Be Evolved: Empowering Parents and Educators to Help Students Succeed – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of Be Evolved, Mary Miele sits down with special education attorney Tracey Spencer Walsh, Esq., to unpack the reality that most private school families never hear: you do have rights, but they look very different from what public school families are told.

Together, they break down the myths surrounding IDEA and private schools, explain what Child Find actually means for your child, and clarify what families gain — and give up — when choosing a private education path. The conversation moves into the critical details: how to think about evaluations (clinical vs. legal), why documentation matters more than you think, and how a lack of paper trail can quietly limit future options.

This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap — for families who assume they're outside the system, and for those who sense something isn't working but don't yet know what to do next.

In this episode:

• The difference between IEPs, IESPs, and FAPE 
• Why private school families still have important legal rights 
• When to pursue a neuropsychological evaluation
• How to seek public funding for specialized schools
• The essential 10-day notice requirement 

If you have a child in a NYC private school and are navigating learning differences, this conversation will change how you think about your options — and your leverage.

Resources:

• It's Special Podcast Team: itsspecialpodcast@gmail.com
• Tracey Spencer Walsh: tracey@spencerwalshlaw.com
• Website: https://www.spencerwalshlaw.com/
• It's Special: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YWHIk3kSYxpveVLkkjcDg?si=16576aecf1344797

If the admissions process feels uncertain or stressful, please reach out: admin@evolveded.com.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2026 Mary Miele

Applying to private school? Your list matters more than you think.

In this episode, Becky Reback guides listeners through one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of the school admissions process: building the right school list. Rather than relying on reputation, rankings, or outside opinions, she emphasizes the importance of creating a thoughtful, strategic list rooted in a child's unique needs, learning style, and family values.

Drawing on expert insights, Becky walks through what truly goes into a strong school list — from understanding educational philosophy and practical constraints to assessing a child's developmental readiness and alignment with each school's expectations. She highlights how most families unknowingly build lists based on "noise," and how shifting to a more intentional approach can transform the entire admissions experience.

This episode matters because it replaces overwhelm with clarity. When families have the right list, everything else — from applications to interviews — becomes more focused and effective.

In this episode:

• Why most school lists are built on reputation—not fit
• What schools are actually looking for right now
• How to assess your child's true readiness and needs
• The difference between a "good" list and a strategic one
• How clarity can reduce stress and improve outcomes

If you're navigating nursery through boarding school admissions, this is a must-listen.

If the admissions process feels uncertain or stressful, please reach out: admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2026 Mary Miele

Getting ready for a boarding school interview can feel overwhelming — for both parents and students. In this episode of the Be Evolved Podcast, Mary sits down with Sarah, Evolved Education's Boarding School Specialist, to walk families through the essential steps of interview preparation.

Together, they discuss:

• How parents can authentically share their child's story and values.
• The most common parent and student interview questions — and how to answer them with confidence.
• Real examples of strong vs. weak responses.
• Practical strategies for students to showcase curiosity, character, and growth.
• The importance of research, thoughtful questions, and meaningful thank-you notes.

You'll even hear a mock family interview segment, highlighting how parents and students can complement one another to present a well-rounded picture. Whether you're at the start of the admissions journey or fine-tuning your prep, this episode offers actionable advice to help your family shine.

Work with Sarah: sarah@evolveded.com

Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Join Becky Reback as she shares practical strategies and expert insights on creating effective back-to-school routines that set students — and families — up for a smoother, more successful school year.

Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

In this special bonus episode, educator and Director of Student Services, Amy Nathan joins us to share practical, age-specific strategies to help families navigate the back-to-school season with confidence.

Whether you have a toddler entering preschool, an elementary student building routines, a middle schooler juggling responsibilities, or a high schooler managing academics and college prep — this episode offers actionable tips you can implement today to support a positive, calm, and connected transition.

Tune in to learn how to create routines, support executive functioning, encourage independence, and set the tone for a year where students not only succeed academically — but truly learn and live well.

Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Join Becky Reback, Director of Assessment & Parent Education, and Mary Miele, Specialized Education Consultant & Founder of Evolved Education Company, as they dissect the key themes of the New York Times Magazine's April 13, 2025 feature "Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong?", and a June 2025 Daily Podcast follow-up.

Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? feature article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/magazine/adhd-medication-treatment-research.html

Daily Podcast follow-up: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/podcasts/the-daily/adhd-diagnosis-prescriptions.html

Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

In this episode of Be Evolved, Mary sits down with Evolved Education's Becky Reback and family behavior specialist Mandy Grass for a powerful conversation about motivation and the functions of behavior. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, you'll gain actionable insights into how to understand, respond to, and support the children in your life with greater clarity and compassion. Tune in to learn how behavior is communication—and how decoding it can transform your approach to learning and growth.

If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/

Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Parents and Educators, be inspired and equipped with immediately applicable moves to build connected relationships for learning, avoid power struggles, and apply communication as a universal support for students, colleagues and caregivers.

Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Superintendent in the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential.

Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students. Tiffany has been an administrator since 2012 and an elementary school principal for the past nine years. This year, she is on a professional sabbatical, teaching university pre-service teachers, while also connecting with educators across the nation, helping to grow the Connected Communicator Movement.

Together they wrote Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students. https://www.connectingthroughconversation.com/our-book

Online course - $50 discount code CTCPODCAST

• Website: https://www.connectingthroughconversation.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090370647418&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectingthroughconversation/
• LinkedIn - Erika Bare: http://linkedin.com/in/erika-bare-6a72a6215
• LinkedIn - Tiffany Burns: http://linkedin.com/in/tiffany-burns-90a50a274
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CTCPlaybook.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CTCPlaybook

If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/

Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Join Mary Miele as she reflects on 18 years of parenting work and the wisdom she's gained from it. This heartfelt sharing of lessons learned is for every parent at any stage of their journey.

If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/

Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com. 

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Discover how Randi Dumont's holistic mentorship weaves executive-function coaching, mental health, and career planning into one powerful container — and how parents can sign their college students up for lasting academic and personal success.

Resources:

• Book: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager
• Contact Randi at Randi@EvolvedEd.com

If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/

Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com. 

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele