Podcasts about Special education

What if educating your people so well that they could leave was exactly the point? At Your Health, that's not a risk to manage — it's the philosophy that built an entire learning ecosystem. In this episode, Jamie talks with Aubrey Wall, who came to Your Health from a background in education and now leads Your Health University, the organization's learning management system and continuous-development engine. Aubrey brings an educator's eye to a fast-evolving healthcare environment, where best practice changes by the day and meeting patients where they are demands that staff never stop learning. Here's what you'll hear: Why a healthcare company runs 12-month, Department of Labor–registered apprenticeships — including programs in management, value-based care, population health, and hospice aide preparation How gamification is being built into nurse instruction (straight from Aubrey's dissertation research) The difference between Your Health University (your classroom) and the Hub (your resource library) How LinkedIn Learning delivered roughly $4.2 million in CEUs to staff last year Meeting Leah — the new AI assistant that helps employees find exactly the right course If you've ever believed growing your people is a cost rather than the whole point, this conversation will change how you think. Press play, then go ask Leah a question. www.YourHealth.Org

In this episode of Around the School Table, produced by Xuno, host Steve Davis is joined by Dr. Gina Biancarosa, Ann Swindells Chair in Education, Professor in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, and Director of the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon (uoregon.edu), to explore the origins, purpose, and growing impact of DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) in schools across Australia and beyond. Throughout the conversation, Gina explains how DIBELS was developed to help educators identify students who may need additional support with reading. Rather than relying solely on lengthy assessments, DIBELS uses brief, targeted measures that provide valuable insights into a student's literacy development. As a result, teachers can monitor progress more frequently and make informed instructional decisions. The discussion explores the science behind key DIBELS assessments, including letter naming fluency, phonemic awareness, nonsense word fluency, oral reading fluency, and comprehension measures. Furthermore, Gina explains how each assessment aligns with the research on how children learn to read and develop reading comprehension over time. Steve and Gina also examine the importance of reading for meaning. While decoding words is essential, comprehension remains the ultimate goal. Consequently, the episode highlights why effective literacy instruction must support both accurate word recognition and deep understanding of text. In addition, listeners will learn how Australian educators have embraced DIBELS through professional learning communities, including the highly active DIBELS in Oz network. Gina reflects on the collaborative efforts that led to the development of an Australasian version of DIBELS, ensuring greater relevance for Australian and New Zealand students. The conversation also explores how literacy data can be used responsibly within broader school improvement strategies. While assessment data can guide intervention and goal-setting, Gina emphasises the importance of using DIBELS for its intended purpose rather than as a blunt accountability tool. The discussion also touches on how DIBELS data can be analysed and interpreted within broader school improvement processes using tools such as Student Maps. Beyond assessment, Gina shares her personal reflections on reading as a lifelong gift. From childhood favourites to supporting readers with vision impairment, she highlights the profound opportunities that literacy creates throughout life. This episode offers valuable insights for teachers, school leaders, literacy specialists, and education professionals seeking practical ways to support reading growth while maintaining a strong focus on student understanding and success. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table, produced by Xuno, host Steve Davis is joined by Dr. Gina Biancarosa, Ann Swindells Chair in Education, Professor in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, and Director of the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon (uoregon.edu), to explore the origins, purpose, and growing impact of DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) in schools across Australia and beyond. Throughout the conversation, Gina explains how DIBELS was developed to help educators identify students who may need additional support with reading. Rather than relying solely on lengthy assessments, DIBELS uses brief, targeted measures that provide valuable insights into a student's literacy development. As a result, teachers can monitor progress more frequently and make informed instructional decisions. The discussion explores the science behind key DIBELS assessments, including letter naming fluency, phonemic awareness, nonsense word fluency, oral reading fluency, and comprehension measures. Furthermore, Gina explains how each assessment aligns with the research on how children learn to read and develop reading comprehension over time. Steve and Gina also examine the importance of reading for meaning. While decoding words is essential, comprehension remains the ultimate goal. Consequently, the episode highlights why effective literacy instruction must support both accurate word recognition and deep understanding of text. In addition, listeners will learn how Australian educators have embraced DIBELS through professional learning communities, including the highly active DIBELS in Oz network. Gina reflects on the collaborative efforts that led to the development of an Australasian version of DIBELS, ensuring greater relevance for Australian and New Zealand students. The conversation also explores how literacy data can be used responsibly within broader school improvement strategies. While assessment data can guide intervention and goal-setting, Gina emphasises the importance of using DIBELS for its intended purpose rather than as a blunt accountability tool. The discussion also touches on how DIBELS data can be analysed and interpreted within broader school improvement processes using tools such as Student Maps. Beyond assessment, Gina shares her personal reflections on reading as a lifelong gift. From childhood favourites to supporting readers with vision impairment, she highlights the profound opportunities that literacy creates throughout life. This episode offers valuable insights for teachers, school leaders, literacy specialists, and education professionals seeking practical ways to support reading growth while maintaining a strong focus on student understanding and success. Powered by: xuno.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!In this episode, Wendy sits down with Karen Mayer Cunningham, special education advocate and author of Epic IEP, a framework that transforms the complicated federal special education law into actionable steps. After years of doing 500 IEP meetings annually, Karen realized her greatest pain in motherhood had become her biggest calling: helping families navigate special education when the system feels impossibly complicated.They explore:What it means to advocate WITH schools, not against them, and why that partnership mattersWhy children with disabilities have capacity, but they need the right intervention and support to reach equityThe scope of need: why individual advocacy alone isn't enoughKaren's approach is fundamentally collaborative: she works alongside teachers, administrators, and families because she knows they're all navigating a system that's overwhelming for everyone. Her conviction is simple: when we start seeing each other as partners working toward the same goal, that's when children actually get what they need. Connect with Karen:Get her book, The Epic IEP: amazon.com/Epic-IEP-Educators-Advocates-Navigating/dp/1637635125?tag=syty-20SpecialEducationAcademy.comInstagram: instagram.com/specialeducationboss________________________________________________________________________________________Connect with Wendy:LinkedinInstagram: @wendy.harropFacebook: Phineas Wright HouseWebsite: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm StaysPWH Curated Experience and TravelInterested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.comPodcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat!If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

Parents and caregivers are facing more challenges than ever, from bullying and mental health struggles to IEPs, addiction concerns, and not knowing where to turn. In this episode, Rich Bennett and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Alexis Watson, Behavioral Health Specialist for Harford County with The Parents' Place of Maryland, to talk about how families can find real support.Alexis shares how The Parents' Place helps parents, grandparents, caregivers, and families across Maryland navigate special education, behavioral health, school challenges, risky behaviors, problem gambling, substance use concerns, and more. She also explains the importance of Maryland's Good Samaritan Law and why families should never feel ashamed to ask for help.Takeaways from this episode: How The Parents' Place of Maryland supports families statewide  What parents should know about IEPs, 504 plans, and school conflicts  Why bullying and social media are creating new challenges for kids  How caregivers can access free resources and support  Why asking for help can be the strongest step a family takes Resources mentioned: ppmd.org, 410-768-9100, 988 Crisis Lifeline, Harford's Heart Magazine, and Freedom Federal Credit Union.Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need support.Send us Fan MailCelebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!https://bookfairatbelair.org/Harford's Heart MagazineKEEP IT LOCAL WITH HARFORD'S HEART maryland's lifestyle magazine for harford county!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Who has the authority to make educational decisions for a student? In this episode, host Michelle Cannon is joined by Lozano Smith attorneys Amanda Cordova and Anna Wood to discuss the legal framework surrounding educational rights, including special education considerations. The conversation explores custody arrangements, caregiver authority, AB 495, and when students hold their own educational rights. Join us as we explore practical guidance for navigating custody orders and other common educational rights issues faced by school districts. Show Notes & References 2:30 – Overview of educational rights 4:05 – Educational rights unique to parents of students who qualify for special education 5:45 – Parents and others who qualify as educational rights holders 7:23 – Custody arrangements for divorced, separated or unmarried parents 9:53 – Disagreements between parents with joint legal custody and how school districts should respond 11:32 – The importance of asking for custody orders 12:03 – Rights of parents who do not hold custodial rights 13:25 – What school administrators should be looking for when they receive a custody order 16:30 – Stepparents and caregivers, and assigning educational rights 18:23 – Assembly Bill (AB) 495 and caregiver’s affidavit (Client News Brief 46 – November 2025) 19:12 – Adult students holding their own educational rights   For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast   Disclaimer: As the information contained herein is necessarily general, its application to a particular set of facts and circumstances may vary. For this reason, this podcast episode does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you consult with your counsel prior to acting on the information contained herein.

