Shows
A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationAngela Learns What Her IPhone Can DoHave you seen this apple accessibility video? In our 1st episode back in season 6, Abby, Robin and Angela talk about the cool tools out there supporting students at the college level and if they are accommodations if they are universally available to everyone.AT resources by State.Here is the SETT Framework Robin referenced.Learn more about universal design herePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast...
2026-01-1634 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationTeam Meetings Gone Wild!!!Sometimes, people lose their cool in Team meetings!! Listen in while Angela, Robin and Abby discuss strategies you can use to manage these moments in real time, intervene beforehand so they don't happen at all and follow up if they do. Teachers and Parents are human beings and stress and anxiety can take over during heated moments - listen in for a conversation about approaches, responses and big picture frames to consider before your next team meeting to support everyone's participation and input.BIG NEWS! The Pod is going national - on 11/13 Angela/Robin/Abby w...
2025-11-0735 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThrow Back episode!Sorry! We couldn't record this week, so please enjoy a repeat episode in which Robin and Angela discuss steps that can be taken when a student case starts to get litigous. We'll be back next week! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-10-3130 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationOut of District MonitoringListen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss Massachusetts' new Out of District Placement monitoring process and form. Here is a link to the newly shared form (September 2025) from the MADESE if you want to follow along.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-10-2434 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThinking About BehaviorXListen in as Robin and Abby discuss common misconceptions about classroom management and behavioral support. These great ideas are based on a recent Eduptopia article "7 Classroom management mistakes and the research on how to fix them" which can be found HERE.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-10-1731 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThat's a Big Adjustment!Starting this September, Massachusetts has changed how it calculates the required days for the provision of an IEP. Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss the recent changes to the 30/45 and annual IEP timelines. Special Education Policy Memo SY2024-2025 — 6Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-10-1041 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationStudents Earn More Than Money With Class JobsJoin Robin, Abby and Angela as they discuss the importance of Class Jobs! Here are some traditional and unique ideas from this Edutopia Article.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-10-0337 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationMath MattersThe IDEA requires that specially designed instruction be informed by research based methodologies. (E) supporting high-quality, intensive preservice preparation and professional development for all personnel who work with children with disabilities in order to ensure that such personnel have the skills and knowledge necessary to improve the academic achievement and functional performance of children with disabilities, including the use of scientifically based instructional practices, to the maximum extent possible; (Section 1400)and Section 1414: Evaluations, Reevaluations, IEPsCongress ad...
2025-09-2639 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationAngela Loves a Good HandbookJoin Robin and Angela as they discuss the importance of the school handbook! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-09-1937 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationHappy 50th Birthday IDEAWelcome to Season 6! Join Abby, Angela and Robin as they kick off season 6 by celebrating the upcoming 50th birthday of the IDEA (Nov. 2025!) Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-09-1228 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationPop-up! The Summer Scoop: IEPs and the Road to GraduationHappy summer and best wishes to those teachers/families who are currently returning to school! Robin, Abby and Angela come together for a summer episode focusing on graduation guidance for students in MA on IEPs. MA DESE Graduation and Transition Memo- July 2025Rethinking Graduation: What It Means for Students on IEPs- Kelley ChallenAge of Majority info. (CMR 603.28.07 #5)Lots to discuss on this important topic and we hope to continue the discussion with Kelley on the pod this fall.Please tell us how you found us by completing this s...
