Podcasts about Special education

When you're teaching storytelling with students, do your lessons feel kind of…random?I used to feel like this a lot when I was a school SLP, so if you've ever had a “throw spaghetti at the wall” therapy session that felt all over the place, I get it.The truth is, repetition and drill is not the enemy. If you ONLY focus on unstructured activities, you're probably seeing students getting overwhelmed, not remembering to apply important language skills (like syntax, vocabulary words, etc). But if you ONLY stick with structured activities, kids never get the chance to apply and practice. That's why leveraging books and story grammar as part of your “therapy toolkit” can be such a powerful tool to bridge this gap…even though many storytelling activities look like simple “cutesy” activities on the surface.(and if you understand the “why” it's much easier to apply for older kids who are kind of over coming to therapy). In this second half of my interview with my colleague Jane Gebers, we talk about how to use tools like dynamic assessment and narrative intervention to make therapy structured, rigorous, and functional. Jane L. Gebers is the author of the popular resource, Books Are for Talking, Too!, first published in 1990, and now in its 4th edition as of March 2023. A practicing speech-language pathologist for over 40 years, she has worked in public school, hospital, private, and clinical settings. She has been an adjunct professor at St. Mary's College of California and other universities where she taught Language Development, Assessment, and Intervention courses to students pursuing special education credentials. She currently holds a private practice in Northern California.You can connect with Jane on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-l-gebers-53856119/Email her at jane@soundingyourbest.comLearn more about her book, Books Are For Talking, Too! here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2SG8J58?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_RR4P3SB19A92WD6FPD3RLearn more about her storytelling resources and speech therapy services on her website here: http://soundingyourbest.com/In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned the Art and Science of Narrative Language, my program that gives speech pathologists and educational professionals a process for evaluating and supporting narrative language. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/art-science-narratives-blog-297/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Frederick man sentenced to 25 years in prison for child sexual abuse Special Education aide for FCPS accused of abusing two cognitively disabled students will remain in jail until trial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Gagne is an attorney specializing in special education and has been helping parents navigate the special education system for decades.  She shares her expertise, knowledge and experience as a mom to a son with profound autism. Melissa talks about the launch of “IEP Slay”, an exciting online affordable subscription-based service for parents to access resources, guidance and help preparing for those inevitable IEP(Individualized Education Program) meetings.

Tune in to this exciting conversation with Meagan Alderton from the DC Special Education Cooperative to hear how they are creating systems where students with disabilities thrive. Meagan shares powerful strategies from successful DC schools, explaining why the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework is "just how you do school." Listen in for essential leadership advice that can help drive genuine change in your school.   Access the full podcast transcript at https://bit.ly/5MinsWithDCCoop

A new chapter of leadership is underway at the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, as Honourable Kenson Casimir officially assumed duties today as Minister, alongside Minister in the Ministry of Education, Honourable Danny Butcher, who has responsibility for Early Childhood, Continuing and Special Education, and Digital Transformation. The first day was marked by strategic engagement, staff dialogue, and a clear signal of renewed direction and purpose.

Why are we so obsessed with “storytelling”?In education, we talk about it when we're working on language and reading comprehension. It's also referred to in sales and copy writing as a tool for generating more leads and customers. And of course, people writing books or films think about it all the time. We all know storytelling is an important life skill. But do we remember HOW MUCH it can impact our ability to communicate and function? And do we know how to support students who don't have this skill?I invited my colleague Jane Gebers to the De Facto Leaders podcast to discuss this topic. If you're helping students build skills for functional daily tasks, challenging academic work, or in social situations, you won't want to miss this conversation. In this first half of the interview, we talk about the “why” behind teaching narrative discourse, plus specific examples of how we've both used narrative structure to build our own comprehension.Jane L. Gebers is the author of the popular resource, Books Are for Talking, Too!, first published in 1990, and now in its 4th edition as of March 2023. A practicing speech-language pathologist for over 40 years, she has worked in public school, hospital, private, and clinical settings. She has been an adjunct professor at St. Mary's College of California and other universities where she taught Language Development, Assessment, and Intervention courses to students pursuing special education credentials. She currently holds a private practice in Northern California.You can connect with Jane on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-l-gebers-53856119/Email her at jane@soundingyourbest.comLearn more about her book, Books Are For Talking, Too! here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2SG8J58?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_RR4P3SB19A92WD6FPD3RLearn more about her storytelling resources and speech therapy services on her website here: http://soundingyourbest.com/ In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned the Art and Science of Narrative Language, my program that gives speech pathologists and educational professionals a process for evaluating and supporting narrative language. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/art-science-narratives-blog-297/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

This episode is Part 1 of Stephanie's conversation with Michele Coleman. Make sure you subscribe for Part 2 coming in the next episode.In this episode I'm joined by one of our lovely clients, Michele Coleman, an Irish woman who left for the UK over 30 years ago to build a brilliant career in teaching and special education, and who has now started the journey home.Michele shares why she always felt that pull back to Ireland, even while enjoying opportunities in the UK that simply wouldn't have been available to her here at the time.We talk about the reality of coming back after decades away – the emotional side as much as the practical. Michele explains what's different about day-to-day life in Ireland compared to the southeast of England, from pace of life and community to the small interactions that make you feel like you belong. There's even a mention of how the Irish drive differently!Michele's story will give you a very honest feel for what “home” can look like after so many years, and why the pull back to Ireland is so strong despite decades away.Main Topics:Michele's Career Journey in the UK: Michele shares how a lack of opportunities in Ireland initially pushed her to the UK, where she built a long, successful career across mainstream and special education.The Emotional Pull of Returning to Ireland: Despite thriving professionally abroad, Michele describes a constant desire to return home, rooted in family, friendships, and a deep cultural connection.Life Transitions and Timing the Move Back: Michele speaks candidly about personal loss, retirement, and the moment she finally decided the time was right to buy a home in Ireland—even making the offer from Spain.Cultural and Lifestyle Differences Between Ireland and the UK: She reflects on the contrast in pace of life, accessibility, commuting, and social interactions, highlighting what feels distinctly Irish versus life in the southeast of England.Belonging, Community, and the Irish “Way of Being”: Michele and Stephanie discuss the everyday warmth, banter, and sense of community that define Irish life—and why those small moments matter so much to returning expats.*****Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct.*Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct******If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/services-and-pricing/.Chapters:(00:00) Welcome & Episode Intro(01:00) Meet Michele: An Irish Expat's Story(02:00) Moving to the UK for Education & Career(03:40) Building a Career in Special Education(06:00) The Constant Pull Back to Ireland(07:15) Personal Loss & Reassessing Life Plans(08:40) Buying a Home in Ireland from...

Sandra T. Elliott, PhD - Sum Thing Is Up: A Practical Guide to Dyscalculia - Tips, Tools, and Resources for Parents, Educators, and Anyone Affected by Dyscalculia. This is episode 805 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Sandra T. Elliott, Ph.D., is a career educator who has spent over four decades working to enhance education for all students and improve schools and their systems around the globe.  She has served as a Special Education teacher, a five-time principal in Florida and Colorado, a district-level administrator and state level consultant.  She has held executive-level positions at for-profit education providers and foundations and was part of the EngageNY – Eureka Math team and led the TouchMath team that developed DySc- the free dyscalculia screener for ages 3-adult.  Dr. Elliott is also a member of the UNESCO-sponsored international EDUsummIT that meets biennially to write education policy recommendations to be adopted by the United Nations.  Dr Elliott has presented at national and international conferences on mathematics for the struggling student and dyscalculia, has published in national and international journals, and recently released her debut book, Sum Thing is Up: A Practical Guide to Dyscalculia - Tips, Tools, and Resources for Parents, Educators, and Anyone Affected by Dyscalculia. Awesome conversation! So much to learn and understand. Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://touchmath.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchmath/ https://www.youtube.com/@TouchMath https://www.instagram.com/touchmath.official/ https://www.facebook.com/TouchMath/ https://www.amazon.com/Sum-Thing-Practical-Dyscalculia-Resources/dp/1966551231 Length - 32:44