If you're an SLP who's wondering how you can effectively address complex skills relating to both language and executive functioning in the school systems… The primary challenge is that BOTH language and executive functioning are incredibly complicated. Even just focusing on one or the other can be overwhelming. Layer on the challenges with the way related service providers are expected to provide interventions in the schools, and it seems impossible. Unfortunately, that challenge has resulted in debates on whether executive functioning is more important than language and vice versa, which isn't useful. You don't have to decide which is more important. They both are. We need to find a way to address them both. I help clinicians do that with a concept I call “cycling”. What I do is teach clinicians a set of core treatment techniques that fit within a set of foundational areas that support language and executive functioning.That's why in this episode, I share how to target both language and executive functioning in direct intervention with enough depth that you get results. In this episode, I reveal:✅ When it's appropriate to think of language intervention in terms of working up a hierarchy of skills, and when it doesn't.✅ Why using treatment cycles is more effective than trying to pin down a “scope and sequence” for language and cognitive intervention.✅ How to use intervention cycles to build a language therapy system, and eventually move on to layering in more robust executive functioning support. ✅ Why layering other service delivery models outside of direct intervention is essential for generalization, and how to make sure support is happening outside your sessions. Additional resources mentioned in this episode:Free Training: Three Shifts to Turning Your Clinical Expertise Into a Scalable Language Therapy System Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languageWhy language therapy works better in cycles than in a linear sequence Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/why-language-therapy-works-better-in-cycles-than-in-a-linear-sequence/You think you need a language therapy hierarchy. That's why your system never feels stable. Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/you-think-you-need-a-language-therapy-hierarchy-thats-why-your-system-never-feels-stable/How to target both language and executive functioning in therapy with enough depth to get resultsLink here: https://drkarenspeech.com/how-to-target-both-language-and-executive-functioning-in-therapy-with-enough-depth-to-get-results/In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable 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 School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also 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

For the more than 7.5 million students in the United States who receive special education services, access to a quality education is not just an aspiration—it is a legal right. Yet despite federal protections through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees students a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), significant disparities in access, quality, and outcomes continue to exist across the country. Today, approximately 15% of all public school students—more than one in every seven children—receive special education services, making this one of the most important issues facing public education today. In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, I sit down with Mitch Elatkin, Senior Director of Specialized Services for ReGeneration Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality, college-preparatory education. ReGeneration Schools currently serves students through a network of schools in Chicago and Cincinnati, with a mission of developing values-driven leaders while preparing young people to lead free and fulfilling lives. Mitch oversees special education, Section 504 services, and related supports across multiple schools. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in special education leadership—including roles with KIPP Public Schools and the Noble Network of Charter Schools—he brings a unique perspective on what schools are doing well, where they are falling short, and what meaningful improvements are needed to better serve students with disabilities. During our conversation, Mitch discusses the realities facing educators, students, and families navigating special education today. We explore the importance of inclusive learning environments, the role of co-teaching models, how administrators' mindsets impact student outcomes, and why creating systems that focus on both academic achievement and student belonging is critical for long-term success. We also examine the persistent challenges facing special education nationwide. Research shows that access to services and educational quality can vary significantly based on factors such as geography, socioeconomic status, race, and disability category. These inequities often create barriers that prevent students from receiving the support they need to thrive. Whether you're an educator, school leader, parent, advocate, or policymaker, this conversation offers valuable insights into how schools can move beyond compliance and toward truly inclusive educational practices that empower every student. If we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, then conversations like this are essential. Mitch Elatkin shares a thoughtful and practical vision for creating schools where all students—not just some—have the support they need to reach their full potential.     For more information: https://regenerationschools.org/ LinkedIn: @Mitch Elatkin, Ed.D.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Mulick is a board-certified behavior analyst, a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell team. Serving as the Director of Student Engagement at the Auburn School District in Washington State, Patrick holds degrees in Special Education and Behavior Analysis from Gonzaga University. He has years of experience teaching students with disabilities, particularly those with autism and complex behavioral needs, and is now a nationally recognized speaker who shares practical tools and strategies for educators.In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas sits down with Patrick Mulick, a behavior analyst and Director of Student Engagement at Auburn School District, to discuss reducing the use of restraint and eliminating isolation in schools. Patrick recounts how the pandemic provided a turning point for schools to rethink their approach to handling students with complex behavioral needs. By implementing proactive strategies, shifting focus from restraint to personalized support, and using data-driven approaches, Patrick has successfully led his district to significantly reduce incidents of isolation and restraint.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/patrick-mulick-why-bad-choice-is-the-wrong-language-for-schools-1332/

If a child is struggling to learn to read, waiting rarely makes that easier. In this episode, I talk with Faye Bankler Casell about what parents need to know when early reading is not coming together the way it should. Faye explains why reading instruction in schools can feel like a lottery system, why so many children are still being missed until third or fourth grade, and why first grade is such an important window for intervention. We talk about the science of reading, early identification, and the very real difference between a child who is guessing well and a child who is actually decoding. We also get into what parents can actually do. Faye walks through the foundational sound-level skills that matter most, what to watch for in preschool and kindergarten, and why waiting for a child to fail before acting can come at such a high cost academically and emotionally. One of the things I really love about this conversation is how practical and hopeful it is. Parents do not need to become reading specialists overnight, but they can learn what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to start supporting a child sooner rather than later. Key Takeaways Early intervention matters enormously. If a child is not learning to read easily, first grade is a powerful time to intervene. Waiting until fourth grade makes intervention longer and much harder. A child can show risk signs before they are formally reading. Faye explains that dyslexia risk can often be identified by around age five and a half because the issue is rooted in language processing, not just school reading performance. Reading struggles often start at the sound level. Parents want to look closely at phonological awareness, letter-sound connections, rhyming, sound deletion, and sound substitution. Some bright kids compensate for a long time. A child may memorize words, guess from pictures, or use the first letter as a clue, which can make it look like reading is fine until the demands get heavier. Third grade is often when the mask slips. That is when memorization stops being enough and multisyllabic academic language starts to expose the underlying gaps. Structured literacy helps all kids and is essential for some. Faye frames this approach as beneficial for everyone and absolutely necessary for children whose brains are not going to intuit reading patterns on their own. Speech and language history matters. If a child has had speech delays or ongoing language-processing concerns, that is a reason to stay especially alert around reading development. Parents do not have to wait passively. Even while seeking testing, services, or better school support, there are meaningful ways families can start helping at home. Correct answers do not always mean mastery. A child can get a word or pattern right through guessing or partial knowledge, which is why adult observation still matters so much. This is not about a broken child. It is about teaching in a way that matches how the child learns. The burden belongs with the adults and the system, not with the child. About Faye Bankler Casell Faye Bankler Casell received her MA in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Teachers College Columbia. After teaching in public and private programs across the US, she redesigned an early childhood inclusion program that received recognition from the US Department of Education, NPR, and a national organization. Inspired by the need to launch the reading of her twice exceptional child, Faye became a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Dyslexia Therapist. She now supports parents in the early reading development of their dyslexic children through Home Reading Coach, her social platforms, and her YouTube channel, "Teach My Child to Read." She also works privately with clients and is launching a parent-led, therapist-coached dyslexia program for families supporting reading at home. 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