2025-08-0837 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationIt's the end of Season 5!29 episodes later, this is the last episode of Season 5! Listen up as we preview some topics we're thinking about and share some summer updates. Thanks for being such loyal listeners. Have a wonderful wrap up to your school year and we'll be back in the fall for Season 6.Robin, Abby and AngelaPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-05-1628 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWhere did OSEP go?Listen in as Robin and Abby discuss the recent appointment of the new OSEP Director.Here is the company that designs products to help feel more grounded and in control (Calmware).Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-05-0923 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education47 Seconds of BullshitListen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the recent wildly inaccurate, incendiary and harmful statements from US Health and Human Services (HHS) Director, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about people with Autism.Click here to review the growing list of disability advocacy organizations that responded to his comments.The Autism Society summary of group statementSignatory Organizations:Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Colin Killick, Executive DirectorAutism Society of America, Christopher Banks, President and CEOAutism Speaks, Keith Wargo, President and CEO
2025-05-0228 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWhy do People Stim??Ever wonder why people stim? Or what you can do to support students if they are stigmatized by a particular stim? Robin, Angela and Abby break it down. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-04-2533 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThe A. I. DilemmaListen in as Robin and Abby discuss the weird and wonderful (potentially) world of A. I. adoption in public schools. Everything from the politics at the State level to individual teacher and student decision making is being impacted by this new development.MADESE web resources on AILots of Resources on AIPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-04-1828 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationPros & Cons of PromptingPrompting is a key component of specially designed instruction and is often misunderstood. Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the pros and cons of prompting and the many nuances of the most commonly understood prompting hierarchy.For more resources on this topic check out:https://www.unr.edu/ndsip/services/resources/tips/using-the-system-of-least-to-most-promptshttps://thinkpsych.com/blogs/posts/understanding-prompt-hierarchies?srsltid=AfmBOorBMSbBrRlmax3bGaYcXoOjomE5bh3vaYx5lB8Z8faB-U8MRn4rASHA statement on Facilitated CommunicationNIH article on Facilitated Communication
2025-04-0430 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWhat Are Some Steps to Take If Things Are Starting to Head South (and we don't mean to Florida!)There are always signs before a student case goes south...here are some tips from Angela and Robin your team can take to get things back on track.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-03-2829 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWorld Down Syndrome Awareness Day 2025Happy International Down Syndrome Awareness Day (3/21/25). Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they talk about the 2025 campaign presented by CoorDown .No Decision Without Me- videoWorld Down Syndrome Day- websiteSecondary Transition Docs- DESE/MAPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-03-2125 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationBeyond the Science of ReadingFor more information about the articles Robin and Abby discuss in this episode check out:EdWeek February 13th - What Educators Need to Know About Dyslexia—and Why It’s Not Something to ‘Fix’ASCD blog February 2nd - Redefining the Science of ReadingAnd Natalie Wexler's new book published by ASCD:Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning
2025-02-2830 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationPop Culture Pod- Who's Watching Baylen Out Loud?Join Robin and Angela as they discuss the TLC show Baylen Out Loud, which follows a young adult with Tourette's Syndrome and her quest for independence. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-02-2131 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationListener Question: Programming for Students w/Intensive Behavioral Needs AKA Inclusion is a Philosophy AND a LocationTonight Abby, Angela and Robin answer a listener question from a Principal who is struggling with 1 or a few but mightygroup of students who are using up all the school resources. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-02-1435 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWe aren't done talking about the MCAS yet!In the next months, each individual School District in Massachusetts will have to formally adopt requirements that confer a diploma. Listen in as the girls discuss the considerations inherent in this process and check out your local District's School Committee to find out more about what the local requirements in your town will be.Join Abby, Robin and Angela while they review the DESE Guidance 2.0 (12/11/24)Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-01-3140 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThe Hingham CaseJoin Robin while she listens to Angela review the Hingham decision:DALE and JENNIFER HARRIS, as parents and next friend of their minor son, RNH vs. Hingham Schools (defendents named specifically, Town of Hingham and School Committee)Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-01-2436 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWelcome back to Part 2 of Season 5!Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they run through hot topics for 2025 and potential podcast topics. If you have an idea or a question, please reach out to them via email at astalpodcast@gmail.comPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2025-01-1829 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationGratitude on the Menu: Thanksgiving ReflectionsIn this Thanksgiving episode, Abby, Robin, and Angela take a moment to pause, reflect, and share what they’re most thankful for in their professional and personal lives. We are on a break until Jan. 2025- have a great holiday season! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-11-2919 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationHow Have We Never Recorded A Pod About Transitions??After multiple requests, Robin and Abby begin the transition convo. It's too expansive to cover in 1 episode so this is just the beginning! Do you want to be a transition specialist?Autism goes to collegeIntelligent LivesMA DESE Secondary TransitionPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-11-2244 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationIt Passed...What's Next for MCAS?Question 2: Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement passed in Massachusetts- so what does that mean for students? Listen to Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the DRAFT Q&A provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-11-1522 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWhat's up with the H&H form?Ever wonder how to support students who are home or hospital bound? Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss how to provide educational services to students who are confined to the home or a hospital setting.MA DESE Q&A (603 CMR 28.03(3)(c)Physician's Affirmation of Need for Temporary Home or Hospital Education for Medically Necessary ReasonsPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-11-0832 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationAll Things Manifestation Determination Related....Listen in while Angela, Robin and Abby discuss a complicated and emotionally challenging part of the special education legal landscape - when a Handbook/Code of Conduct infraction IS or IS NOT a manifestation of a student's disability. Legal reference: 34 CFR §§300.530-300-536For the flowchart mentioned in the podcast click here.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-11-0157 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationCalling All General Ed Teachers...Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the importance of the role of the general education teacher in IEP meetings. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-10-2535 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationIntegrated Preschools Rock!In this episode Abby, Angela and Robin interview Kathleen Browning, a former SLP and current Early Childhood Program Director to learn more about the amazing world of Integrated Preschool.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-10-1847 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationMeeting BombshellsListen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss what they are thinking and how they respond when someone in a meeting makes an unexpected statement or decision. Check out the resource for developing comprehensive evaluations from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction here.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-10-1141 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationHelp!! What is an H.L.P.!?!?!?!?!?Join Robin and Abby as they geek out on our field's research base (and sometimes, lack thereof). Listen in to a discussion of High Leverage Practices (HLP's); the 22 skills that we (sort of) have all agreed a special education teacher must consolidate to be effective in the role.For more information and to read the Official HLPs click here:https://highleveragepractices.org/ Check out the IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University's super cool think tank for more info and helpful visuals on HLP's here.Here is the link to the Council for Exceptional Chi...
2024-09-2748 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education100th episode! (and can anyone help Angela turn off her notifications?!)Can you believe we've uploaded 100 episodes?! We're ending Season 4 celebrating our 100th episode and choosing our favs from each season. Please go back and listen to those if you started mid-way through our show. Here is a list of the top 20 downloads if you want listener favorites. We've already planning for season 5- be back soon! Thank you listening- Robin/Abby/Angela S1 Ep. 1. With Friends Like These: Intro PodS3 Ep. 6 The 1,2,3s of IEPs (meetings, that is!)S2 Ep. 26 Final Episode of Season 2! AKA Robin's Had It...
2024-04-1927 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationIQ Test DebateListen in on the debate about the uses and misuses of IQ testing for students with disabilities and students of color. Robin, Angela and Abby dissect a recent article from the Hechinger report which can be found HERE titled: How flawed IQ tests prevent kids from getting help in schoolSchool psychologists are relying less on testing — but the change is too slow for some"by Sarah Carr and published on March 28, 2024.Please tell us how you found us by completing thi...
2024-04-0539 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWorld Down Syndrome Awareness DayMany of you have seen the ad #Assume I Can (and Maybe I Will) created by the organization CoorDown. Robin, Abby and Angela talk about the power of this campaign on the social inclusion movement. Check out some of the previous campaigns created by this organization (Esp. The Hiring Chain). Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-03-2925 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationReview of Love On The Spectrum S2 (SPOILERS!)Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the TV show Love On the Spectrum (Season 2 - Netflix)Tait's Take (youtube)The Color of Autism Foundation (mentioned on Tait's Take) Important because people of color tend to be diagnosed later in life due to stigma, biased testing protocols, medical racism etc.) Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-03-1537 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationCall Out the National Guard!?!?!Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss a recent request from several members of the Brockton School Committee for the Governor of Massachusetts to send the National Guard to Brockton High School. As you can imagine this has attracted a LOT of attention. Here are some articles related to the request and how the Governor responded:Here is an article about the original request from the Business InsiderHere is a link to the actual letter from the Brockton School CommitteeHere is a summary of the Governor's Response (she declined)And...
2024-03-0135 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationPTO v School Sponsored activitiesListen in as Angela, Robin and Abby sort through the similarities and differences between PTO and School Sponsored activities. Learn more about what needs to be accommodated and what does not based on the ADA and special education compliance requirements.Here is a sample letter to notify your PTO of their responsibilities under the ADA.Here is a link to the American Diabetes Association ADA Q and A which applies to other students as well.In 2013 the Office of Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague letter that is linked here specific to participation...
2024-02-1636 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationChoosing a Functional CurriculumThe decision to move to a "functional curriculum" is fraught - for teachers, specialists, administrators and especially, for parents. During this episode, Robin, Abby and Angela consider ways to help teams discuss moving from an academic track to a functional academic track. Pros and Cons abound and communication can make or break a Team's trust in the process and have a major impact on Student programming. Listen in while Angela, Robin and Abby unpack the dynamics and discussion points Teams should consider when considering the move to a functional curriculum. Check out this resource from the Indiana Institute on Disa...
2024-02-0230 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationHow to handle RejectionWelcome to the back end of season 4! Join Abby, Angela and Robin as they review how to handle the most common IEP rejections. The editing program was a little wonky this week- sorry! Also Angela's ending was too good to edit :) Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2024-01-2633 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWorking WITH AdvocatesTune in this week to hear Robin, Angela and Abby respond to a listener question about how to work with professional advocates. The discussion ranges from the logistics and details of how to incorporate an advocate into the dialogue to the emotions and feelings that advocacy can raise in school staff.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-11-1737 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationOh Nuts!During this episode, Robin and Angela talk about how to manage severe food allergies in school.MA DESE guidanceFAACT- 504 guidancePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-11-1040 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationA Shout Out To OSEPJoin Robin, Abby and Angela as they discuss emergency removals and the latest discipline stats from the Discipline and Behavior Blog Series from the OSEP website.Discipline and Behavior -Blog SeriesDiscipline Dear Colleague Letter (2022)5 Action Steps To Reduce exclusionary disciplineResources (keep digging through the links!)Valerie C WilliamsPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-11-0342 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationMail bag #3**sorry for the weird ending- editing got a little funky this week**In this episode Robin, Angela and Abby answer a listener question involving if services are tied to a specific disability, when is it a good idea to terminate speech services for a student with autism and how related services are provided in an online school setting. MA technical guidance: 8/25/06Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-10-2026 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThird time's a charm: Laura Gillis & the MCAS debateJoin Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss the Massachusetts high stakes competency exam required for a high school diploma (MCAS exam) with Laura Gillis , parent side special education attorney. There is a movement by parents and the MA Teacher's Union to end it as a diploma requirement while at the same time, DESE is proposing to raise the bar for proficiency. Here are some articles to read more about it:MTA/MassLive articleAdvocates ask leaders to end MCAS Leaders vote to raise the MCAS proficiency scorePlease tell us how...
2023-10-131h 05A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThere's No Place Like HomeListen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the protections and supports available for students who are experiencing Homelessness. They discuss the ins and outs of the Federal Law that governs this topic - The McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act.Guidance and ResourcesMcKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance — Advisories DESE Guidance on Data CollectionGuidance on Fixed, Regular, and Adequate Housing: Identifying Family and Youth HomelessnessFlyers and Brochures for Families Homeless Education Brochure Enrollment Flyer US Department of Agriculture Guidance for Homeless Children in School Nutrition ProgramsNon-Regulatory Guidance: Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program...
2023-10-0642 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationTo Notify or Not....That is the Question.A big part of safeguarding a Student and a Parent's rights is the provision of Prior Notice. Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby debate and discuss when that notice is legally required and when it is just a very very very good idea.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-09-2242 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education"Women's Work"?Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss the very real gender dynamics at play in our field and the implications for hiring and retaining the next generation of awesome special education teachers and related service providers.We referenced several historical timelines and recent articles in our discussion - if you are interested in learning more here are some places to start:Ed Week's recent hiring articleThe History of Women as Teachers, 2016 the Western Carolina JournalistThe Feminization of Teaching in America, the MIT program in Women & Gender Studies the MIT Kampf...
2023-09-1543 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationTop 10 Common Logical FallaciesJoin Robin, Abby and Angela as they discuss 10 common logical fallacies that come up in Team meetings and interactions with staff/parents. There are a bunch of these floating online but here is the one we used in the pod!Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-09-0847 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationBack to RealityListen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the real impact belonging can have on student achievement, the absurdity of anti-affinity group lawsuits and answer a listener question on calculating minutes. Happy Back to School and Back to Reality....Some resources discussed this episode with references to the research cited:Creating Academic Belonging in the ClassroomAffirming Disability: Strengths-Based Portraits of Culturally Diverse Families (Disability, Culture, and Equity Series) by Janet Story Sauer (Author), Zachary Rossetti (Author), Alfredo J. Artiles (Series Editor), & 1 morePlease tell us how you found us by completing...
