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A 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 @astalpodcast2025-05-1628 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 @astalpodcast2025-05-0923 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 CEO2025-05-0228 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 @astalpodcast2025-04-2533 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 @astalpodcast2025-04-1828 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 Communication2025-04-0430 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 @astalpodcast2025-03-2829 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 @astalpodcast2025-03-2125 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 Learning2025-02-2830 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 @astalpodcast2025-02-2131 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 @astalpodcast2025-02-1435 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 @astalpodcast2025-01-3140 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 @astalpodcast2025-01-2436 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 @astalpodcast2025-01-1829 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 @astalpodcast2024-11-2919 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 @astalpodcast2024-11-2244 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 @astalpodcast2024-11-1522 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 ReasonsBrilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this...2024-11-0833 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.Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on...2024-11-0158 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. Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast2024-10-2536 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.Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast2024-10-1848 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.Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast2024-10-1142 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...2024-04-1928 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.Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9...2024-04-0540 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). Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @ast...2024-03-2926 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.) Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.com2024-03-1537 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 @astalpodcast2024-01-2633 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 @astalpodcast2023-11-1737 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 @astalpodcast2023-11-1040 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 @astalpodcast2023-11-0342 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 @astalpodcast2023-10-2026 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 @astalpodcast2023-09-2242 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 min