Gina Tesoriero just finished her PhD — and her research is a reminder that the best way to understand how students use AI is to just... ask them.A special education teacher turned researcher, Gina spent years watching STEM transform engagement for her most overlooked students. That spark sent her into a doctoral program studying how recent high school graduates are using tools like ChatGPT to navigate school, work, and life — including some of her own former seventh-graders, now adults.The findings? One student built herself a custom writing tutor at midnight. Another group used it to spot bias in job listings. And one case study that made Gina uncomfortable ended up teaching her the most important lesson of all: how someone uses AI tells you exactly what's missing in their learning environment.We get into neurodiversity, UDL, co-design, why AI literacy belongs in every classroom (not just the tech teacher's), and what happens when you stop policing the tool and start getting curious about the person using it.

What if you could build a practice that serves not just kids, but their parents too—all under one roof? Today's guest launched her business during maternity leave, and now she owns a multidisciplinary clinic, supports other therapists, and even created a virtual parenting library. I can't wait for you to hear her story.I'm thrilled to introduce you to Jacklin Bloodgood, a speech-language pathologist, business owner, and one of the amazing students of the Start Your Private Practice program. Jacklin is a Jersey Shore native based in Manahawkin, New Jersey, and she is the owner and founder of Just Speechie LLC and The Therapy Hub LLC.What started as a way to spend more time with her newborn daughter has turned into so much more. Today, Jacklin runs a growing practice with multiple revenue streams: in-home therapy, school contracts, a shared clinic space, and now a virtual video library for parents. She proves that you don't need a business degree or a 5-year plan, you just need to take the next small step.Jacklin Bloodgood earned her Master's Degree in Speech and Language Pathology, as well as her undergraduate degree in K-12 and Special Education, from Seton Hall University. She is passionate about treating communication and feeding disorders in children and adults, and she brings that same dedication to mentoring other clinicians.In 2025, Jacklin opened The Therapy Hub, a multidisciplinary clinic that takes a whole-family approach by including child-centric and adult services under one comprehensive roof. From speech, occupational, and physical therapy to mental health support, lactation, nutrition, and more, The Therapy Hub brings together trusted, independent providers who share a common goal: supporting your family as a whole. Each provider operates within their own specialty while collaborating to create a more connected, seamless experience — so families don't have to navigate it alone.Then in 2026, these businesses came together to curate The Little Years Library by The Therapy Hub. It is an exclusive video library that brings expert guidance into your home, created by five different pediatric experts in disciplines ranging from speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and infant feeding therapy/lactation consulting—so parents can move through each stage with more ease and confidence.Outside of work, Jacklin enjoys spending time with her husband, her two children, and her two dogs. She especially loves being outside at the beach or park—living the Jersey Shore life she grew up loving.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Starting her practice during maternity leave so she could be home with her daughterThe simple math that made her realize private practice was actually more time at home and more incomeHow she "accidentally" signed her first school contract — and turned it into her first hireHow she built The Therapy Hub: a one-stop-shop space serving kids AND their parents, plus a virtual video library reaching families everywhereJacklin is truly proof that you don't need to have it all figured out. She didn't plan on owning a clinic by year three. She just kept taking the next small step — and you can too.Want to build a private practice that grows with your life not around it? Learn more about the Start Your Private Practice program, where clinicians like Jacklin got the tools, community, and confidence to launch. Visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com to get started.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.com.Whether you want to start from scratch or grow an existing practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance you deserve. Visit www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned:Follow Jacklin on Instagram: instagram.com/justspeechietherapy/ and instagram.com/therapyhubvillage/Check out her website: www.JustSpeechieTherapy.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

On a new podcast, we talk with one of the few special education teachers who were special education students themselves. Hear a young Illinois educator's unique path into the classroom!

As the summer weather turns its bright face towards New England, we find ourselves wrapping up another year of book club...just in time to start planning for NEXT YEAR'S BOOK CLUB!! Get your phone loaded with all the podcasts you need for the beach with this month's new episodes. First, we open up a themed grab bag with articles all related to participants with dual-diagnoses. Then we dig into the details of concept formation with Dr. Catherine Williams to find out exactly how you should really be teaching new things. Last, get prepared for your annual medical check-up with an episode all about medical toleration procedures. And as if that wasn't enough, Patrons gain access to our Summer Book Club pick, "Adventures in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis" featuring an interview with Dr. MerrilI Winston in addition to our regular book club shenanigans. If you work in the school setting (or are getting ready to work in the school setting) you do not want to miss out. Interested in selecting all of next year's Book Club selections? Then be sure to fill out our new poll to let us know what we should be packing in our summer go-bags for next year's episodes. Articles for June 2026 (DUAL DIAGNOSIS) A Very Dual-Diagnosis Grab Bag (Summer 2026 Grab Bag) Nussbaum, N.L. (2012). ADHD and female specific concerns: A review of the literature and clinical implications. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16, 87-100. doi: 10.1177/1087054711416909 Kurtz, P. F., Chin, M. D., Robinson, A. N., O'Connor, J. T., & Hagopian, L. P. (2015). Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with fragile X syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 43, 150-166. doi: 10/1016/j.ridd.2015.06.010 Lambert, J. M., Parikh, N., Stankiewicz, K. C., Houchins‐Juarez, N. J., Morales, V. A., Sweeney, E. M., & Milam, M. E. (2019). Decreasing food stealing of a child with prader-willi syndrome through function based differential reinforcement. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 721-728. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3747-y Conceptual Learning w/ Dr. Catherine Williams Williams, C.L., St. Peter, C.C., Perone, M., Aguilar, M., Cederberg, B.A., Gregersen, D.J., & Richardson, E.J. (2025). Using must-have and can-have features to improve conceptual learning. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 124, e70037. doi: 10.1002/jeab.70037 Williams, C.L. & Roop, J.C. (2025). Instruction consisting of a rule and set of examples and nonexamples reliably teaches concepts. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 124, e70061. doi: 10.1002/jeab.70061 Medical Toleration Cuvo, A., Raegan, A., L., Ackerlund, J., Huckfledt, R., & Kelly, C. (2010). Training children with autism spectrum disorders to be compliant with a physical exam. Research in Autism Spectrum Disoders, 4, 168-185. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2009.09.001 Dowdy, A., Tincani, M., Nipe, T., & Weiss. M. J. (2018). Effects of reinforcement without extinction on increasing compliance with nail cutting: A systematic replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 924-930. doi: 10.1002/jaba.484 Slifer, K. J., Avis, K. T., & Frutchey, R. A. (2008). Behavioral intervention to increase compliance with electroencephalographic procedures in children with developmental disabilities. Epilepsy Behavior, 13, 189-195. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.01.013 Adventures in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis Book Club (feat. Dr. Merril Winston) Winston, M. (2016). Adventures in special education and applied behavior analysis. Sloan Publishing.