2023-09-0132 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationSeason 4 (Really!)Welcome back! Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they begin season 4 and provide some helpful tips to get back into school. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-08-2531 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationSeason 3 is a wrap!We are closing out school year 22-23 with our final podcast in Season 3. Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they share what's in store with them next year. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-05-1913 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWe're not done just yet....Angela couldn't make it and we couldn't end season 3 without her, so Abby and Robin are sharing some reminders to think about as the end of year approaches.Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!! Check out New York State's comprehensive Exit Summary training slide deck Here is a great handout on Indicator 14 and tracking Post School OutcomesPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-05-1242 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationCheck out Another Great Film...Listen as Robin, Abby and Angela review the movie Champions Other points of view:Roger EbertInterview with Bobby FarrellyPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-05-0526 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWe've Got Mail 2nd EditionJoin Angela, Abby and Robin as they answer listener questions. If you have a question, send us an email at ASTALpodcast@gmail.comPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-04-1438 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationHiring (and Firing) Season...It is that time of year. Evaluation timelines in schools often hinge on key dates and March/April and May are busy times for rehiring (and not rehiring) decisions. Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss what they look for in good evaluators and effective evaluations.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-03-3133 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEncore: Myth # 103745: Teachers only work 10 months out of a yearLife got in the way and we couldn't get a new episode recorded for this week so please enjoy an encore episode from S1. We'll be back next week with a new episode!Robin/Abby/AngelaThe Extraordinary Att. Woo (Netflix)Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-03-2442 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationSpring ForwardListen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss and debate the realities of budgets, last minute spring evaluation requests, ESY and how they think about extended time on the SAT's!Click HERE for the Massachusetts Q and A on Extended School Year (ESY) considerations.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-03-1542 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThe Future of Mental Health in SchoolsSchools can't solve all of society's needs, but we sure do get asked to try! Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss recent data and ideas for "post pandemic" mental health services in schools for students and staff. Here are some of the resources discussed in the pod:Where Do We Go From Here? How K-12 Schools Can Support The Mental Health Of Students And EducatorsExample of a Universal Screening Tool (Signs of Suicide)CDC/The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)Mental Health First AidPlease t...
2023-03-0329 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationHoliday MayhemValentine's Day is coming...are you celebrating it in school? Join us as we discuss the pandora's box of observing holidays in school.American society is becoming more diverse and so are our public schools.More and more districts are grappling with the need to rethink the holidays celebrated by Districts and in classrooms. There are lots of opinions on this topic. Take a listen as Robin, Angela and Abby try to sort out the mayhem of school holidays. Here are some of the resources mentioned in the pod:ADL calendar of observances
2023-02-1027 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationGet Your Popcorn- we're playing movie critics!Here's another movie review! Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss "I Didn't See You There" a new film by Reid Davenport. It is streaming for free now on PBS as part of the POV (Point of View) series. To save you time, here's a link: POV- I Didn't See You ThereIn follow up to the discussion here are some articles, reviews by other "real" film critics and links to items discussed in the pod. Don't miss this GREAT film!Top accessible places to live in USThe Atlantic- A Disability Film Like No Othe...
2023-02-0321 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationTalking (Or Not) about Gender Transition...Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby dissect and disagree (barely) with a recent court case regarding when school district staff "should" tell parents about a student's disclosure regarding gender transition.Reading materials (including the article Angela hates) on the topic we found helpful can be found HERE.Legal case documents from recent lawsuit in MA.Thanks for listening and thinking about the big ideas in our field with us!Robin, Angela and AbbyPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.c...
