HR 899 bill and how will it affect students with disabilities? If the DOE gets dismantled and then redistributed, which other departments will be in control?What can parents do right now to protect their children in schools? There's a lot to unpack here, friends! Regardless of your political party, we hope you join us for this conversation so we can stand together in agreeance on what our kids deserve in their schools. Let's dive in.--SHOW NOTESFollow Ashley Barlow on instagram and visit her website!Shout out to Massachusetts Advocates for Children for the imporant work they're doing! Check out their website HERE.SPONSORSLearn more about Jack's Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning. JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric engages in an insightful conversation with Ryan Estrellado, an experienced educator, author, and former school psychologist. Ryan discusses his career journey, emphasizing the importance of data in educational settings and the misconceptions surrounding it. He shares his approach to humanizing data by integrating storytelling, making it more engaging and effective. Ryan also delves into project management techniques, the significance of understanding job duties, and prioritizing tasks to avoid burnout. Listeners will learn practical strategies for effective communication in IEP meetings, the balance between data and intuition, and the importance of being honest about time management. This episode is a must-listen for new and seasoned school psychologists looking to improve their practice and impact.Resources:Ryan's Book: The K-12 Educator's Data Guidebook - https://amzn.to/3X4dgXE Website: https://ryanestrellado.com/ Video from Summer Boot Camp: https://ryanestrellado.com/resources/how-to-present-data-without-putting-people-to-sleepGuest Blog Post: https://jennyponzuric.com/category/guest-blogs/Overlapping Eligibilities: https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/Join Ryan's Newsletter: https://ryanestrellado.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=73077686b83111832870cd89e&id=ceb68cb072Listen to Ryan's Podcast "Donuts in the Lounge": https://ryanestrellado.com/podcast**NEW** Try the Prepared School Psychologist Membership for FreeWe're offering a free 4-week trial of the Prepared School Psychologist Membership. Use the code PODCAST to explore our valuable resources, including 2 mini-courses designed to support your professional growth and development.Be prepared for whatever your role throws your way. The Prepared School Psychologist Membership gives you the resources and support you need to confidently serve students and navigate the challenges of school psychology.Start your free trial today: https://jennyponzuric.ac-page.com/the-prepared-school-psych-free-trial---------------------------------------------------------Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:Instagram: @jennyponzuric https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ponzuric-1562a8119/Join my FREE LinkedIn Group "Resources for Special Education Professionals": https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462888/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:16 Discussing Favorite TV Shows01:57 The Role of TV in Personal and Professional Life05:04 Describing Professional Traits05:43 Reflections on School Psychology08:50 Career Evolution and Systemic Challenges14:53 Humanizing Data in Education22:48 The Importance of Storytelling with Data37:34 Practical Strategies for Storytelling37:52 Creating a Storytelling Template38:28 Main Conclusions and Data Points39:51 Empowering Through Templates42:01 Feedback and Improvement47:56 Connecting Data and Creativity57:45 Advice for New School Psychologists58:18 Project Management in School Psychology01:03:41 The Role of Leadership01:06:36 Feeling Prepared: Practical TipsThe information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.

Welcome to this episode of Special Education for Beginners, where we are continuing the discussion on assistive technology in special education. As we continue this series, today's episode focuses on how to build sustainable systems that endure and evolve with our educational needs and changes. Joining us is Paige Buckingham, the Assistive Technology Lead Facilitator for Kansas Infinitec, who has been instrumental in training districts, including mine, to integrate and sustain assistive technology effectively.Talking Points:What sustainability means in the context of assistive technology and why it's crucial not just to introduce tools but to integrate them as long-lasting components of educational plansDiscuss the centralized and distributed models of assistive technology implementation. Learn how these models affect the roles of IEP teams and the overall effectiveness of technology integrationImportance of training educators and staff to ensure that assistive technology tools are not only implemented but are also effectively used to enhance student learning experiencesAddress common challenges that districts face in maintaining assistive technology systems and the innovative solutions that can help overcome these obstaclesInsights into the resources available for districts to enhance their assistive technology practices, including state guides, action checklists, and professional development opportunitiesConclusion: Remember, building a sustainable assistive technology environment is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment to student success. Be sure to tune in for our next episode, where we will put everything discussed this month into action, from AT evaluations to integrating AT into IEPs based on individual student needs. Thank you for joining us, and continue to advocate for the impactful integration of technology in special education.Additional Resources:Connect with Paige through Kansas Infinitec Kansas AT Guide Learn more about TASN/Infinitec Email Paige pbuckingham@ucpnet.orgLearn more from Paige  pbuckingham.comInstagram @BESTskills4life YouTube channel- BESTskills4lifeIf you found value in today's episode, please subscribe to the podcast, share it with other educators or parents, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to support the special education community with valuable insights and resources.Writing individual impact statements based on a student's unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of. My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze. Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!Don't forget to leave a review of the show!Follow JenniferInstagramTPT