A quick reminder that behavior problems are not always “won't do” problems. Sometimes they're “can't do yet” problems. In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin breaks down why consequences alone don't teach skills like waiting, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, or communication, and why practicing coping skills during calm moments matters so much.Key Takeaways• You can't punish a skill deficit away—Consequences alone don't teach missing skills• Behavior often communicates missing abilities—Difficulty waiting, coping, or communicating may be skill deficits• Replacement behaviors must be taught—Students need to learn what to do instead• Practice during calm moments matters most—Skills are harder to learn when already escalated• Reinforce progress, not perfection—Growth happens through repetition and support• Shift from “defiance” to information—Repeated behavior may signal a need for more teaching and practice• Long-term behavior change requires instruction—Not just reacting after the behavior happensResources• Need support teaching replacement behaviors and coping skills? Check out these behavior support visuals: https://abainschool.com/k858• “Can't Do vs Won't Do” visual → https://abainschool.com/mm15• DTT vs NET teaching → https://abainschool.com/ep5• Check out the FBA mini-series! Start here → https://abainschool.com/ep31Join Us• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Subscribe for more ABA and special education quick tips• Share an example of a skill you realized needed teaching instead of consequencesJoin the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

This president and his minions in Congress are relentless in their messaging about who counts as an American and what government owes to its people. And their narrative is rationalizing the elimination of policies and programs that we once embraced as being quintessentially American, in particular the education the education of our children. U.S. Department of Education Commissioner Linda MacMahon is charged with dismantling the agency she leads, and she has prioritized shuttering the Offices of Civil Rights, Special Education and most recently, English Language Acquisition. For two decades OLEA has overseen the provision of English language learning for over 5 million children, primarily U.S. citizens, in the K-12 public school system, a boon for academic advancement and a well-equipped workforce. In this episode of Power Station I am joined by Amalia Chammoro, Senior Director of the UnidosUS Education Policy Project and co-chair of the National English Learner Roundtable, who shares the largely underreported story of OLEA, the difference it made in her own life and what its closure means for communities across the country. UnidosUS is a critical leader in America's civil rights infrastructure and Amalia is a dynamic champion of educational equity. Hear her!

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Dale Pickles — host of Sendcast and Managing Director of B Squared — for a wide-ranging conversation on late diagnosis, education systems, and what it really means to support neurodivergent people.Dale shares how he grew up surrounded by special education — yet still missed his own Autism and ADHD. It wasn't until 2023, prompted by supporting his daughter through her diagnosis journey, that everything finally clicked.This is a conversation about understanding yourself, supporting the next generation, and rethinking systems that weren't built for neurodivergent minds.

There's very little oversight of some taxpayer-funded residential treatment centers for young people. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports.

In this conversation, I sat down with Kim Jenkins from Empowering Speech Services (https://www.empoweringspeechservices.com/meet-kim)  to talk about how she's used the frameworks from Language Therapy Advance Foundations (https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/)  along with the gestalt language processing stages, for reluctant readers, and AAC users. We also talk about how important it is for clinicians to think flexibly with how they apply frameworks in therapy so they can pull from multiple sources to come up with their own personal protocols that work for their caseload. We also chat about other topics such as what “alter ego” we want to emulate when we're going through a challenge, social media strategies and mindset, our dogs, and how to draw parallels between language therapy, clinical practice, fitness, tips for learning how to do pull-ups, and other areas of life. Kim Jenkins is a neurodiversity-affirming speech therapist who is passionate about helping neurodivergent children and their families flourish.  Empowering Speech Services was built on the idea that authentic and meaningful communication can be achieved by focusing on a child's strengths, meeting their sensory needs, following their lead, and empowering family members in the process. Serving the Milton and Alpharetta areas of Georgia, she takes the time to truly get to know her clients, their joys, interests, unique strengths, and individual challenges. In this conversation, we discuss:✅ How Kim uses semantic features and syntactic study with AAC users✅ Using the “Essential 5” framework from Language Therapy Advance Foundations with students who use a lot of scripting and gestalts✅ Engaging a reluctant reader literacy and vocabulary work✅ Parallels between life, language therapy, fitness, and social media marketingLearn more about Kim's private practice on her website here: https://www.empoweringspeechservices.com/Visit her on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweringspeechservices@UCSeGnUyaf6NBHJFBuoUFUTA Visit her on Instagram @empoweringspeechservicesConnect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-jenkins-a0288796/Check out her TeachersPayTeachers store here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/empowering-speech-servicesI mentioned the following previous De Facto Leaders Podcast interviews:EP 205: Using the Essential 5 to Build Vocabulary and Syntax in Secondary School (with Amy Baugh) here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-205-using-the-essential-5-to-build-vocabulary-and-syntax-in-secondary-school-with-amy-baugh/EP 140: Creating an Intentional Career and Life with Alter Egos (with Meg Niman) here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-140-creating-an-intentional-career-and-life-with-alter-egos-with-meg-niman/EP 154: Therapy Session Structure, Narrative Language, and Commentary on Gestalt Language Processing here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-154-therapy-session-structure-narrative-language-and-commentary-on-gestalt-language-processing/Also mentioned in this episode:”Stories that Stick” by Kindra Hall here: https://www.storiesthatstick.com/Sarah Brashears from Social Mogules: @socialmogulsIn this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable 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/languagetherapy Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also 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, I chat with Dr. Gina Tesoriero, a researcher and former middle school special education teacher, about how AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as powerful supports for students with disabilities and neurodiverse learners. You'll also hear findings from her dissertation research on how young adults with special education experiences are already using AI in creative ways, plus the unique ethical considerations that come up when thinking about AI in special education settings. If you want to understand how to approach AI in special education and start thoughtful conversations with students and families about its use, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/05/26/ai-in-special-education-372/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Dr. Gina Tesoriero on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginatesoriero/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

Moving out of state with a child who has an IEP can feel like starting from scratch, but federal law says otherwise. The problem is that while IDEA travels with you, the procedures, criteria, and even the language used to classify your child's disability can shift dramatically depending on where you land. Today, I'm breaking down what actually happens to your child's IEP when you cross state lines, and why that 30-day transition meeting is often too soon for anyone to make informed decisions about your child's services. I walk you through the federal protections that still apply, the truth about whether a new evaluation is actually required, and why the specificity of your child's eligibility classification matters more than most parents realize. The focus of this conversation is making sure you don't lose ground during a high-stakes transition. Remember, a new state doesn't mean starting from zero - but it does mean you need to be paying attention! My free resource, Is AI Writing Your Struggling Reader's IEP?, walks you through exactly what to look for when you open your child's document and what the research says about the current state of IEP quality. Grab it now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/ai-iep! Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia! My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered. Topics Covered: What can be influenced by your new state on top of the federal foundation, and why knowing your state's specific special education regulations matters [3:18] Key reasons that transition IEP meetings around the 30-day mark don't give schools enough time to truly know your child, and why you shouldn't feel rushed to sign anything [3:52] The truth about re-evaluations when moving out of state: you don't automatically need a new one just because you crossed state lines [5:06] The critical difference between "SLD dyslexia" and just "SLD," and why specific eligibility language matters for every teacher working with your child [6:09] The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) for military families navigating out-of-state moves, and what support is available at your installation [8:16] Why your child's complete records are your most reliable constant through every move, and what documents you need before transitioning to a new state [9:21] Key Takeaways: IDEA is federal, but states build their own procedures on top, and some build much more than others. A new evaluation isn't automatic just because you moved states; if it's within three years, it should still be valid. "SLD dyslexia" is far more protective than just "SLD"; specificity follows your child through every transition. Links & Resources Mentioned: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) EFMP - Exceptional Family Member Program #77 My Dyslexic Child Is Changing Schools: Will Their IEP Stay the Same When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers! Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