Every student has unique learning needs, and meeting those needs is key to success. That's especially true for students who receive special education services.In the San Diego Unified School District, 1 in 5 students use those services — one of the highest rates in California.This week, district leaders announced plans to address "systemic issues" in the district's special education program. That includes advocating for more funding from the state and federal government.We discuss the details with the superintendent of the district.Guest:Fabi Bagula, superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District

If your therapy techniques only work when you're in the room, that's a problem.Many therapists unintentionally “gatekeep” their expertise and miss opportunities to boost carryover.It's the unexpected downside of being really good at direct clinical work. Don't get me wrong. Clinical judgment does matter. And some things can only be addressed by a trained clinician in a therapy room.But when every decision depends on your personal expertise and physical presence, you've made yourself the bottleneck.In this episode, I'll share how to make the shift towards clear, repeatable systems that others can follow. When you make your methods easier to teach, you make your work scalable, easier to delegate, and far more convincing to leadership.I'll tackle common misconceptions like:✅ “I can't delegate; I don't have direct reports.”✅ “I don't have time for consultation.”✅ “We never get enough time to work on skills.”Plus I share the three steps to making intervention “scalable” so your session plans can start doubling as consultation guides and training tools for others.In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop scalable executive functioning strategies they can turn into schoolwide initiatives. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Karen Meyer Cunningham is a nationally recognized special education advocate, speaker, and mediator with over two decades of experience guiding families, educators, and professionals through the complexities of special education systems. Known as The Special Education Boss®, she brings deep expertise in IDEA, Section 504, and disability advocacy, with a clear commitment to ensuring equitable access and meaningful outcomes for students with disabilities.Karen details how a difficult introduction to special education set her down her path to helping others. She also gets into her book, The Epic IEP, and how she runs her Special Education Academy. Make sure to tune in to hear how special education programs can improve.For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode165.

In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we're continuing our December theme of Survive & Thrive. Last week on Episode 289, we kicked things off with a powerful mindset episode that challenged you to let go of perfectionism, release the guilt, and embrace the idea that you are enough. Today, we're focusing on THRIVING through the chaos with actionable strategies.Let's be real: December is no joke in the world of special education. The behaviors are ramping up, your to-do list is growing by the minute, and that dreaded progress monitoring deadline is looming. But surviving doesn't mean doing everything perfectly. It means simplifying.Tune in as I share 7 practical and time-saving strategies that can help you collect meaningful data without losing your mind, or your holiday spirit. From using passive time to pull one-on-one data, to delegating with clarity, to making the most of what you already have in your classroom—this episode is all about making smart, simple choices that support YOU.

First, yesterday the San Diego City Council approved a settlement of $30 million dollars for the family of a teen who was fatally shot by a police officer. Then, San Diego Unified leaders have announced plans to address “systemic issues” in special education. Next, how they're trying to save an endangered bird at the Batiquitos Lagoon. Finally, a preview of an upcoming dance performance.

When I started my microschool at my dining room table with six children during the pandemic, I thought that was the dream. I thought my purpose was simply to create a safe space for a handful of kids while the world felt uncertain. What I didn't realize then—what I can see so clearly now—is that the school I started wasn't the dream. It was the seed of the dream. And seeds always know how to become more. In this episode, I'm sharing what it truly means to ReDream your life, your school, and your purpose as a teacher, leader, or future microschool founder. This conversation is deeply personal and sets the stage for the historic transition happening in Episode 400—from Teacher Let Your Light Shine to the new movement: ReDream Education. Over the last year, I have been in a constant process of ReDreaming. I've redreamed my school model. I've redreamed how I support neurodivergent and gifted students. I've redreamed how I coach teachers, founders, and educational leaders. I've redreamed the entire way I serve this community. And this episode is where I reveal the truth: A dream is innocent—but a ReDream is informed. A ReDream is the evolution that happens when your dream grows bigger than the place it started. WHAT I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE

Could a common gene variant be quietly clogging the system for you or your child? In this episode of Complicated Kids, I sit down with holistic academic coach Elyse Dworin to talk about the MTHFR gene—what it is, what it does, and why it matters for neurodivergent kids and their parents. Elyse explains, in plain language, how this gene helps the body process folate, manage toxins, and regulate inflammation—and what can happen when a mutation plus a modern "enriched" diet start to overload the system. We get into her personal story of brain fog, gut issues, anxiety, and years of "IBS" labels before testing finally revealed toxic levels of heavy metals, sky-high folic acid, and an MTHFR mutation. From there, we talk about what families can actually do: shifting away from processed and fortified foods, choosing methylated vitamins, supporting detox with a knowledgeable provider, and paying attention to how our bodies respond. We also zoom out to the bigger picture—how food, sleep, movement, medications, environment, and nervous system sensitivity all weave together. And because this is Complicated Kids, we talk about what this looks like in real life with real kids: the Halloween candy, the Goldfish, the push-pull of autonomy, and how to work toward balance without turning food into a power struggle. Key Takeaways: The MTHFR gene is involved in repairing DNA, managing homocysteine, recycling antioxidants, and helping the body process toxins and allergens. There are common MTHFR variants; when present, especially alongside high folic acid intake, they can contribute to issues like brain fog, anxiety, ADHD-like symptoms, and mood challenges. Folic acid (synthetic) is not the same as folate (naturally found in leafy greens), and people with MTHFR mutations may not process folic acid well. "Enriched" or "fortified" on ingredient labels usually means folic acid has been added—common in many flours, cereals, and boxed foods. Over time, unprocessed folic acid and toxins can "clog the drain," leading to overload in the system rather than smooth detox and regulation. Testing with a holistic or functional provider can help identify MTHFR mutations, heavy metal loads, and vitamin/mineral imbalances. Detox protocols should always be done under medical supervision, because releasing too many stored toxins at once can overwhelm the body. Practical support often includes shifting toward whole foods, adding leafy greens, and using methylated B vitamins instead of standard multivitamins. Behavior is communication—sometimes emotional, sometimes physical—and can be a clue that something in the body isn't working well. With kids, especially tweens and teens, education, moderation, and collaboration usually work better than restriction and force when it comes to food. Learning to tune into your own body (and helping kids tune into theirs) is a powerful lifelong skill that supports focus, mood, and resilience. About Elyse Dworin Elyse Dworin is the founder of Elevated Learning Solutions, a holistic academic support practice that helps students thrive by understanding not only how they learn best, but also what supports their bodies and brains to function at their best. Drawing on her strong background in math and dual degrees in Special Education and Exceptional Learners, she blends academic instruction with metacognition, executive functioning support, study skills, and social-emotional strategies. Elyse also coaches parents to better understand their child's learning profile and build realistic, compassionate supports at home. She lives in Germantown with her husband and two young children. About Your Host, Gabriele Nicolet I'm Gabriele Nicolet, toddler whisperer, speech therapist, parenting life coach, and host of Complicated Kids. Each week, I share practical, relationship-based strategies for raising kids with big feelings, big needs, and beautifully different brains. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving by building connection, confidence, and clarity at home. Complicated Kids Resources and Links

 On the radio show this week, we dive into Trumpflation and this administration's devastating immigration policies with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal. We also hear about protecting democracy under the lawlessness of the White House. Then we cover the role of the U.S. Department of Education in leveling the playing field for children -- and why we must fight to keep the Department intact. We close the show discussing the defunding of Planned Parenthood and how we fight back.    SPECIAL GUESTS: U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, @PramilaJayapal, @jayapal.house.gov; Fatima Goss Graves, National Women's Law Center, @nwlc, @nwlc.org; Kuna Tavalin,Council for Exceptional Children, @CECMembership, @cecmembership.bsky.social; Angela Vasquez-Giroux, Planned Parenthood Federation of America/Planned Parenthood Action, @PPFA, @PPact, @ppfa.org

Dawn Bennett, a Kilrush-based hair salon proprietor, moved to the West of the county from Limerick several years to obtain a primary school place for her son Jamie, who is non-verbal and requires additional needs support in education. With Jamie set to start secondary school in the next two years, he faces the prospect of having to make the 43-kilometre journey to Ennis each day to attend the nearest secondary school that meets his requirements. Dawn, who says autistic children are ‘second class citizens', is urging parents in similar situations to voice their concerns to the National Council of Special Education. To discuss this further, Dawn joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Picture (c) Wokandapix from pixabay via Canva.com