2023-01-2732 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationShe's back!Robin and Abby speak with Kristin Pas, from Behavior IS Communication podcast S: 2 E: 2, who has a new job as an administrator.Her favorite professional book: How to Set Up A Classroom For Autism S.B. LintonPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-01-2041 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWhat do you do when things don't go the way one would expect?This article was all a buzz this December and was sent to us by parents, staff and friends. Listen to Abby, Angela and Robin as they discuss what how to handle a situation when a respected treatment doesn't yield the expected results. *The Mismeasure of Misha- Boston Globe*Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2023-01-1330 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationInterview with Mike Thurm - “Siblings-the definition that comprises love, strife, competition and forever friends.” – Byron PulsiferJoin Robin, Abby and Angela as they interview Mike Thurm, as he speaks about his sister Jenny and how she shaped his personal and professional life as a special education administrator. Learn more about the BC Campus school herePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2022-10-2136 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationPlease stop saying that!Are there certain words that get under your skin?? Robin, Angela and Abby talk about some of their least favorite education buzzwords.Also- please follow us on Instagram!! @ASTALPodcastAbby's SAT word during this episode: zeitgeistPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2022-10-1432 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationCan you fix a disability?Listen while Abby and Robin talk about ableism in the autism community and specifically how labels shape our intervention models. Our conversation centers around this article which was sent to us by a listener (thank you!). If you have topics or articles that you'd like us to talk about, please send them to: astalpodcast@gmail.comPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2022-10-0724 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThe 1,2,3s of IEPs (meetings, that is!)Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they share tips for productive IEP meetings. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2022-09-3044 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThere's something SPECIAL going on.....How many of us consider the special factors when developing an IEP? During this episode Robin, Angela and Abby breakdown the 6 (in Mass. more) special factors that IEP teams must consider.The regulations are here:https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.324/a (specifically 300.324 (a)(2)(i)-(v)Read the position paper regarding the LRE (least restrictive environment) for deaf and heard of hearing students here: https://fcsn.org/guidance-on-application-of-least-restrictive-environment-lre-for-students-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing/Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.com
2022-09-2337 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationHas anyone ever said, "can I go to more meetings today?"Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they share tips for successful school based meetings. We used this article as a based for the discussion. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2022-09-1631 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationPlay is for Everyone- an interview with Julie KenersonRobin, Abby and Angela speak with Julie Kenerson, a mom (and teacher!) who is on a mission to make playgrounds more accessible.Read about her hereFollow her on Instagram: @letsgo_playgroundRead about the ADA requirements for Playgrounds herePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2022-09-0958 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationTips for the FDOCRobin and Angela share some tips to help you prepare for SY 22-23. Everyone have a great FDOC/S :)Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2022-09-0227 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWhat happens if there are no teachers?We're back! Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss the teacher shortage and its impact on students. August 4th Washington Post article about National teacher shortageDo you think a 4 day work week is the solution??What's happening in the Boston Public Schools? Can you imagine needing to hire over 1000 positions?Disclaimer- we recorded a few back-up episodes over the summer. We'll be back with current content shortly. Hope everyone has a great return to school. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyE...
2022-08-2630 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationFinal Episode of Season 2! AKA Robin's Had It!Thank for you listening to Season 2.! This school year has been a challenge in so many ways but doing the podcast and hearing from people all around the country has been a bright spot. We wish everyone a restful and refreshing summer and welcome ideas for topics for Season Three in September! Here are links to topics discussed during this episode.Watch the My Disability Roadmap short film hereOfficial trailer for How to Dance in OhioMADESE IEP improvement plan (draft doc. and updated guidance on referral, eligibility and evaluation)
2022-05-2027 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationRetention ContentionListen in on the debate about grade retention. Angela, Robin and Abby discuss the documented pros and cons and debate the trends and impact post COVID.Grade Retention Post COVID 19: Evidence Based Guidance, UCONN School of Education, October 2021Alternatives to Grade Retention by Linda Darling Hammond for the School Superintendent's AssociationHistory of the Debate and Research (this issue has been around a long time)Research Roundup on Retention from 2008 published by ASCDIs Retaining Students in the Early Grades Self Defeating? 2012 Brookings ReportWhen Kids are He...
2022-05-0632 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationWe've Got Mail!Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby respond to collected questions from listeners. Topics include the always scintillating details of school discipline, the ins and outs of a parent's right to choose to medicate or not medicate their child and a super timely topic - all things extended school year.If you are interested in the Extended School Year guidance document referenced in the episode you can find it here: MA DESE Extended School Year FAQBEWARE - this is a Massachusetts document and may be more expansive than the guidance documents fo...
