SPEDTalk

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the positive impact that project based learning is having on the performance, achievement, and outcomes of students at the UT Tyler University Academy Charter School. UTTUA is a public university Charter School that incorporates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into daily classroom curriculum and utilizes a hands-on learning approach to better equip students with the 21st century skills required to succeed in the future.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, new members of the team are introduced. The current challenges of special education are discussed, along with possible solutions. This episode was recorded live in video format and can be viewed online at Spotify podcasts.

We have a special guest in this SPEDTalk episode: Dr. Rodney Watson, the Executive Director of Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX. He talks about his personal and professional journey in special education and how he supports and advocates for students with disabilities. He also shares his insights on the current challenges and opportunities in education and his vision for the future of learning. Join us as we learn from Dr. Watson's wisdom and passion for special education.

In this combination episode of SPEDTalk, we learn about how Elizabeth Chapman and Alli Fletcher co-teach 6th-grade math at Lake Dallas Middle School, and we interview Cassie White, a special education teacher in Birdville ISD, who shares her experience and insights on implementing student-led IEP meetings in her district. 

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Elizabeth Chapman and Alli Fletcher co-teach 6th-grade math at Lake Dallas Middle School. They are creating a learning environment that benefits all students. The student's knowledge and skills dictate the level of support provided to students and not the label. Students receiving special education services are finding success. The co-teachers regularly collaborate to plan and deliver instruction that meets the diverse needs of their learners. They use data to monitor progress and adjust their strategies accordingly. They also foster a positive classroom culture where students feel valued and respected.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we interview Cassie White, a special education teacher in Birdville ISD, who shares her experience and insights on implementing student-led IEP meetings in her district. She explains how student-led IEP meetings empower students with disabilities to take charge of their learning goals and outcomes and how they foster collaboration and communication among students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. She also provides practical tips and strategies for preparing students to lead their IEP meetings and overcome potential challenges.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn from two SPED Administrators in the field how to leverage the Self-Assessment process to achieve effective implementation and lasting impact through a programmatic continuous improvement process.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the amazing work of Camp Able of Buffalo Gap, who's mission is to cultivate healthy, independent living for people with special needs through skills based training and equine therapy, with a special focus on using horses that have been given sanctuary from difficult circumstances. Camp Able’s vision is that self-sufficiency is a reasonable and achievable goal for humans regardless of mental, emotional and physical capabilities, with the full acceptance and understanding of their caregivers and society at large. Camp Able is a nonprofit organization that provides equine therapy to people with special needs and sanctuary to unwanted or neglected horses. At Camp Able, people with special needs experience broad improvements that lead to greater confidence and self-sufficiency, while horses find rehabilitation, care, training and a home.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the Project Updates to the Legal Framework on ESC Region 18 website. The purpose of the project is to provide and maintain an updated web-based platform to assist stakeholders such as local educational agencies (LEAs), advocates, and parents in learning about state and federal laws and regulations by providing rich resources regarding obligations and rights for the provision of a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to students with disabilities.

In this special extended episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by career educator, Lori Ray to hear about her connection to an exceptional young man with autism who she was blessed to work with throughout his public school journey named Ty Vinson. Then, you will hear Ty's story in his own words as he describes what it was like growing up with autism. 

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn how Jasper ISD is reversing the trend of significant disproportionality by giving kids hope and help. From Capturing Kid's Hearts to Equine Therapy and much more, this group of educators is making a significant impact on their students and community.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the amazing Transition Related Opportunities coming our of ESC Region 19. Listen in to this conversation to hear all about how the Elevate and Excelerate Program provides opportunities for students with disabilities to work to learn and learn to work. 

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we circle back to our friends at Corsicana ISD to hear about the amazing new directions the Penguin Project has gone since we first visited with them last school year when they were performing Annie. Named for the exceptional characteristics of penguins, the Corsicana ISD Penguin Project is a unique theatre production in which all roles are filled by students with developmental disabilities; allowing students to shine forth and demonstrate their strengths. Students are joined on stage by a dedicated group of "peer mentors" who work alongside these talented students through rehearsals and performances. As the only education institution across the United States partaking in this program, the Corsicana ISD Penguin Project invests in positive, inclusive culture change, community engagement, bolsters confidence, and empowers children with special needs through theatre. Upcoming Penguin Project showings of SHREK are scheduled at Corsicana ISD on November 18th and 19th. To learn more and get you tickets visit the links below. 