For over three decades, I've dedicated my life to one core mission: teaching people how to find deep, unshakable focus and control under pressure. Whether I was in the Martial Arts Studio, working to achieve seven black belt degrees, or in a classroom of Special Education improving behavioral change in children and adults, or working as a Hypnotherapist helping someone lose weight, managing stress, eliminating anxiety, helping someone to win over self sabotage, you name it. But today, we are dismantling the myth that Martial Arts is about violence. It is in fact, the most direct path to emotional calm and laser focus, when your mind becomes sharp, purposeful, and fully aligned with the goal we want to attain. We'll explore what makes this hypnotherapy method different from the rest. This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series on Martial Arts Principles and Hypnotherapy. In the following episode we'll be explaining The Black Belt Mindset Program. Please reach to us by messaging at:yoli@timphypno.com Or visit Timphypno.com Timpanogos Hypnotherapy in:FB, Instagram, YouTube, TikTokI'm a skilled and confident hypnotherapist with a proven track record of helping both children and adults achieve powerful, lasting change across a wide range of challenges. Where we mix mental health education with story telling humor and subconscious sparkle. From anxiety and stress to behavioral issues and emotional healing, I tailor my approach to each individual, ensuring they receive the personalized support they need. I don't specialize in just one niche—my expertise spans many areas, and I'm dedicated to helping people unlock their full potential and overcome obstacles, no matter their situation. You can reach out at: • Timphypno.com • Email us at: Yoli@timphypno.comTimpanogos Hypnotherapy on Facebook Timpanogos Hypnotherapy on Instagram •Thanks for listening!Hypnotherapy for children and Adults.

We joined Guardian of Hope for a powerful conversation about emotional maturity.

Fifty years ago, special education in America was born.In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the landmark law known today as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.It guaranteed all children with disabilities the right to a "free appropriate public education."Now, amid the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, there's growing concern that protections for students with disabilities are in jeopardy.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Kathryn Fink. It was edited by Jeanette Woods and Nicole Cohen. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Where did arbitrary cut scores for norm-referenced language assessments come from, and why do they feel “safer” than relying on clinical judgement?I discuss this question and more in this third part of a three-part series, bilingual SLPs Destiny Johnson and Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz join me to continue our conversation about advocating for effective language evaluation practices in schools.Across these conversations, we explore:Sensitivity, specificity, reference standards, and diagnostic accuracyHow test development has evolved over time and why this matters Why the same cut-off score shouldn't apply across all testsThe math behind using two norm-referenced tests, and why it may complicate rather than clarify in some casesOther reasons we test beyond diagnosis (treatment planning, severity, monitoring progress)How do we do we to “sell” the concept of dynamic assessment to administratorsCase studies that show the pitfalls of over-reliance on standardized scoresMisconceptions clinicians often hold, and what they should know about assessmentDifferences in state eligibility standards, and what this means for service decisionsThis series is part myth-busting, part practical strategies, and part advocacy playbook—perfect for clinicians who want to move beyond compliance-driven evaluations toward assessments that truly reflect students' needs.Destiny Johnson, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a bilingual speech-language pathologist (English/Spanish) with a deep passion for culturally responsive assessment and treatment practices, as well as advocating for policy change. She has presented on dynamic assessment at the CSHA Convergence 2024, focusing on the importance of dynamic assessment in bilingual children. Destiny has experience working as a school-based SLP, in private practice, and in early intervention. She is also the founder and CEO of Multimodal Communication Speech Clinic P.C.Connect with Destiny on Instagram @destinyjohnsonslp, on her private practice website here, and on LinkedIn here.Listen to Destiny's previous episode on De Facto Leaders here: EP 187: Dynamic Assessment: Evaluations are a process, not a test (with Destiny Johnson)Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz is a bilingual high school SLP from Southern California who has primarily worked in the school systems and has experience at both the elementary and secondary level. She's also a member of Language Therapy Advance Foundations, and is involved in state and local advocacy work relating to dynamic assessments and special education eligibility.Connect with Tiffany on Instagram @tiffany.shahoumianListen to Tiffany's previous episode on De Facto Leaders here: High school language therapy: Do we still have time to make an impact? (with Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz)In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here.Additional Resources Mentioned in the episode:Daub, O., Cunningham, B. J., Bagatto, M. P., Johnson, A. M., Kwok, E. Y., Smyth, R. E., & Oram Cardy, J. (2021). Adopting a conceptual validity framework for testing in speech-language pathology. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1894–1908. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00032Spaulding, T. J., Plante, E., & Farinella, K. A. (2006). Eligibility criteria for language impairment: Is the low end of normal always appropriate? Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 37(1), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.1044/0161-1461(2006/007)DYMOND Norm-Referenced Dynamic AssessmentBilingual English-Spanish Assessment (BESA) We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, guest host Reid Miles speaks with Dr. Alice Ackerman and Rebecca Erwin, two experienced clinicians and educators working at the intersection of autism, behavioral health, and school crisis response.Together they explore:The critical role schools play in supporting autistic studentsWhy behavior is communication — not defianceHow schools can respond to crisis without escalationWhat teachers and parents actually need during high-stress momentsThe importance of training, collaboration, and early interventionReal-world examples from clinical and educational settingsHow professionals can shift from fear and reactivity to understanding and partnershipThis is a grounded, compassionate conversation for parents, teachers, clinicians, and advocates seeking deeper insight into trauma-informed, neurodiversity-aware crisis support.Guest Websites: Dr. Alice Ackermanhttps://adackerman.comRebecca Erwinwww.thelarkcenter.comThis episode is part of the Converge Autism Podcastathon and includes a mid-show spotlight for Springbrook Behavioral Health's newest program, All Abilities & No Filter.www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Classrooms across the Seneca Valley School District are now phone-free from the first bell to the last under “Phone-Free SV,” a new districtwide policy designed to reduce distractions, support student well-being and boost academic engagement. Listen as Ryan Gloyer Middle School Principal Ms. Trisha Butschle, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Principal Dr. Chet Henderson and Director of Student Services Dr. Cassandra Doggrell share the positive feedback they've received, the increased interaction they're seeing among students, and how everyone is adjusting to the new policy.IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWNew cell phone policy, "Phone-Free SV"Positive feedback from teachers and studentsHow classroom engagement has improvedAn increase in peer-to-peer interaction between studentsHow students, teachers and parents are adjusting to the new policyOverviewSPECIAL GUESTSRyan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) Principal Ms. Trisha Butschle, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Principal Dr. Chet Henderson and Director of Student Services Dr. Cassandra DoggrellMs. Trisha Butschle is in her 28th year with the Seneca Valley School District. After 19 years teaching English at the Intermediate High School, she transitioned to the middle level to join the administrative team and now proudly serves as the middle school principal. She enjoys spending her days surrounded by the students and staff, prioritizing safety, wellness, and a supportive learning environment. Ms. Butschle feels fortunate to work alongside an amazing team and the wonderful students who make each day meaningful.Dr. Chet Henderson is in his 4th year serving as the principal of the Seneca Valley Intermediate High School and his 19th year in education. Dr. Henderson enjoys the collaborative nature of his position and is proud of the work being done at the IHS to best support students and staff.  He has taken part in the development and implementation of a peer mentoring program with students from the IHS and RGMS. In addition, Dr. Henderson has implemented building wide learning walks and personalized professional development for the staff at the IHS to strengthen the collaboration and instructional practice throughout the IHS.Dr. Cassandra Doggrell began her career at Seneca Valley in 2010 as an Autism and Emotional Support Teacher at Rowan Elementary. She has held various administrative positions, including Principal of Haine Middle School and Assistant Principal at Evans City and Haine Middle. Before returning to Seneca Valley, she spent five years at Upper St. Clair School District as Director of Student Support Services and Special Education. Her research and practice interests include comprehensive mental health systems in schools, students with autism, students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and inclusionary service delivery models. Dr. Doggrell holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh. 