2022-04-2926 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationAdministration Consideration...Have you ever considered becoming a special education administrator? It isn't as wild an idea as you might think! Join Robin and Abby as they share their journey on the path to educational leadership. Pros/Cons and lots of food for thought!Sample Student Services Department Head RubricSample Student Services Director RubricPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2022-04-1535 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationCODA: Movie CritiqueThe film CODA has won multiple awards this year including Best Film and Best Supporting Actor. We watched the film and had lots of thoughts about the representation of people with disabilities in film. There are a variety of opinions and reactions to the film from people with and without disabilities. Check out the film on Apple TV, take a listen to our convo (Spoiler Alert) and send us your reactions and thoughts.Angela, Robin and AbbyCODA review in New York TimesCODA review in the New YorkerCODA review The ConversationC...
2022-04-0829 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationThe N1 (PWN) is Your FriendThe IEP cover letter (N1) is a wonderful opportunity for the District to communicate to Parents in plain language what the IEP the parent is receiving says, doesn't say and what the next steps are. Writing a good N1 letter is a skill every special ed teacher and administrator should have. Learning how to read an N1 is a great skill for parents. Listen in for some tips and advice no matter what role you have in the "Prior Written Notice" letter writing/reading process. Here is the link to where it lives in the IDEA: https://sites.ed.gov...
2022-04-0133 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationPlanning Ahead for EmergenciesIn this podcast Robin, Abby and Angela talk about this recent news event and the impact on people with disabilities. ALEC programSince 2004, retired Westwood Fire Captain Bill Cannata has been working tirelessly to help train emergency responders on how to deal with persons with autism during emergency situations. Through the Autism & Learning Enforcement Education Coalition training program (ALEC), Cannata has worked with public safety officials and emergency responders in all six New England states, as well as Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington D.C. and Texas, among other states.In 2018, the A...
2022-03-1132 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationRepresentation MattersThe Olympics are back and Robin is SUPER psyched about that. Tune in to this episode for a wide ranging discussion about representation of people with disabilities in the media, in schools and the community. Somehow we got to Kim Kardashian and her advertising campaign for underwear but eventually returned to the topic of the pod....If you are interested in the form we discuss, first -listen to the pod for all the PROS and CONS of it and then check it out if you dare: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14T4j6nUc0siSIfjOiTycN7Ps_Dfx...
2022-02-1144 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationS2 13 We're Back!Welcome back to S2 part 2. Robin, Abby and Angela are back from the holiday break and have a round table discussion of the current hot topics. We are looking forward to the rest of the year - our first episode coming up is a special episode for the Massachusetts Council of Exceptional Children (MCEC)'s annual virtual conference. We are thinking about the big ideas of Intersectionality especially where it connects to evaluation, IEP development and discipline. Lots to think about and work on!Let jump into the rest of Season 2!Also - stay...
2022-01-2841 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationS2 Ep. 12 Mid-Season Wrap upJoin Robin and Abby as they reflect on reaching the mid-way point of season 2. If you'd like to suggest a topic for a future podcast or ask a question, please reach out to astalpodcast@gmail.comPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-11-2620 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationS2 E. 9 Universal Design for Learning - make it once!In this podcast, Robin and Abby talk about the instructional strategy of Universal Design for Learning. You can learn more at :CAST - Located near Boston, CAST is a nonprofit education research and development organization that created the Universal Design for Learning framework and UDL Guidelines, now used the world over to make learning more inclusive.The acronym "CAST" derives from the original name of our organization, Center for Applied Special Technology. Now we're simply CAST.Our CAST of characters includes over 50 talented employees, including world-class educators, learning scientists, instructional designers, literacy experts, p...