In this episode, we record our first ever Video Podcast edition of SPEDTalk at ESC Region 10. Listen in to hear the audio version of this podcast in which we talk about the evolution of SPEDTalk or check out the Video version on YouTube at the link below

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Alexander and Dr. Justin Porter to discuss leadership and direction at TEA. Tune in to hear about changes with respect to Cyclical Monitoring and TEA Initiatives and Resources. 

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we sit down with ESC Region 10 Special Education Liaison, Evan Heckmann, to discuss his 10 Minutes 'Til Video series designed for campus leadership but available to all on the ESC Region 10 website. ESC Region 10 knows that educational leaders face many competing priorities and that Special Education knowledge can be vital to their success. Knowing their time is precious and that they have limited opportunities to access the knowledge/resources they need is the reason behind the development of these brief videos. They serve as a reminder on particular applicable topics and can be viewed right before you find yourself in a situation you wish you remembered more about. They should not take the place of initial and thorough training.

In this episode, the SPEDTalk Team comes together to discuss the progression of the podcast and to provide our listeners with an opportunity to become a bit more acquainted with each of the members of SPEDTalk. Listen in to hear all about what's new in 2022. 

In this episode, the SPEDTalk Crew comes together to discuss upcoming changes to the Texas State Assessment, the STAAR Test. In case you didn't know, the STAAR Test is currently being redesigned to more accurately emulate pedagogical best practices and classroom instruction that is differentiated and evidence based. The STAAR redesign is a result of House Bill (HB) 3906 passed by the 86th Texas Legislature in 2019. The Texas Education Agency (TEA), working with a wide range of education stakeholders, including the Assessment Education Advisory Committee, has been exploring the most instructionally supportive approach to implementing these changes. The redesign will be implemented in the state summative assessments administered in the 2022–2023 school year.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and I travel to ESC Region 17 in Lubbock, Texas to experience the West Texas Cotton Boll Consortium first hand. Through a collaborative partnership between Regions 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, this two-day session brings Special Education Directors and other administrators together to discuss hot topics and best practices. Various topics discussed included strategic support plans, the DMS process, cyclical reviews, transition, intensive programs of instruction, budgets, family engagement, and much more.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by Meghan Young (Franchise Relations and Brand Excellence) for Bitty & Beau's Coffee Shops. Brewing up more than just delicious drinks, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop. Their shops provide a one-of-a-kind experience that is changing the way people see people with disabilities. As advocates for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Wrights have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place for their children and others living with disabilities. With locations popping up everywhere, Bitty & Beau's is more than just a great cup of coffee!

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the Special Education Director Collaborative LiveBinder, which is a joint project of the Texas ESCs working together to provide time-sensitive information and resources on special education topics to support special education directors across the state. The binder consists of Timeline Topics, which highlight time-sensitive items on a quarterly basis, and includes a year-at-a-glance document, quarterly checklists, and detailed quarterly slide deck. It also includes Special Education Spotlights, which contain information modules that address many of the topics referenced in the Timeline Topic modules but in greater details in addition to a new Live Calendar feature that supports special educators and has the ability to sync with Outlook and Google.

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we visit Waxahachie ISD to learn all about the Connecting the Dots Transition Fair, which is a partnership with Region 10 ESC. Connecting the Dots is an informational fair for individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and educators as well as the vendors who provide services. The purpose of the event is to provide information about community based resources, services, and supports that assist the individuals and their families. 

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by Dr. Shawn A. Robinson aka Doctor Dyslexia Dude following his inspiring presentation at the 2021 Cotton Boll Consortium. Shawn Anthony Robinson, Ph.D. is a full-time faculty member teaching reading, scholar, and entrepreneur, who delivers premium services such as training sessions, consulting and speaking engagements. He is professionally affiliated with the Wisconsin’s Equity & Inclusion Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison Area Technical College, and advisory member with Benetech. Robinson’s goal is to change the narrative and give all students HOPE!