In this final episode of our November theme, we're shifting from simply supporting parents to truly empowering them. Throughout the month, we've explored how to build trust with families, welcome them into the IEP process, and navigate tough conversations with respect and collaboration.Today, I'm introducing a game-changing resource you can use to equip parents with the tools they need to feel confident, informed, and ready to be active participants in their child's educational journey: the Parent Handbook for Special Education (English/Spanish).

When we choose evaluation tools for language, are we clear on WHY we're assessing? Most people think of diagnosis, but that's not the only reason we assess students. I discuss this question and more in this second part of a three-part series, bilingual SLPs Destiny Johnson and Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz join me to continue our conversation about language evaluation practices in schools.Across these conversations, we explore:Sensitivity, specificity, reference standards, and diagnostic accuracyHow test development has evolved over time and why this matters Why the same cut-off score shouldn't apply across all testsThe math behind using two norm-referenced tests, and why it may complicate rather than clarify in some casesOther reasons we test beyond diagnosis (treatment planning, severity, monitoring progress)How do we do we to “sell” the concept of dynamic assessment to administratorsCase studies that show the pitfalls of over-reliance on standardized scoresMisconceptions clinicians often hold, and what they should know about assessmentDifferences in state eligibility standards, and what this means for service decisionsThis series is part myth-busting, part practical strategies, and part advocacy playbook—perfect for clinicians who want to move beyond compliance-driven evaluations toward assessments that truly reflect students' needs.Destiny Johnson, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a bilingual speech-language pathologist (English/Spanish) with a deep passion for culturally responsive assessment and treatment practices, as well as advocating for policy change. She has presented on dynamic assessment at the CSHA Convergence 2024, focusing on the importance of dynamic assessment in bilingual children. Destiny has experience working as a school-based SLP, in private practice, and in early intervention. She is also the founder and CEO of Multimodal Communication Speech Clinic P.C.Connect with Destiny on Instagram @destinyjohnsonslp, on her private practice website here, and on LinkedIn here.Listen to Destiny's previous episode on De Facto Leaders here: EP 187: Dynamic Assessment: Evaluations are a process, not a test (with Destiny Johnson)Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz is a bilingual high school SLP from Southern California who has primarily worked in the school systems and has experience at both the elementary and secondary level. She's also a member of Language Therapy Advance Foundations, and is involved in state and local advocacy work relating to dynamic assessments and special education eligibility.Connect with Tiffany on Instagram @tiffany.shahoumianListen to Tiffany's previous episode on De Facto Leaders here: High school language therapy: Do we still have time to make an impact? (with Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz)In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here.Additional Resources Mentioned in the episode:Daub, O., Cunningham, B. J., Bagatto, M. P., Johnson, A. M., Kwok, E. Y., Smyth, R. E., & Oram Cardy, J. (2021). Adopting a conceptual validity framework for testing in speech-language pathology. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1894–1908. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00032Spaulding, T. J., Plante, E., & Farinella, K. A. (2006). Eligibility criteria for language impairment: Is the low end of normal always appropriate? Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 37(1), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.1044/0161-1461(2006/007)DYMOND Norm-Referenced Dynamic AssessmentBilingual English-Spanish Assessment (BESA) We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode, Matt and Jamison discuss the significant next steps announced by Secretary Linda McMahon in the effort to close the Department of Education. Since permanent closure requires Congress, the department is moving programs through inter-agency agreements with several programs transferring to other agencies including the State Department and Department of Labor.The hosts focus on the consequential move of elementary and secondary education to the Department of Labor, which raises concerns about balancing workforce preparation (like Career and Technical Education) with virtue development and knowledge acquisition. Programs statutorily required to remain at the DOE include the Office for Civil Rights (Title IX), Federal Student Aid, and Special Education. AACS schools are advised to anticipate changes regarding the administration of Title funding. The episode wraps up by celebrating Maureen Van Den Berg's 20-year milestone with AACS.

Jerri Green is a mom, a lawyer as well as a public servant raised right here in Tennessee. She will be running for the next Governor of Tennessee in 2026. Timeline1:25 Who is Jerri Green?3:39 What are the role and responsibilities of Governor?7:04 How does your current work position you for Governorof TN?9:51 Jerri Green's position on school vouchers?11: 47 Jerri Green's position on Special Education?12:42 Public Education and the Department of Education21:51 Jerri Green's position on Healthcare?25:21 How do we rise up to meet this moment?26:26: Solutions30:52 Jerri Green's position the cost of groceries.35:05 Women in Leadership39:29 Why vote for Jerri Green?42:47 ConclusionDisclaimer: The opinions expressed by the participants on this podcast are their own and do not reflect any organization they may work for or represent.

This week, Jimmy and Richie talk to Jimmy's daughter, Author and Illustrator Michelle MacLean about her book "Abilities". Michelle MacLean is a 7th grade Special Educator in Sudbury Massachusetts. Her inspiration for her graphic novel came when her students with different disabilities started to make negative comments about their challenges with school. Not finding any characters for her students to connect with, she decided to create them. Michelle had her own challenges growing up in school as she was placed in a sub separate special education class for having dyslexia. Despite having dyslexia, she was always a creative cartoonist. Michelle went on to earn her masters at Framingham State University in Special Education. Her goal for this book is to help kids with different disabilities learn more about themselves and persevere through the challenges of school. The character in her book Daniella is a reflection of herself growing up in middle school.

Language assessments shape who gets services, how goals are written, and how progress is measured, but there are many misconceptions about how to follow best-practices when doing an evaluation. In this three-part series, bilingual SLPs Destiny Johnson and Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz join me to dig into the science, the myths, and the policies that shape evaluation practices in schools.Across these conversations, we explore:Sensitivity, specificity, reference standards, and diagnostic accuracyHow test development has evolved over time and why this matters Why the same cut-off score shouldn't apply across all testsThe math behind using two norm-referenced tests, and why it may complicate rather than clarify in some casesOther reasons we test beyond diagnosis (treatment planning, severity, monitoring progress)How do we do we to “sell” the concept of dynamic assessment to administratorsCase studies that show the pitfalls of over-reliance on standardized scoresMisconceptions clinicians often hold, and what they should know about assessmentDifferences in state eligibility standards, and what this means for service decisionsThis series is part myth-busting, part practical strategies, and part advocacy playbook—perfect for clinicians who want to move beyond compliance-driven evaluations toward assessments that truly reflect students' needs.You can listen to Part 1 of the series here.Destiny Johnson, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a bilingual speech-language pathologist (English/Spanish) with a deep passion for culturally responsive assessment and treatment practices, as well as advocating for policy change. She has presented on dynamic assessment at the CSHA Convergence 2024, focusing on the importance of dynamic assessment in bilingual children. Destiny has experience working as a school-based SLP, in private practice, and in early intervention. She is also the founder and CEO of Multimodal Communication Speech Clinic P.C.Connect with Destiny on Instagram @destinyjohnsonslp, on her private practice website here, and on LinkedIn here.Listen to Destiny's previous episode on De Facto Leaders here: EP 187: Dynamic Assessment: Evaluations are a process, not a test (with Destiny Johnson)Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz is a bilingual high school SLP from Southern California who has primarily worked in the school systems and has experience at both the elementary and secondary level. She's also a member of Language Therapy Advance Foundations, and is involved in state and local advocacy work relating to dynamic assessments and special education eligibility.Connect with Tiffany on Instagram @tiffany.shahoumianListen to Tiffany's previous episode on De Facto Leaders here: High school language therapy: Do we still have time to make an impact? (with Tiffany Shahoumian-Ruiz)In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here.Additional Resources Mentioned in the episode:Daub, O., Cunningham, B. J., Bagatto, M. P., Johnson, A. M., Kwok, E. Y., Smyth, R. E., & Oram Cardy, J. (2021). Adopting a conceptual validity framework for testing in speech-language pathology. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1894–1908. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00032Spaulding, T. J., Plante, E., & Farinella, K. A. (2006). Eligibility criteria for language impairment: Is the low end of normal always appropriate? Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 37(1), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.1044/0161-1461(2006/007)DYMOND Norm-Referenced Dynamic AssessmentBilingual English-Spanish Assessment (BESA) We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this powerful episode, Chanette returns to share her raw and eye-opening experience as a long-term substitute teacher in an Autism-focused classroom within a challenging school district. Thrust into a whirlwind of chaos, she innovated creative solutions to empower her students to thrive—only to face repeated denials from the district, unwilling to fund the essential supports each child desperately needed. As a dedicated Special Education advocate, Chanette's heartbreaking story exposes the ongoing crisis in education: districts failing to provide proper resources, staff training, and qualified personnel for high-needs environments, leading to teacher burnout and denying individuals with disabilities their right to flourish. Join us as we amplify the urgent call to action—standing up for the rights of students with disabilities and their families to ensure every child gets the successful, supported education they deserve!