Here we are with a NEW season of The Lucky Few Podcast! Join us for this first episode back for some big life updates!From Mercedes: mother-daughter bonding with Sunny, braces, medical thingsFrom Micha: potty training for Ace, communication device debates, new therapiesFrom Heather: her mother's health, extracurriculars.. dances, musical theater, basketballFrom the pod: BONUS episodes that you can access as a member of The Lucky Crew!Join THE LUCKY CREW for $4.99 a month for bonus episodes and MORE.Participate in the NDSS Racing for 3.21 challenge on World Down Syndrome Day. Sign up to participate from where ever you live, HERE.Some things haven't changed though.. you'll see that we still don't really know what year of the podcast this is and we still think there's room to grow in the education system (shocker!). But get excited friends! Because this season will be full of important topics + a GUEST HOST.. Ashley Barlow, a fellow lucky mama, podcaster, and IEP expert.SHOW NOTESJoin THE LUCKY CREW for $4.99 a month for bonus episodes and MORE.Participate in the NDSS Racing for 3.21 challenge on World Down Syndrome Day. Sign up to participate from where ever you live, HERE.JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more!  Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!HEATHER'S NEW BOOKPre-order Heather's newest children's book: I Like You So Much!

Is your teen struggling in school, but you're hitting roadblocks trying to get them the support they need? The IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can be overwhelming—especially for minority parents facing additional challenges. In this episode, I sit down with Maria Davis-Pierre, a licensed mental health counselor, autism advocate, and founder of Autism in Black. Maria shares her personal journey navigating the special education system for her neurodivergent children and exposes the hidden biases that often prevent Black and minority children from getting the right diagnosis and accommodations. She also provides practical strategies for parents to advocate effectively, empower their teens, and navigate the IEP process with confidence.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The biggest mistakes parents make when advocating for their child's IEP—and how to avoid them Why Black and minority children are often mislabeled as behavioral problems instead of receiving proper support How to involve your teen in their IEP process and teach them self-advocacy skills The hidden biases in school support systems that every parent should know about 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Know Your Rights – Understanding the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is crucial for effective advocacy. Cultural Bias Exists – Many minority children are misdiagnosed or overlooked, making advocacy even more critical. Empower Your Teen – Teens who participate in their own IEP process develop stronger self-advocacy skills for the future. Leverage Their Strengths – Connecting accommodations to your teen's interests can make learning more engaging. Give Yourself Grace – The IEP process is challenging, but you are your child's best advocate.  

In this episode of the Momentum Parenting Podcast, hosts Dr. Roseanne Lesack and Dr. Jillian Wilson introduce special guest April Rehrig from RISE Educational Advocacy. April shares her expertise on helping parents navigate the complex IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. The conversation covers how to identify if your child might need an IEP, the importance of trusting parental instincts, and practical steps to initiating the IEP process. April emphasizes the significance of being prepared, understanding your rights, and involving your child in the IEP journey. The episode is packed with invaluable tips to empower parents in advocating for their child's educational needs. To learn more about April and RISE Educational Advocacy, you can: Check out RISE on Instagram: @riseedadvocacy Visit the website: https://www.riseeducationaladvocacy.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and their guests. Views and opinions expressed in the podcast are our own and do not necessarily represent that of our employers or Momentum Parenting, LLC. The content discussed by the hosts or their guests should not be taken as mental health or medical advice and is for informational and educational purposes only. In no way does listening, contacting our hosts, or engaging with our content establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your or your child's healthcare professional for any mental health or medical questions. Strategies discussed in this podcast are backed by peer-reviewed literature. Please see show notes for references. All examples mentioned in the podcast have been modified to protect patient confidentiality.

In this classic from 2022, Stefanie deals with an awful lady about IPAs and 504's! We call her Ms. Kuntz...I mean Koontz. Plus, we break down dating on the apps, profiles, opening lines and more!