Please join us for “The Early Years Guidebook: A Discussion with Emily Read Daniels and Chrissy Dagostino.”Emily Read Daniels is the author and creator of The Regulated Classroom™. Daniels is an internationally recognized trainer and has served thousands through in-person and virtual professional development training, workshops, conferences, webinars, and keynote addresses.Daniels and her work have been featured in the Associated Press, Fox News, ABC News, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.Daniels holds an M.Ed. in School Counseling, an MBA in Organizational and Environmental Sustainability, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) through NBCC (National Board of Certified Counselors). She continually refines her understanding of the applied science of stress and trauma through training in varied modalities, including Somatic Experiencing, SMART (Sensory-Motor Arousal Therapy), trauma-informed sensory modulation, Reiki, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.Emily is very proud to have once been a school counselor. She resides in New Hampshire with her husband, enjoys spending time outdoors, loves being with her two teenagers when they are feeling chatty, plans and enjoys lots of time with the girls, and dotes on her fur baby, Maple, a golden retriever mix.Chrissy Dagostino is an experienced educational consultant and trainer with expertise in early childhood, special education, and educational neuroscience.She holds a Master's degree from San Francisco State University in both Early Childhood and Special Education, and has extensive experience in applying neuroscience-based approaches to education.With advanced training and certifications from The International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), The Brazelton Touchpoints Center, The MEHRIT Centre, Ltd, and as a certified Powerfully You Self-Regulation Curriculum provider, Chrissy integrates cutting-edge research into her work. She holds a certification in Applied Educational Neuroscience from Butler University and has completed coursework at both the Mindsight Institute and the Polyvagal Institute.In her private practice, Chrissy provides educational consultation to schools, coaching and professional development for educators, and teaches parent education workshops online. Her work is deeply rooted in relational neuroscience, the science of the nervous system, and Polyvagal Theory, equipping educators and parents with research-based strategies to support children's development and well-beingSupport the show

Kristey Williams, Kansas Legislator, On Kansas Schools Lawsuit For Special Education Funding | 5-21-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday's show: HISD Superintendent Mike Miles joins us to discuss the state of the district, changes in special education, and to address listener questions. You can send yours now to talk@houstonmatters.org.Also this hour: We meet the people behind a new free arts newspaper called the Houston Associated Experimental Press.And we revisit a 2015 conversation with former Congressman Barney Frank, who served Massachusetts for more than 30 years. Frank passed away this week. He was the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay.Watch

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Triple C Writing.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.This dynamic edWeb podcast builds on part one of the Enhancing Writing and Communication Through Sentence Building series. Educators are empowered to transform grammar instruction from abstract rules into meaningful, practical writing skills. After a brief review of core concepts from part one, the panelists show how students can enhance their writing with more complex sentence structures and dialogue.Designed for immediate classroom use, this session provides clear models and practical strategies that build directly on part one, supporting students as they move from basic sentence construction to more structured, expressive, and precise writing.By the end of this edWeb podcast, educators are able to:Distinguish between traditional grammar instruction and applied grammar strategies that are presented in authentic context and scaffolded using a logical language-based approachImplement effective techniques that support students as they learn to vary sentencesEvaluate and apply instructional tools that support varied sentence construction across multiple age groups and grade levelsDesign inclusive writing lessons tailored to general education, special education, and ESL/ELL/ENL/ML learnersUtilize practical resources that encourage spiralized writing practice, reinforcement, and skill transferThis edWeb podcast is of interest to elementary through middle school teachers, ESL and special education teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.View part one: Enhancing Writing and Communication Through Sentence Building: A Pedagogical ApproachTriple C WritingA More Practical Approach to Teaching Grammar & Writing SkillsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Special education teachers are using artificial intelligence to manage crushing paperwork. Could it help instructors spend more time with their students?Millions of students qualify for special education and they need qualified  teachers to help them.But burnout for these teachers has caused many to leave the profession – one reason –  the paperwork Now, a growing number of special educators are using A-I to speed up that paperwork and some research shows that despite the risks – it could help them spend more time with students.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 Tyler Bartlam. It was edited by Steven Drummond, Nirvi Shah and Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Pat, my guest's mom, grew up in Washington state. Because her parents had divorced wen Pat was a little girl, Pat spent the school year with her mother on the coast of Washington and summers with her father in the eastern part of the state. Pat learned independence starting at the early age of five years old as her parents  put her on a train by herself, back and forth across the state.  This part of Shannon's journey begins with her mom's Sock Monkey and it's opened up a world of learning and inspiration. Incase you're not familiar with what a sock monkey is, it's a  toy for young and old.  Stuffed Sock Monkeys were very popular in the 1930 and 40's, especially during The Great Depression to help uplift the spirits of children and adults. After Shannon's mother died, she came across a Stuffed Sock Monkey in her mother's possessions. She took it home with her and it's created a life of its own, a significance that Shannon is still surprised by today. In regard to her mother Shannon says "she was a teacher by nature and a teacher by trade. In fact, Pat was a  6th grade teacher for a while in addition to a Special Education teacher. Everything was a teaching /learning experience."  Shannon, her twin sister, Cheryl, and their mother had a very close relationship. All three women have intuitive capabilities and Pat allowed Shannon to make her own mistakes.  Shannon  in her late 20's,  started to develop her own psychic abilities. And as a twin, Shannon and her sister Cheryl, have psychic abilities that they work on together from near and afar.   Shannon shares stories of all the music in their home growing up. "Mom, she was brilliant. She could play any instrument by ear you gave her. Her main instrument in our home was the piano." With an infectious laugh that Shannon most likely inherited from her mom,  my guest fills us in on how funny  her mother was. She just lit up the whole family with her witty sense of humor. Shannon Grissom is an award winning artist, author and illustrator of the book "Monkey Made of Sockies" and most recently the creator of 'Sock Monkey Oracle Cards."   - Each card is a unique painting of a sock monkey which correlates to a specific Oracle Card. What are Oracle cards? Shannon Grissom will explain all of this and share more stories of her mom  Pat. https://twitter.com/ShannonGrissom  FB Page 1.4K FB Personal 2.1K https://www.facebook.com/ShannonGrissomCreations/ YouTube 410 https://www.youtube.com/shannongrissom LinkedIn 1.1K (CENTRAL VALLEY TALK SHOW-APRIL 2022 WITH AUSTIN REED. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannongrissom/ TikTok 95 https://www.tiktok.com/@shannongrissom IG 1.1 https://www.instagram.com/shannongrissom/   *WEBSITE https://sockmonkeyoracle.com/ "Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie's guests are open and honest and answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You'll be amazed at what the responses are.Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”Jackie Tantillo's “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it's clear why it's a 2023 People's Choice Podcast Award Nominee. This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers' actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society. Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.Gina Kunadian"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2018/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship. Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHLTMM PODCAST:Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/ and https://www.jackietantillo.com/Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo Listen wherever you find podcasts: https://www.facebook.com/ShouldHaveListenedToMyMotherhttps://www.facebook.com/jackietantilloInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/shouldhavelistenedtomymother/https://www.instagram.com/jackietantillo7/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-tantillo/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ShouldHaveListenedToMyMother

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Sheri Roberson, Putnam County Special Education Supervisor, to reflect on her 37-year career in education. Sheri shares how her path shifted from nursing to special education after discovering a passion for working with students through the Special Olympics. She discusses growing up in a family of educators, working under her father who was a principal, and eventually working alongside him early in her career. The conversation highlights the challenges of serving a large district and the support systems in place for students with special needs and their families. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Dr. Coppola sit down with Sara Bookout, Director of the Hope Allen Center for Exceptional Children, to discuss the critical role of special education within the Christian school and church. As many ministries seek to improve their support for students with disabilities, this conversation highlights the Special Education Summit as a premier resource for professional development and spiritual encouragement.Sarah outlines the summit's unique approach, which brings together parents, educators, and church leaders to share practical tools and success stories. The discussion explores key concepts such as "putting people before paper"—a leadership philosophy focused on supporting teachers and families through efficient systems and relational ministry. Listeners will gain insight into the summit's diverse offerings, ranging from sessions on neuroplasticity and classroom management to legal planning for families and establishing sustainable church ministries.Whether your organization is just starting to consider special education or is looking to expand an existing program, this episode provides a roadmap for taking the "next step" in serving families with special needs. Join us to learn how your ministry can find the refreshment and equipment necessary to bear one another's burdens through excellence in special education.