Last month, the Trump administration laid off over 460 people in the U.S. Department of Education. It included nearly everyone in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), which enforces federal special education laws. A federal judge has temporarily halted the layoffs, but it's unclear what will happen next. For people who work in or rely on special education services — including 7.5 million kids — the chaos and worry have already begun.So on this week's Hyperfocus, we wanted to talk to smart people who could give us some perspective on what's happening. What could it mean for families and for schools? And what does it say about how the administration views neurodivergent people in general?Our guests are Meghan Whittaker, a former chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Education, and Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal. For more on this topic: What the special education layoffs mean for your child's IEP and school servicesWhat happens to my child's IEP if the U.S. Department of Education closes?The R-word is back: How do you get people to care? Special education: Federal law vs. state lawTimestamps:(03:04) A breakdown of the layoffs(10:16) How worry is already hitting families and schools(18:02) What to know about school vouchers(29:50) “Find your space to serve”For a transcript and more resources, visit Hyperfocus on Understood.org. You can also email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every few years, conversations about education in the U.S. circle back to the same refrain: Why can't we be more like Finland?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chrishawn Finister from Your Joy Psychological, PLLC to unpack this comparison.We dig into the nuanced relationship between educational eligibility and clinical diagnosis, which often overlap but aren't interchangeable. From there, we widen the lens to explore the broader systems-level challenges that shape how students are identified, supported, and served.Some key themes we discuss:✅ Orthographic density and literacy: Why differences in written language systems matter when comparing reading outcomes across countries.✅ Population homogeneity and “education tracks”: When we look at instructional outcomes data, the students included in the education system and the numbers matter. Are the same individuals “counting” when we compare results across countries? ✅ Teacher pay and professional identity: What Finland's investment in teacher preparation and salary looks like compared to the U.S. (spoiler alert: Dr. Finister and I both think the US should be more like Finland on this one). ✅ Cultural perceptions of medicine vs. education: Why recommendations from evaluations are perceived differently depending on the setting and who is making decisions about services.✅ Housing instability and socioeconomic factors: We're educating students with complex needs in the US who have varying experiences outside of school. With this in mind, has the education system made more progress than what the media is saying? Rather than looking for a one-size-fits-all solution, we highlight why U.S. educators, policymakers, and clinicians need to understand the challenges and opportunities when designing systems of support.If you've ever wondered where the lines between clinical diagnosis and educational eligibility blur, this conversation will give you a grounded perspective.Dr. Chrishawn Finister is an Independent Practicing Licensed Psychological Associate and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, possessing over a decade of experience in the role of School Psychologist. Recognized as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, she is committed to utilizing diagnostically sound assessments to identify learning barriers and implementing research-based interventions to amend challenging behaviors effectively. Dr. Finister is an advocate of culturally competent practices and is dedicated to training future practitioners in the field. She received her foundational training in psychological pedagogy and assessments at Texas Woman's University, where she completed her Master's degree in 2010. While working in a prominent North Texas public school district, she advanced her education by earning a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2019. Her contributions to the field extend to academia, where she has served as a guest lecturer at the College of Education at Texas Christian University.Places to connect with Dr. Finister:Her private practice, Your Joy Psychological, PLLCWebsite: https://yourjoypsych.com/Business Instagram: @yourjoypsychHer NonProfit, Texas Psychological Hive: https://thetexaspsychhive.org/Non-profit Instagram: @texaxpsychhiveAdditional Resources Mentioned in this episode:Steven Pinker: https://stevenpinker.com/Mark Manson: https://markmanson.net/Dr. Tim Shanahan: https://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Welcome back to Special Education for Beginners! In this week's episode, we're continuing our November theme of Family Ties: Strengthening Parent Partnerships in Special Education—and today, we're digging into one of the most foundational strategies: helping families know, like, and trust you.As special educators, we're often the case manager, service provider, and meeting facilitator all rolled into one—but to a parent, we're still just a new face sitting across the table talking about their child. That's a huge emotional gap, and if we want to create meaningful, long-lasting partnerships, we've got to close that gap intentionally.

More than 7 million children across the United States depend on special education services, which school districts now refer to as exceptional children’s services. But recent cuts to the Department of Education are taking more resources away from the historically underfunded programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To discuss their growing concerns and the potential impact the situation could have on students, we hear from Anita Hagins Jones, the resident of the Georgia PTA, Lola Green, the president of the Georgia Special Education PTSA, Theneshia Dixon, the legislative chair for the Special Education PTSA, and Cobb County School Board Member Leroy "Tre" Hutchins, who is also a special education specialist. Plus, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) is a local nonprofit that provides free immigration legal services and other wraparound support to immigrant survivors of crime and persecution. Back in October, the organization’s executive director, Alpa Amin, said the Department of Justice denied funding to GAIN’s Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program. Amin joins “Closer Look” to talk more about how GAIN is responding with less funding and greater need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Partners in PROMISE is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to Protect the Rights of Military children in Special Education and disability communities to ensure they receive equal access to an education.  Listen as Dr. Jenna Kremkow and Carla Wyrsch discuss how the PROMISE advocates for military children with special and exceptional needs.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Luke Spouses' Club. To learn more, visit https://www.lukespousesclub.org/.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.   Show Notes:   Resources:   Partners in PROMISE https://thepromiseact.org/   Partners in PROMISE Special Education & EFMP Binder  https://thepromiseact.org/binder/   Educator Report https://thepromiseact.org/educators-report-partners-in-promise-2022-research-findings/   Bio: Jenna Kremkow is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Elmhurst University. She completed her MS and PhD at The Pennsylvania State University with an emphasis in autism, augmentative and alternative communication, child language disorders, and stakeholder training and perspectives. Clinically, Jenna has worked as a speech-language pathologist in elementary schools, outpatient clinics, and early intervention settings. Jenna teaches courses in augmentative and alternative communication, autism, language disorders in children, and research methods. One of her research areas focuses on the experiences of military families with children with autism and the use of technology to improve communication outcomes and quality of life for children with autism and their families. Her goal is to use research to support data-driven recommendations and policy changes to improve special education services for military families.     Carla Wyrsch is the spouse of a retired United States Marine and mother of two. She has devoted her career to educating and advocating for children with disABILITIES. Her experience spans a variety of settings, including residential treatment facilities, military bases, public schools, and the Lerner School for Autism at the Cleveland Clinic. Currently, she is a School Operations Director with MIYO Health. In addition to her work with MIYO Health, Carla enjoys volunteering with Best Buddies of Greater Memphis, the Organization for Autism Research, and Partners in PROMISE as a content creator and advisory board member.