2021-11-0626 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationS2 Ep. 7 Interview with Laura Gillis (parent side attorney)During this episode, Robin, Angela and Abby interview Laura Gillis, a parent side attorney. https://www.legillislaw.com/attorney/laura-gillisTo learn more about the trainings offered by the Federation for Children with Special Needs that was referenced in the podcast, go to: https://fcsn.org/Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-10-1944 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationSE 2 Ep. 5: Discipline Laws and Regulations Part 2Our gift to you, loyal podcast listener....Your very own customizable Manifestation Determination Hearing worksheet.May the force be with you and may you follow all the regulations.Robin, Angela and Abbyhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1i7FArJFEG4QgoKVsYFoTJs27TrTv7qB0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106323109347884729452&rtpof=true&sd=truePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-10-0944 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 17: The Art and Science of EvaluationsIn this episode, Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the positives and negatives when it comes to special education evaluations. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-05-1452 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 16: Bullying IS a ThingAngela, Robin and Abby discuss the topic of Bullying and how it connects to special education. For more detail about the laws and regulations in Massachusetts check out these links: Section 37O: School bullying prohibited; bullying prevention and intervention plans; reporting of bullying incident dateMADESE resources related to this topicEvidence Based Programs, Curricula, and Practices (from MADESE website)The law directs the Department to compile, post, and periodically update a list of bullying prevention and intervention resources, evidence-based curricula, best practices, and academic-based research. Please note t...
2021-05-0646 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEps. 15 Let's Talk About Race: the METCO Program and MoreJoin Robin, Abby and Angela as they speak with Lateefah Frank, about the history of the METCO program and the over/under-representation of black and brown students in special education.METCO is the largest and longest-running voluntary school desegregation program in the U.S. enrolling over 3,000 Boston-resident students in suburban public schools. Watch these videos to learn more about this program (from METCO Inc. website)METCO: Yesterday, Today, TomorrowMETCO : Limitless Opportunities Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.co...
2021-04-301h 03A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEP. 13 Myth # 103745: Teachers only work 10 months out of a yearSummer, summer, summertime....join Robin, Abby and Angela as they unpack the hot topic of extended school year services. MADESE Question and Answer Guide on Special Education Extended School Year ProgramsPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-04-1741 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 12 Who Teaches the Teachers?: Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Stringer KeefeIn this episode Angela, Robin and Abby speak with Dr. Elizabeth Stringer Keefe, Professor of Education at Stonehill College, about disrupting the traditional model and creating revolutionary new teacher preparation programs. Please reach out to @ProfKeefe to learn more about the teacher survey mentioned in the podcast. Some of the acronyms used in the podcast:AT- Assistive TechnologyAAC- Augmentative/Alternative CommunicationMTEL- Massachusetts Test for Educator LicenseMCAS- Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment SystemCMR- Code of Massachusetts RegulationsSSAS- Student Support Access and Success FrameworkProject SOLVE- Strategies an...
2021-04-0943 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 11: Special Ed Teacher MagicJust as teaching is both an art and a science, the skills and qualities that make an effective special educator are a mix of attributes. Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby take a very candid look at what makes or breaks a special education teacher. Learn more about the hiring process, interview questions to stand out from the crowd and how great special educators are supported.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-04-0238 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 10 What is the "Least Restrictive Environment" and Why Do We Keep Talking About It?Robin, Angela and Abby walk listeners through the spectrum of placement options. Listen in on a spirited discussion sharing examples, stories and creative ways to think about the HOWS and WHYS of truly determining the Least Restrictive Environment.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-03-2635 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 9 What's Ethics Got to Do With It? (hint: ALOT!)https://exceptionalchildren.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/Code%20of%20Ethics.pdfIn this podcast, Robin, Abby and Angela unpack the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) Code of Ethics. CEC is a professional organization dedicated to improving the educational successes of students with disabilities. Education is a profession without a universal Code of Ethics- tune in to see if you agree or disagree with the ones we discuss! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-03-1535 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 8 Acronyms R UsAngela, Robin and Abby mix it up with a lighthearted look at jargon in the world of special ed. Plan ahead and have libation of your choice handy! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-03-0934 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 6. O.G. Tiger MomsAngela, Robin and Abby reflect on the role parents play in special education and the big takeaways from interviewing two of the original adopters of Inclusive education.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-02-1423 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 4. Does History Matter-YES!...From the 1620’s to today Education in the United States has been a fraught endeavor - especially for students with disabilities. In this episode, Robin, Angela and Abby trace a timeline of education in the US with a specific focus on how students with disabilities were included (spoiler alert: they weren’t).Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-02-1451 minA Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special educationEp. 2. 2020 Hindsight Robin, Angela and Abby reflect on the impact COVID has had on teaching students with disabilities this terrible, no good, very bad year.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
2021-02-1439 min