On Friday's show: HISD officially outlined its plans to centralize special education services at its board meeting Thursday night. This came after draft documents were leaked regarding the plan, which prompted a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Education. We find out what district leadership had to say.Also this hour: Road construction is unavoidable in a region as large as Greater Houston, but do you ever feel like they schedule projects all at the same time? We discuss how road work gets scheduled.Then, from a former Texas Lotto official's indictment, to the WNBA's official return to Houston next year, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we hear from singer LUCÍA, who bridges the worlds of jazz, Latin, and pop music. She performs Sunday at Houston's Eldorado Ballroom as a part of the series Rising Jazz Stars from DACAMERA.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ4ALFFyBVk

Choosing the new Ontario Liberal candidate in Scarborough Southwest has gone sideways. Ahsanul Hafiz won by 19 votes, but runner-up Nate Erskine-Smith says he has reason to appeal. Is he right? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath parse what Steve saw at the Liberal nomination meeting, including some things he found quite unusual. Then, Steve and JMM discuss the Ontario government's takeover of Conestoga College. And finally, the Auditor General issued four special reports, outlining concerns around trucker training, artificial intelligence use in government, special education services, and how the government enforces court orders in spousal and child support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinicians who are confidently delivering language and literacy interventions haven't found the perfect "therapy curriculum". They've learned how to build their own using three practices.In this episode, I share what those practices are, plus additional information on a free training I released that explains these concepts further. I cover:✅ The concept of "clinical containers", and how you can use them to design your language therapy system, informed by my doctoral research and experience working in the schools for 10+ years.✅ How to fill those linguistic containers over time using "asset stacking", so you're strategically adding layers of complexity one at a time.✅ How to structure your planning so it fits into a realistic schedule, so each block of "plan" time you get moves you towards building your complete language therapy system. In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable 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 my free training called “Three Practices to Turn Your Clinical Expertise Into a Scalable Language Therapy System”. You can register for the training here: https://drkarenspeech.com/language Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also 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

On Monday's show: We learn why the U.S. Department of Education is investigating HISD and what it could mean for students and their families.And, after two Houston residents were identified as being among those on a cruise ship exposed to the hantavirus, we learn more about the virus and how it's transmitted.Also this hour: We discuss how we evaluate a student's success after graduation -- is salary the best way to measure that?Then, gardening expert Meg Tapp will answer listener questions.And we check in on the Astros' injury-plagued season with Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast.Watch

Send us Fan MailDr. Amy Butterfield Tozzo came by to discuss her approach to dealing with autism with her son, Leo.  Her career in education spans over 20 years, with an emphasis in special education and as a specialist for the learning disabled.With her youngest son on the spectrum, she has worked with him on an exciting new project making custom candles and soaps, enabling him to find fulfillment in a potential career, as well as a means to develop his social skills.  To learn more about this fantastic business, please visit A Leo Creation.In addition to her work with the learning disabled, Dr. Tozzo works with her husband Dr. William Tozzo and Dr. Yeap Ban Har on a course which helps teachers and aspiring teachers hone their skills in teaching Mathematics. To learn more about their project, please visit 3R Teacher Training Check our other links:TwitterRumbleInstagramYouTube

Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, spoke to Treasa about today’s deadline for applications for places in next year’s school transport system. He also defended the government’s record on special education.

Although we're heading into the final weeks of the school year, learning should never stop. OEA members have the opportunity to learn from each other, improve their practice for their students, and build their skills and relationships at this year's OEA Summer Leadership Academy June 22-24 in Columbus. In this episode, we're sitting down with two OEA members who are presenting at SLA about why this is such a valuable experience for educators. We're also hearing from one of the OEA staff members who is co-planning the event about why a fireside chat with the keynote speaker, Tyler James Williams from Abbot Elementary, is just one of the many draws for this year's SLA conference.REGISTER NOW FOR SLA | The OEA Summer Leadership Academy is designed to help OEA members at all levels of the association realize and develop skills and talents as leaders of their profession and their association while building relationships and organizing for power. June 22-24, 2026 - Hyatt Regency Columbus (350 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43215)More information and registration at https://cvent.me/z0aWP9Registration deadline: June 12026 Summer Leadership Academy Features:• Annual OEA District Leaders Event open to all Summer Leadership Academy attendees• Meet and Greet with Ohio's 2026 pro-public education candidates• More than 40 unique sessions to meet your professional learning needs• NEW! A wellness session block focused on balance, care, and creativity• Time for you to connect with your colleagues, learn together, and reflect on how OEA members are United for Public EducationJOIN OEA FOR MORE SUMMER FUN | In addition to this year's Summer Leadership Academy, OEA is offering several other opportunities for educators to come together while school is out:GOLF OUTING | Join OEA at Champions Golf Course before you head to SLA on Monday, June 22, 2026.Click here for full details and info about registering your foursome or signing up to attend as a spectator.SUMMER CELEBRATION OF DIVERSE READERS | OEA and the Dayton Education Association will be giving away thousands of free books featuring diverse characters, written by diverse authors at the 4th annual Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Lohery Recreation Center (2366 Glenarm Ave. Dayton, OH 45420)  SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guests: Mackenzie Leonard, Van Buren Education Association memberMackenzie is the EL Program Coordinator and ESL teacher at Van Buren Schools, where she works with students grades PK-12. She is also a member of the Ohio TESOL Board and a proud member of OEA's EL Cadre. Kenzie is a graduate from THE Ohio State University as well as from BGSU and has a passion for developing and fostering cultural awareness and multicultural experiences within small-town communities. Kenzie is a daughter, sister, and "Mama" to her ever-energetic daughter, Palmer!Joie Moore, Pickerington Support Staff Association PresidentJoie Moore serves as the president of the Pickerington Support Staff Association, as a board member of Central OEA/NEA, and on the OEA Board of Directors, representing Central Unit 2. Additionally, she is the Vice Chair of the Ohio Association of Education Support Professionals. She was a participant in the OEA ESP Educator Voice Academy and a 2023 NEA ESP Leadership Academy graduate.  Joie is married to Greg, a fellow OEA member, and they have two adult children, who both graduated from Pickerington Schools, Frankie and Nick.  In her downtime Joie enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and reading. Daria DeNoia, OEA Education Policy and Practice Consultant In her role as an Education Policy and Practice Consultant for the Ohio Education Association, Daria DeNoia (she, her) advocates for best practices and equitable policies for Ohio educators at the state level, and provides professional development for OEA members that supports their teaching practices.  She has been a special education teacher for young children with significant needs in an urban school district, an experiential pre-school teacher, and a program coordinator for an educational equity organization. Daria believes that communities are strongest when all people work together to create systems that support their needs, and works as a community organizer to build local power. She has her B.A. in English Literature and American Studies from Rutgers College, her M. Ed. in Special Education from the University of Dayton, achieved National Board Certification, and is a certified Restorative Practices Facilitator through IIRP. Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on April 14 and 22, 2026...

Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:  Speaking God's Language – Throughout the Bible, God encourages us to bring before him our worship and praise, confession, thanksgivings, intercessions, and petitions. As Christians grow in the discipline of praying, it becomes clear that there is always more to learn. Joni Eareckson Tada shares insights and personal stories that will hone your skill of including scripture in your prayers. Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping! *Limit one copy per person* --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Recess is often thought of as an “extra” activity in the school day. Sometimes it's even taken away from students as a punishment. But some schools think about recess as an integral part of the school day, where students get the opportunity to connect, practice important social and problem-solving skills they'll need for life.Others are taking it a step further and using it as a tool to help students feel more connected to their school experience, and to decrease chronic absenteeism and establish a school culture where kids feel like they belong at school. That's why I was so excited to connect with Elizabeth Cushing from Playworks.Elizabeth Cushing is CEO of Playworks, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of play to bring out the best in every child. Elizabeth joined Playworks in 2004 and was named President and COO in 2011 and CEO in 2020. She leads Playworks' Executive Team and is responsible for the organization's strategy, operations and fiscal health. During her tenure Elizabeth has played a lead role in designing Playworks' national scaling strategy including engaging national investors. Alongside founder, Jill Vialet, Elizabeth led the organization through a sustained period of growth from a San Francisco Bay Area-focus to a national organization with 14 teams across the country. As a result of strategic expansion, Playworks shares its unique brand of play and physical activity with 1,000 elementary schools reaching more than 1M children annually. For more than 30 years Elizabeth has served in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, children's advocacy and women's issues. Elizabeth is a product of Oregon public schools, Stanford University and the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs.In this conversation, we discuss:✅ Simple ways educators can set expectations and rules to create structure and a sense of safety around recess✅ How to use play as a reset and a preventative measure, instead of something that's taken away from kids as a punishment✅ How training kids as peer coaches can help decrease disruptive behaviors and help kids discover their own leadership potentialYou can learn more about Playworks on their website at: https://www.playworks.org/Resources mentioned in this interview include:Comprehensive Game Guide that Outlines Games Across Grade Levels: https://www.playworks.org/indiana/game-guide/The sister website for Playworks with tools for assessing the health of your school's recess: https://www.recesslab.org/In this conversation, I mentioned School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also 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

ALSO: April's Golden Apple Award winner is Miss Liz Retana, but everyone calls her Coach Liz. She's a special education teacher at Purdue Polytechnic High School – Broad Ripple. Coach Liz goes far beyond her title as an Exceptional Learner's Coach: Many people here say students would not graduate without her care and compassion. We dive into how she became a teacher and her background in sports broadcasting. She also discusses the difficult moment she lost a student this year and how she is helping keep his memory alive.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Monday's show: Leaked documents have detailed proposed changes to special education at HISD, raising alarm among families of students with disabilities. We learn more from Houston Public Media's education reporter Bianca Seward.Also this hour: We offer listeners a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And we recap the Rockets' season after their first-round loss to the Lakers and consider what needs to happen for the team to go deeper in the playoffs with the help of Jeff Balke.Watch

Most schools say they “collaborate.” They hold team meetings. They talk about students. They review data.But without clear infrastructure, those meetings become updates instead of decision-making engines, and multi-tiered systems of support become an extra burden for educators. In this episode, I interview Kurtis Hewson from Jigsaw Learning to break down their Collaborative Response Team meeting format and explain why effective collaboration requires structure and not just good intentions. From who is in the room to how documents are used before, during, and after the meeting, they share the operational backbone that makes collaboration actually move student outcomes.Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as post-secondary teaching faculty. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning and co-author of Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin, 2022). Kurtis works with districts and schools nationally and internationally to establish Collaborative Response frameworks and interacts with thousands of educators each year.If you care about MTSS, intervention systems, or building-level leadership, this episode will shift how you think about team meetings and collaboration. In this interview, we discuss: ✅ Why the Collaborative Team Meeting framework helps educators move from between “talking about students” to making strategic, forward progress that changes school-wide practice✅ How structured documents before, during, and after meetings create clarity and accountability and psychological safety✅ How to capture action items in real time and encourage innovative thinking✅ Why the Collaborative Team Meeting requires specific roles, and how these roles  determine whether a meeting moves forward or feels like busyworkIf you're leading multi-tiered supports in K–12 education or trying to strengthen how your teams collaborate, this episode offers practical insight into building the infrastructure that makes collaboration sustainable, focused, and impactful.You can learn more about the Collaborative Response Framework free resources here: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/freeRead about the Overview of Collaborative Response here: https://bit.ly/CR-overview Read the Introductory Chapter of the text Collaborative Response – https://bit.ly/CR-introGet the Collaborative Team Meeting Starter Kit here: https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/ctm-starter-kit-podcastLearn about the Layers of Collaborative Teams Here: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/scaffolding-our-collaborative-response-purposeful-layering-tLearn the Five Considerations to Transform Your Team Meetings here:  https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/five-planning-considerations-to-transform-your-team-meetingsIn this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable 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 design an executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also 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

Justin Fierro, Principal, and Brooke Weise, Director of Student Services at Immanuel Lutheran School in Giddings, TX, join Dr. Tracie Salgado to talk about their school's partnership with LSEM and their unique approach to supporting their students with learning differences.

Are you a grandparent or kinship caregiver navigating the maze of IEPs, 504 plans, and medical decisions while advocating for a child impacted by trauma and neglect? Do you feel overwhelmed by failing systems, mislabeled as a troublemaker simply for demanding the support your grandchild needs to heal? You're not alone.I'm Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this powerful episode, legal social worker Paula Yost joins us to break down the essential legal framework every kinship caregiver needs. Discover how to confidently advocate for your grandchild's educational and medical rights, overcome the isolation and guilt of fighting the system, and turn “troublemaker” into a badge of honor.Hear real stories, actionable advice on IEP and 504 meeting survival, and learn why your advocacy is the most vital document in your grandchild's life. For more information on Paula Yost please visit her website. Purchase a copy of Paula's new book "Tumbleweeds", which I believe everyone should have in their resource library! Also! For Paula Yost's- "Tools For Knowledge From A Seasoned Mother" visit our Resource Library.Join our supportive community—because you deserve more than just survival. You deserve to thrive while cSend us Fan MailJolene Thiessen has been with us since the beginning of our podcast. She wrote in to thank us for our 100th episode! She looked for help online and found us- the only podcast that came up when she searched for help. I live to help these children have better lives and to be sure that all our pain doesn't go to waste for you grandparents and kinship caregivers out there! I love hearing your stories and comments. Keep sharing! Your stories make a difference. In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook 

Supporting high-needs learners in group settings starts with how we design the environment, not how we manage behavior. We reflect on how unclear expectations, limited movement, and unpredictable routines can impact anyone, then connect that experience to what our learners face every day. By redefining “high needs,” we focus on learners who require more support with regulation, skill acquisition, and participation, without lowering expectations for their success.We explore the often unspoken skills required in group settings, like waiting, turn-taking, imitation, and tolerating mistakes, and why these must be explicitly taught. We also share proactive strategies like structuring predictable routines, using visuals, and separating group skill instruction from academic content.Finally, we discuss common pitfalls such as over-prompting, reinforcing escape, and staff burnout, and how thoughtful planning, intentional teaching, and clear team communication can create more inclusive and sustainable group experiences.What's Inside: Why environment design matters more than behavior controlKey group skills that must be explicitly taughtCommon mistakes and how to prevent staff burnoutMentioned in This Episode:How To ABA BlogEpisode 172: How to Teach Executive Functioning SkillsHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