Guest host Reed Miles welcomes writer, photographer, and educator Michelle Steiner for an honest conversation about breaking barriers and redefining what it means to live—and thrive—with a learning disability.Michelle shares her journey with dyscalculia, her experiences in education, and how she turned stigma into strength through writing and photography. She now inspires others through her blog and online shop at michellesmission.com.Together, Reed and Michelle explore advocacy, sensitivity in support systems, and the importance of seeing ability beyond diagnosis.www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book detail what Susan is seeing on the local level and how that relates to national issues in special education. We dive deep into the state of special education—from alarming local stories in Wake County to the broader national challenges facing students with disabilities. Susan shares her family's personal journey through the trauma of restraint and seclusion practices in schools, shedding light on the policies, data gaps, and systemic failures that continue to harm vulnerable students. Together, Renee and Susan connect these issues to the national dismantling of education oversight, including the impact of cuts to the Office for Civil Rights and Department of Education staff, and what that means for families who rely on federal protections. This episode unpacks: Wake County's rising restraint and seclusion numbers — and what's behind them The role of lawsuits and media transparency in driving accountability How systemic bias impacts Black and Brown students in special education Why federal oversight matters now more than ever What parents and advocates can do to create safer, more equitable schools

SLP burnout isn't a personal failure; it's a systems problem. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, talk with researchers Dr. Tobias Kroll (Texas Tech) and Phuong Palafox, SLP, about their study, “The Invisible Workload of School-Based SLPs.” We cover why SLPs are advocating (and being ignored), how caseload vs. workload, siloed roles, and “martyr culture” fuel overwhelm, and where leadership and IDEA compliance pressure go off the rails. You'll hear practical wins that work now, and bigger-picture fixes universities and national orgs must lead. If you've ever been told to “practice self-care” while your schedule balloons, this conversation gives language, evidence, and steps to push back... together.

Most of us know that it's important to work on vocabulary in language and literacy intervention? But how do we know what words to pick? Should we be working on specific words, or should we be focusing on strategies?If we DO work on words, how can we possibly keep up with the pace of the curriculum (and should we even try)?I get these questions ALL the time from SLPs and other professionals supporting language and literacy, which is why this is something I help you navigate in both my Vocabulary Foundation and Language Therapy Advance Foundations program.In episode 240 of De Facto Leaders, I share how I answer these questions about prioritization, vocabulary selection, and word-learning strategies. In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/You can check out the Vocabulary Foundation and other programs in my language therapy suite on my products and services page here: https://drkarenspeech.com/products-and-services/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Welcome to November...the month we show gratitude for our parents! In this episode, we're tackling a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the special education world: parents. While our job is to serve students, doing that effectively means working with their families, especially during IEP meetings.IEP meetings can be overwhelming for everyone involved, but they're especially intimidating for parents. So this week's episode is all about how to make IEP meetings less intimidating, more welcoming, and more collaborative.Whether you're brand new to special education or a seasoned veteran, these strategies will help you create a space where parents feel informed, respected, and ready to partner with you in their child's success.✨ What You'll Learn:Why the environment of your meeting room matters more than you thinkHow to use simple visuals (like a Percentile Chart!) to make data conversations clearer for familiesWays to connect parents with community resources—no matter the size of your districtThe messages you may unintentionally be sending through your meeting setup—and how to shift them Featured Resource:

Rethinking childhood education is more important than ever. In this inspiring episode, educator Ana Fabrega shares why traditional schooling is outdated and how parents can nurture creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills at home. She explains how systems like Synthesis are changing the future of learning through games and simulations, why failure is one of the most important gifts we can give our kids, and how parents can support curiosity outside of the classroom. You'll walk away with practical tips for fostering independence, cultivating a love of reading, and encouraging kids to embrace both grit and quitting when needed. This conversation will leave you empowered with fresh strategies to raise confident, adaptable learners who thrive in and out of school Topics Covered In This Episode:  Alternative education and learning models for kids Teaching children problem solving and critical thinking How failure builds resilience and confidence Supporting creativity and unstructured play at home When to encourage grit and when to allow quitting Show Notes: Receive 10% off of Synthesis Tutor Plans, use code 'DRMOM' 'X' @anafabrega11 on 'X' Follow @/msfab_learninglab on Instagram Buy The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think for Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood Listen to today's episode on our website Ana Lorena Fábrega is an author, edupreneur, and Chief Evangelist at Synthesis. Growing up, she attended ten schools in seven different countries. She then earned her BS in Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University and taught elementary school in New York, Boston, and Panama. Today, Ana Lorena writes online to over 200,000 readers about the promise of alternative education.  INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can't wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.

Texas-born & raised, Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez has recently retired from 34 years of working in public education where she served as a General Ed. Teacher, SLP, Diagnostician, SPED Supervisor, Principal, Assistant Principal and a Director of Special Education. While her journey of public-school service has come to an end, she now puts energy, effort & focus on continued service to organizations, schools, families and through her LLC, M.E.S.A. Her passion is turning conflict into collaboration through communication, relevant learning, and authenticity. She is happiest when she gets to implement these things to inspire & empower others. "Life is short but our influence is never ending, so let's seek joy and create smiles through connecting, sharing, and highlighting the best in others.”   ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou've spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it's time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn't just another book; it's the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I've been where you are. I know what it's like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down: the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you'll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams, without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

Liberty Kepford lives in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a youth Sunday School teacher and has also served in a Primary presidency and as a Primary teacher. Liberty previously taught 5th grade and now works as a curriculum writer for the homeschool curriculum "Art Makes Me Smart". She and her father, Robert Johnson, are the authors of Autism in Christ's Church. Robert Johnson lives in Starr Valley, Nevada. He serves in his ward Sunday School presidency and has previously served in a stake presidency and as a bishop. He recently retired from teaching K-12 Special Education, is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), and runs Nevada Behavior and Autism. Robert and his wife are Liberty's parents and will be serving a mission in Kumasi, Ghana, starting in 2026. Links Autism in Christ's Church Church Disabilities Help Disability Specialist in the Handbook Navigating Autism as a Church Leader | An Interview with Michele Portlock Why Your Ward Needs a Disabilities Specialist | A How I Lead Interview with Anna Rast Leading Those with Special Needs | An Interview with Stan Beagley Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Acceptance Meeting the Needs of our Special Needs Children Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights In this episode, Liberty and Robert discuss their book, Autism in Christ's Church, which aims to provide insights and resources for Latter-day Saints regarding autism and how to create inclusive church environments. They emphasize the importance of understanding the diverse experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum and the role of disability specialists in supporting these individuals and their families. Key Insights Diversity of Autism Experiences: Autism is a spectrum, and individuals experience it differently. The book shares various stories that highlight these unique experiences, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting individuals with autism in the church. Role of Disability Specialists: Disability specialists are crucial in church settings, providing tailored support to individuals with autism. Their presence can significantly enhance the church experience for both individuals and their families. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication between parents, leaders, and disability specialists is essential. Regular meetings and open dialogue can help create a supportive environment that meets the needs of individuals with autism. Social Skills Development: Leaders should focus on helping individuals with autism develop social skills through structured interactions and support, especially during transitional phases like moving into young men's or young women's groups. Utilizing Strengths: Individuals with autism often have unique strengths and interests. Leaders should identify these strengths and provide opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the church community. Leadership Applications Empower Disability Specialists: Leaders should actively call and support disability specialists in their wards, ensuring they have the resources and training needed to assist individuals with autism effectively. Foster Inclusive Environments: Create a culture of understanding and acceptance by encouraging open discussions about autism and providing training for leaders and members on how to interact positively with individuals on the spectrum. Encourage Participation: Leaders can help individuals with autism find suitable callings that align with their strengths, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within the church community. 00:04:11 - Origin of the Book "Autism in Christ's Church" 00:04:54 - Robert's Expertise in Special Education 00:06:28 - Resources for Latter-day Saints and Autism 00:07:15 - Structure of the Book: Stories and Experiences 00:08:48 - Liberty's Background with Autism 00:09:36 - Robert's Journey into Special Education

As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness month this October, we know there's a long way to go when it comes to addressing the domestic violence crisis in our country. From pandemic-era spikes in violence to the Trump administration's recent budget cuts and their impact on support for women and girls experiencing domestic violence, how are advocates and policy experts addressing the ongoing crisis? Helping us to sort out these questions and set the record straight are our very special guests, Lauren Schuster: Lauren Schuster is the VP of Government Affairs at Urban Resource Institute. Schuster joined Urban Resource Institute after serving as Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked at the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, including Staff Attorney, Environmental Campaign Coordinator and Voting Empowerment Project Coordinator. She received her Juris Doctorate from St. John's University School of Law and graduated from New York University's College of the Arts and Sciences, with a BA in political science.Chris Negri: Chris Negri is the Associate Director of Public Policy at the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. At the Partnership, he works on funding and on an array of other issues, from tech to child welfare, representing the interests of more than 100 domestic violence agencies and the survivors they serve. Prior to joining the Partnership, Chris served as Program Director at Equality California Institute. Chris holds a BA in History from UC Riverside, an MA in Special Education from Loyola Marymount, and an MPP from the University of Southern California. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

Every time I look into research on the summer slide, I get more confused. It's no wonder professionals and families are scrambling every May as they think about how kids should be spending their time in the summer. I've intended to do a deep dive into the research and gain a better understanding of how significant the “slide” is, for who, and what, exactly, is sliding. At the time I'm writing this, I still don't feel I've done that. What I can do is speak to what I DO understand, which is why I wanted to share my commentary and a clip from my interview with my colleague, David Schipper, as we discuss our conclusions on the “summer slide”. At the end of the interview, I ended up with more questions than answers, but we both came to the conclusion that kids who are already behind will benefit from consistent, explicit intervention, and that we'd both want to take advantage of time available to close gaps in students who are already behind at the end of the school year. David Schipper is the director of Strategic Learning Clinic, a position he has held since 2013. David obtained a B.A. in English Literature from Concordia University in 1998 as well as a B.Ed. in Secondary Education (English and History) from McGill University in 2002. After some work as a local teacher in Montreal, David founded 2Torial Educational Centre in 2007. Aside from his ability to put both parents and students at ease, David is able to help families get to the root of the problem(s) and propose the most suitable programs to resolve these issues. As a father of two children, David knows how to relate to the concerns of parents and as an experienced educator and passionately understands the struggles of students. His passion and dedication to teaching and learning is second to none.Here are some questions and discussion points from this episode:✅ Why we need to think about the summer in the preceding fall, not in May.✅ Looking at cumulative gains over the entire year rather than focusing on ONE time period.✅ Some students are already behind when summer starts. So how much time should we spend debating if a “slide” exists”? In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program for related service providers who want to take a leadership role in implementing executive functioning support. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadershipI also mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/You can connect with David on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schipper-1537972a/You can learn more about Strategic Learning Clinic on their website here: https://strategiclearning.ca/, on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/SLCStrategicLearningClinic, or on Instagram @strategiclearningclinic (https://www.instagram.com/strategiclearningclinic/). We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

At an early age Edward Andrès Dennis always knew he wanted to be an artist. His fondest memories are of his mother reading books to him and watching Reading Rainbow. Day and night Edward was creating something, a doodle, some craft or writing a story in hopes of one day creating a book for children like himself to read. Edward created art through his teenage to adult life working for some of the most prestigious companies. His favorite times have been spent as a Special Education teacher in inner city Phoenix. Edward currently lives between Los Angeles, California and Phoenix, Arizona where he works as a freelance artist. His 2 life goals are to inspire children that look like him and that his children's books have an impact on youth and how they view the world.​Edward has worked with brands such as Toyota USA, Yakima racks, Disney, Giant/Liv Cycling, Sesame Street, Shimano, Epic Rides, Corel, Anheuser-Busch, Western Union and Giordana cycling. He has been in publications like Mountain flyer: the mountain bike journal, ImagineFX, Bicycling Magazine,Backcountry magazine, Outside business journal, Pure Nintendo and Nintendo force, Trail builder Magazine. He has also worked on several video games such as Super Ubie Island, Up Up Ubie and currently Super Ubie Island 2.​Edward has been recognized by the Latino Film Institute as a LatinX in Animation Spark Grant Finalist with Netflix for 2023 and is pursuing the adaptation of his children's books into an animated film/series. Edward is currently Writing and Directing his debut short film.