Tune in to hear Head of School, Dr. Mark Carleton, chat with Cindy Hilton, Lower School 5th grade Language Arts teacher about her professional background including five years in finance and 17 years in education. This episode is now live and available for download on our People of PS Podcast. Cindy Hilton holds an Associate of Science in Biology from San Jacinto College and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. She is certified in EC–6 Generalist, EC–12 Special Education, English as a Second Language (ELL), and Gifted and Talented (GT).  Throughout her teaching career, Cindy has worked with 2nd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, Special Education, and GT students, building a strong foundation in supporting a wide range of learners.  Cindy and her husband Jay, the School's Director of Facility Operations, not only work together at PS, but they also work together in their community. She and her husband pastor a small church in the Clear Lake area where she teaches Sunday School, and is part of the praise team. In their free time, the Hiltons enjoy fishing in Galveston Bay, Port Aransas, and Rockport. Cindy also enjoys bible journaling, reading, sewing, and embroidering.  Jay and Cindy have been enjoying life together for 30 years, and they are proud parents to sons Blaze (24), Bishop (22), and Brooks (13), and bonus son Charles (20). At home, her family also cares for chickens, ducks, and two quirky German Shepherds.

Amy Jacobson is the Director of UND's Special Education Resident Teacher Program, and on today's episode, she breaks down two innovative pathways that have trained roughly 600 special education teachers for North Dakota schools since 1997, including one designed for people who don't even have an undergraduate degree yet. The programs combine paid, year-long internships with layered mentorship and heavily subsidized graduate education, creating a model with remarkable retention rates in rural communities. Whether you're in North Dakota or not, this episode is full of transferable ideas for any small town looking to think outside the box about recruiting and retaining the professionals they need most. About Amy: Amy Jacobson, Ed.D. is the Director of both the Special Education Resident Teacher Program and the Accelerated Bachelor of General Studies and Master of Education in Special Education at the University of North Dakota. With over two decades of experience in special education, she leads statewide efforts to recruit, train, and retain special education teachers, particularly in rural and high-need areas.  Dr. Jacobson earned her Doctor of Education in Teacher Education from the University of North Dakota, along with a master's degree in special education.  She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Mayville State University.  In her role, she collaborates with school districts, state agencies, and university partners to oversee program development, funding, and teacher placement. She also coordinates an accelerated pathway program designed to support paraeducators and others in becoming licensed special educators.  Prior to her current position, Dr. Jacobson served as a special education teacher and department leader at the secondary level, where she worked extensively with students with diverse learning needs. She is also an experienced faculty member and advisor, having taught numerous graduate courses and mentored master's students.  Her work focuses on strengthening the special education workforce through innovative preparation models, mentorship, and partnerships across North Dakota.  In this episode, we cover: How UND's Special Education Resident Teacher Program combines grad school with a paid, year-long classroom internship and how that helps retention The creative dual-enrollment pathway Amy built for people who want in but don't have a completed bachelor's degree that helps them earn two degrees in roughly four years Why 75–85% of resident teacher candidates today have zero education background — and why that's a feature, not a bug Practical ideas any community can steal: apprenticeship programs, dual credit for high schoolers, and employer-matched tuition through local economic development Why strong special education in rural schools isn't just good for schools but the whole community Links + Resources Mentioned: Special Education Resident Teacher Program: https://education.und.edu/academics/tlpp/rtp-special-ed.html General Studies Degree with Master's in Special Education: https://und.edu/programs/general-studies-ba-special-education-med/index.html Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support.  We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!

When schools talk about improving engagement, student wellness, or school climate, it often turns into assemblies, themed weeks, or standalone initiatives. When schools talk about community engagement, student wellness, or school climate, they often turn into assemblies, themed weeks, or standalone initiatives. In this episode, I invited Lauren Porosoff from The Teacher Nerd to unpack why a focus on engagement and wellness must be woven into the daily fabric of the school experience to have lasting impact.Lauren is an educational consultant who helps schools design learning environments where community values like equity, empathy, and creativity emerge from the instruction itself. She was a teacher for 18 years, most recently at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York. She's taught the 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, mostly in English and history, and has also served as a diversity coordinator, a grade dean, and a leader of curricular initiatives. Lauren develops tools and protocols that transform the psychological experience of school for teachers and students. She's developed applications in instructional design, social-emotional learning, professional development, and anti-bias action.In this conversation, we discuss:✅ What “compensatory programs” mean in the context of wellness, belonging, and community engagement.✅ Why one-off events and initiatives aren't sufficient for supporting student mental health and well-being. ✅ How to embed protective factors like connection into instruction and routines.✅ The impact of technology on engagement and agency (plus a writing example)If you're a school leader, instructional coach, or support professional who wants to strengthen student engagement and well-being in a sustainable way, this episode will help you shift from programming for students to designing systems with them across the entire day.You can learn more about Lauren's products and services on her website at: https://www.theteachernerd.com/You can read her article on the trouble with compensatory programming here: https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/the-trouble-with-compensatory-programsGet her book, Teaching for Authentic Engagement here: https://www.ascd.org/books/teach-for-authentic-engagementConnect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-porosoff-2b728b75/In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable 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 design an executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also 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

Does your classroom ever feel like controlled chaos? In this episode, we unpack what's really behind busy, overwhelming ABA classrooms and how we can better support both students and staff. We explore why behavior plans alone often fall short and how strong systems can make all the difference when things get loud and unpredictable.We walk through practical, proactive strategies like building flexible routines, organizing the physical environment, and using visual supports to increase independence and reduce stress. We also dive into common breakdown points like transitions and share ways to teach and reinforce key skills before challenges escalate.Beyond student support, we focus on the critical role of staff. From clear expectations to communication and emotional regulation, we highlight how empowered, supported teams are essential for success. Ultimately, we remind ourselves that classrooms don't need to be perfect, just functional, supportive, and sustainable.What's Inside:How to prevent chaos with simple, proactive systemsStrategies for smoother transitions and skill-buildingSupporting staff to create calm, effective classroomsMentioned in This Episode:Episode 127: Classroom ReinforcementManaging the Mayhem: Supporting Busy Classrooms and Group Settings HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

In episode 255 of De Facto Leaders, I elaborate on the concept of using vocabulary as a large “container”, so you can design sessions efficiently without sacrificing quality.I talk about why more experienced clinicians often struggle to make their interventions scalable, and why this gets in the way of carryover.I also share the five “containers” I use in my Language Therapy Advance Foundations program that can support skills like reading, writing, spelling, and language processing in ways that can be reinforced outside sessions. If you have a ton of knowledge relating to language and executive functioning, but don't know how to organize it into a cohesive system…If you're getting results in sessions, but it takes a ton of effort on your part and consumes all your capacity…If you're able to scaffold and model “on-the-fly”, but struggle to explain your techniques to others so they can replicate them…Then you'll find this concept of “containers” really useful.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/languagetherapyYou can view this episode on the blog to see the screenshare here: https://drkarenspeech.com/five-clinical-containers-to-design-your-language-therapy-system/The handout referenced in this episode is the session handout for my “Three Shifts to Creating a Scalable Language Therapy System” session. You can sign up for this free online session here: https://drkarenspeech.com/language Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also 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

Allie Wilson is a special education teacher and founder of IEP Assure. After years of navigating fragmented documentation systems, growing compliance demands, and firsthand campus pressure around IEP implementation, she turned that frustration into a solution. IEP Assure was built to ensure the work teachers are already doing is accurately captured, reducing workload while strengthening clarity and compliance. ______________________________________________________________________ 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