Ralph welcomes Professor Roddey Reid to break down his book “Confronting Political Intimidation and Public Bullying: A Handbook for the Trump Era and Beyond.” Then, we are joined by the original Nader's Raider, Professor Robert Fellmeth, who enlightens us on how online anonymity and Artificial Intelligence are harming children.Roddey Reid is Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Diego where he taught classes on modern cultures and societies in the US, France, and Japan. Since 2008 he has researched and published on trauma, daily life, and political intimidation in the US and Europe. He is a member of Indivisible.org San Francisco, and he hosts the blog UnSafe Thoughts on the fluidity of politics in dangerous times. He is also the author of Confronting Political Intimidation and Public Bullying: A Handbook for the Trump Era and Beyond.I think we still have trouble acknowledging what's actually happening. Particularly our established institutions that are supposed to protect us and safeguard us—many of their leaders are struggling with the sheer verbal and physical violence that's been unfurling in front of our very eyes. Many people are exhausted by it all. And it's transformed our daily life to the point that I think one of the goals is (quite clearly) to disenfranchise people such that they don't want to go out and participate in civic life.Roddey ReidWhat's broken down is…a collective response, organized group response. Now, in the absence of that, this is where No King's Day and other activities come to the fore. They're trying to restore collective action. They're trying to restore the public realm as a place for politics, dignity, safety, and shared purpose. And that's been lost. And so this is where the activists and civically engaged citizens and residents come in. They're having to supplement or even replace what these institutions traditionally have been understood to do. It's exhilarating, but it's also a sad moment.Roddey ReidRobert Fellmeth worked as a Nader's Raider from 1968 to 1973 in the early days of the consumer movement. He went on to become the Price Professor of Public Interest Law at the University of San Diego (where he taught for 47 years until his retirement early this year) and he founded their Children's Advocacy Institute in 1983. Since then, the Institute has sponsored 100 statutes and 35 appellate cases involving child rights, and today it has offices in Sacramento and DC. He is also the co-author of the leading law textbook Child Rights and Remedies.I think an easy remedy—it doesn't solve the problem totally—but simply require the AI to identify itself when it's being used. I mean, to me, that's something that should always be the case. You have a right to know. Again, free speech extends not only to the speaker, but also to the audience. The audience has a right to look at the information, to look at the speech, and to judge something about it, to be able to evaluate it. That's part of free speech.Robert FellmethNews 10/17/25* In Gaza, the Trump administration claims to have brokered a ceasefire. However, this peace – predicated on an exchange of prisoners – is extremely fragile. On Tuesday, Palestinians attempting to return to their homes were fired upon by Israeli soldiers. Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed those shot were “terrorists” whose attempts to “approach and cross [the Yellow Line] were thwarted.” Al Jazeera quotes Lorenzo Kamel, a professor of international history at Italy's University of Turin, who calls the ceasefire a “facade” and that the “structural violence will remain there precisely as it was – and perhaps even worse.” We can only hope that peace prevails and the Palestinians in Gaza are able to return to their land. Whatever is left of it.* Despite this ceasefire, Trump was denied in his bid for a Nobel Peace Prize. The prize instead went to right-wing Venezuelan dissident María Corina Machado. Democracy Now! reports Machado ran against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in 2023, but was “barred from running after the government accused her of corruption and cited her support for U.S. sanctions against Venezuela.” If elected Machado has promised to privatize Venezuela's state oil industry and move Venezuela's Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and in 2020, her party, Vente Venezuela, “signed a pact formalizing strategic ties with Israel's Likud party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.” Machado has also showered praise on right-wing Latin American leaders like Javier Milei of Argentina and following her victory, praised Trump's “decisive support,” even telling Fox News that Trump “deserves” the prize for his anti-Maduro campaign, per the Nation.* Machado's prize comes within the context of Trump's escalating attacks on Venezuela. In addition to a fifth deadly strike on a Venezuelan boat, which killed six, the New York Times reports Trump has ordered his envoy to the country Richard Grenell to cease all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, including talks with President Maduro. According to this report, “Trump has grown frustrated with…Maduro's failure to accede to American demands to give up power voluntarily and the continued insistence by Venezuelan officials that they have no part in drug trafficking.” Grenell had been trying to strike a deal with the Bolivarian Republic to “avoid a larger conflict and give American companies access to Venezuelan oil,” but these efforts were obviously undercut by the attacks on the boats – which Democrats contend are illegal under U.S. and international law – as well as Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling Maduro a “fugitive from American justice,” and placing a $50 million bounty on his head. With this situation escalating rapidly, many now fear direct U.S. military deployment into Venezuela.* Meanwhile, Trump has already deployed National Guard troops to terrorize immigrants in Chicago. The Chicago Sun-Times reports Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope and a Chicago native, met with Chicago union leaders in Rome last week and urged them to take action to protect immigrants in the city. Defending poor immigrants is rapidly becoming a top priority for the Catholic Church. Pope Leo has urged American bishops to “speak with one voice” on the issue and this story related that “El Paso bishop Mark Seitz brought Leo letters from desperate immigrant families.” Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, also at the meeting with Leo and the union leaders, said that the Pope “wants us to make sure, as bishops, that we speak out on behalf of the undocumented or anybody who's vulnerable to preserve their dignity…We all have to remember that we all share a common dignity as human beings.”* David Ellison, the newly-minted CEO of Paramount, is ploughing ahead with a planned expansion of his media empire. His next target: Warner Bros. Discovery. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ellison already pitched a deal to WB CEO David Zaslav, but the $20 per share offer was rejected. However, Ellison is likely to offer a new deal “possibly…backed by his father Larry Ellison or a third party like Apollo [Global Management].” There is also talk that he could go directly to the WBD shareholders if the corporate leadership proves unresponsive. If Ellison is intent on this acquisition, he will need to move fast. Zaslav is planning to split the company into a “studios and HBO business,” and a Discovery business, which would include CNN. Ellison is clearly interested in acquiring CNN to help shape newsroom perspectives, as his recent appointment of Bari Weiss as “editor-in-chief” of CBS News demonstrates, so this split would make an acquisition far less of an attractive prospect. We will be watching this space.* In another Ellison-related media story, Newsweek reports Barron Trump, President Trump's 19-year-old son, is being eyed for a board seat at the newly reorganized Tik-Tok. According to this story, “Trump's former social media manager Jack Advent proposed the role at the social media giant, as it comes into U.S. ownership, arguing that the younger Trump's appointment could broaden TikTok's appeal among young users.” Barron is currently enrolled in New York University's Stern School of Business and serves as an “ambassador” for World Liberty Financial, the “Trump family's crypto venture.” TikTok U.S., formerly owned and operated by the Chinese company ByteDance, is being taken over by a “consortium of American investors [including Larry Ellison's] Oracle and investment firm Silver Lake Partners,” among others.* As the government shutdown drags on, the Trump administration is taking the opportunity to further gut the federal government, seeming to specifically target the offices protecting the most vulnerable. According to NPR, “all staff in the [Department of Education] Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), with the exception of a handful of top officials and support staff, were cut,” in a reduction-in-force or RIF order issued Friday. One employee is quoted saying “This is decimating the office responsible for safeguarding the rights of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.” Per this report, OSERS is “responsible for roughly $15 billion in special education funding and for making sure states provide special education services to the nation's 7.5 million children with disabilities.” Just why exactly the administration is seeking to undercut federal support for disabled children is unclear. Over at the Department of Health and Human Services, headed by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS sent out an RIF to “approximately 1,760 employees last Friday — instead of the intended 982,” as a “result of data discrepancies and processing errors,” NOTUS reports. The agency admitted the error in a court filing in response to a suit brought by the employees' unions. Even still, the cuts are staggering and include 596 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and 125 at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to name just a few. This report notes that other agencies, including the Departments of Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security all sent out inaccurately high RIFs as well.* The Lever reports Boeing, the troubled airline manufacturer, is fighting a new Federal Aviation Administration rule demanding additional inspections for older 737 series planes after regulators discovered cracks in their fuselages. The rule “would revise the inspection standards…through a regulatory action called an ‘airworthiness directive.'...akin to a product recall if inspectors find a defective piece of equipment on the plane…in [this case] cracks along the body of the plane's main cabin.” The lobbying group Airlines for America is seeking to weaken the rule by arguing that the maintenance checks would be too “costly” for the airline industry, who would ultimately have to bear the financial brunt of these inspections. Boeing is fighting them too because such a rule would make airlines less likely to buy Boeing's decaying airplanes. As this report notes, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy – who oversees the FAA – “previously worked as an airline lobbyist…[and] Airlines for America recently selected the former Republican Governor of New Hampshire, Chris Sununu to be their chief executive officer.”* In more consumer-related news, Consumer Reports has been conducting a series of studies on lead levels in various consumer products. Most recently, a survey of protein powders and shakes found “troubling levels of toxic heavy metals,” in many of the most popular brands. They write, “For more than two-thirds of the products we analyzed, a single serving contained more lead than CR's food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day—some by more than 10 times.” Some of these products have massively increased in heavy metal content just over the last several years. CR reports “Naked Nutrition's Vegan Mass Gainer powder, the product with the highest lead levels, had nearly twice as much lead per serving as the worst product we analyzed in 2010.” The experts quoted in this piece advise against daily use of these products, instead limiting them to just once per week.* Finally, in a new piece in Rolling Stone, David Sirota and Jared Jacang Maher lay out how conservatives are waging new legal campaigns to strip away the last remaining fig leaves of campaign finance regulation – and what states are doing to fight back. One angle of attack is a lawsuit targeting the restrictions on coordination between parties and individual campaigns, with House Republicans arguing that, “because parties pool money from many contributors, that ‘significantly dilutes the potential for any particular donor to exercise a corrupting influence over any particular candidate' who ultimately benefits from their cash.” Another angle is a lawsuit brought by P.G. Sittenfeld, the former Democratic mayor of Cincinnati – who has already been pardoned by Trump for accepting bribes – but is seeking to establish that “pay-to-play culture is now so pervasive that it should no longer be considered prosecutable.” However, the authors do throw out one ray of hope from an unlikely source: Montana. The authors write, “Thirteen years after the Supreme Court gutted the state's century-old anti-corruption law, Montana luminaries of both parties are now spearheading a ballot initiative circumventing Citizens United jurisprudence and instead focusing on changing state incorporation laws that the high court rarely meddles with.The measure's proponents note that Citizens United is predicated on state laws giving corporations the same powers as actual human beings, including the power to spend on politics. But they point out that in past eras, state laws granted corporations more limited powers — and states never relinquished their authority to redefine what corporations can and cannot do. The Montana initiative proposes to simply use that authority to change the law — in this case, to no longer grant corporations the power to spend on elections.” Who knows if this initiative will move forward in Montana, but it does provide states a blueprint for combatting the pernicious influence of Citizens United. States should and must act on it.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

The Trump administration has decimated the Department of Education with staffing cuts.Now, the latest round of layoffs all but wipes out the Office of Special Education Programs. So, what does that mean for the millions of kids who rely on these services?We sit down to talk about how Education Department cuts will affect children with disabilities.Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ atplus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

SUBSCRIBE TO JORDAN'S FREE NEWSLETTER. Get the facts, without the spin. UNBIASED offers a clear, impartial recap of US news, including politics, elections, legal news, and more. Hosted by lawyer Jordan Berman, each episode provides a recap of current political events plus breakdowns of complex concepts—like constitutional rights, recent Supreme Court rulings, and new legislation—in an easy-to-understand way. No personal opinions, just the facts you need to stay informed on the daily news that matters. If you miss how journalism used to be, you're in the right place. In today's episode: Court Says National Guard in Chicago Can Remain Federalized But Not Deployed (0:33) Trump Administration Issues Mass Layoffs Amid Shutdown; Are They Legal? How Will Special Education Be Affected? (6:30) Hegseth Announces New Qatari Air Force Facility in Idaho; Here's What You Need to Know (19:16) RFK Jr. Claims Possible Link Between Circumcision and Autism; Here's What the Studies Say (24:51) Israel and Gaza See Hostages Released and Prisoners Returned (30:49) United States and Argentina Finalize $20B Currency Swap (33:24) Quick Hitters: Trump Orders Military to Be Paid Despite Shutdown, Letitia James Indicted, South Carolina Shooting (36:22) GOOD NEWS (38:00) Critical Thinking Segment (38:59) SUBSCRIBE TO JORDAN'S FREE NEWSLETTER. Watch this episode on YouTube. Follow Jordan on Instagram and TikTok. All sources for this episode can be found here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices