Explore every episode of the podcast A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| It's the end of Season 5! | 16 May 2025 | 00:28:18 | |
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 Angela Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Where did OSEP go? | 09 May 2025 | 00:23:21 | |
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 survey | |||
| 47 Seconds of Bullshit | 02 May 2025 | 00:28:13 | |
Listen 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 statement Signatory Organizations: Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Colin Killick, Executive Director Autism Society of America, Christopher Banks, President and CEO Autism Speaks, Keith Wargo, President and CEO The Arc of the United States, Katy Neas, Chief Executive Officer Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Sharon daVanport, Executive Director Autistic People of Color Fund, Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn Brown, Founding Executive Director Autism Empowerment, Karen Krejcha, Co-Founder, Executive Director Dan Marino Foundation, Mary Partin, CEO Association for Autism and Neurodiversity Organization for Autism Research Autistic Doctors International National Council on Severe Autism interview with NPR Fact Checking RFK's statements - PBS article Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Why do People Stim?? | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:33:28 | |
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 survey | |||
| The A. I. Dilemma | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:28:59 | |
Listen 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. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Interview with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:52:22 | |
Join us while we speak with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns about their book Connecting Through Conversation A playbooks for Talking with Students. Leveraging over forty years of combined experience, Erika and Tiffany are on a mission to empower every educator to transform student behavior and build a culture of connection in their school communities. Listeners get a coupon code for $50 off their course- CTCpodcast Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Pros & Cons of Prompting | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:30:51 | |
Prompting 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-prompts ASHA statement on Facilitated Communication NIH article on Facilitated Communication Don't miss out on seeing Angela and her partner from Khan & Smagula at her upcoming legal workshop on all topics educational law! You can join virtually! Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| What Are Some Steps to Take If Things Are Starting to Head South (and we don't mean to Florida!) | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:29:55 | |
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 survey | |||
| World Down Syndrome Awareness Day 2025 | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:25:17 | |
Happy 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- video World Down Syndrome Day- website Secondary Transition Docs- DESE/MA Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| What's Happening With Section 504?? | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:29:44 | |
Link to the original complaint in Texas v. Becerra Link to the link to the Status Report updating the case. Plain Language Explainer from multiple disability advocacy groups Plain Language Explainer of Status Report from multiple disability advocacy groups. Link to mechanism to contact your Attorney General Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| What's Keeping Us Up at 3am | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:27:03 | |
Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Beyond the Science of Reading | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:30:53 | |
For 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 Reading And Natalie Wexler's new book published by ASCD: Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Pop Culture Pod- Who's Watching Baylen Out Loud? | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:31:36 | |
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 survey | |||
| Listener Question: Programming for Students w/Intensive Behavioral Needs AKA Inclusion is a Philosophy AND a Location | 14 Feb 2025 | 00:35:34 | |
Tonight 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 survey | |||
| REPOST: Due Process in Special Education with Angela Buchanan Smagula. | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:36:46 | |
Angela was asked to be a guest on Marisha Mets Podcast: Special Ed Leaders: Unplugged. to speak about Due Process. In the world of special education, due process is a cornerstone for protecting the rights of students with disabilities. At its core, it ensures fairness and accountability, offering a legal pathway for parents to address disagreements with schools regarding their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. To help unpack the complexities of due process, we turn to Angela Buchanan Smagula, a seasoned education attorney and co-host of the podcast A Special Education Teacher, Administrator, and Lawyer Walk into a Bar….all you ever wanted to know about special education. With years of experience representing schools and navigating the intricate landscape of special education law, Angela brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. In this guide, we’ll explore the key elements of due process, its impact on special education administrators and families, and actionable strategies for fostering collaboration and avoiding conflicts. Whether you’re navigating your first hearing or looking to strengthen your district’s approach, this resource is here to support you. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| We aren't done talking about the MCAS yet! | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:40:24 | |
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. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| The Hingham Case | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:36:42 | |
Join Robin while she listens to Angela review the Hingham decision: Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Welcome back to Part 2 of Season 5! | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:29:22 | |
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.com Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Gratitude on the Menu: Thanksgiving Reflections | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:19:59 | |
In 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. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| How Have We Never Recorded A Pod About Transitions?? | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:44:38 | |
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! Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| It Passed...What's Next for MCAS? | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:22:57 | |
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 survey | |||
| What's up with the H&H form? | 08 Nov 2024 | 00:33:07 | |
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. Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| All Things Manifestation Determination Related.... | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:58:01 | |
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. Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Calling All General Ed Teachers... | 25 Oct 2024 | 00:36:05 | |
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 scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Integrated Preschools Rock! | 18 Oct 2024 | 00:48:19 | |
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 scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Meeting Bombshells | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:42:44 | |
Listen 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 scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| All Things ESY | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:50:41 | |
Listen in as the girls debate key concepts of Extended School Year from how the determination of eligibility gets made, to the goals and mission of ESY services, all the way to the nuts and bolts of what kinds of programs for how many days and hours. We're referencing the MADESE ESY Q and A in its most recent form and don't all agree on everything it says or what it all means. BUCKLE UP for a spirited deep dive into ESY! Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Help!! What is an H.L.P.!?!?!?!?!? | 27 Sep 2024 | 00:48:56 | |
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. Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| MCAS Ballot Initiative and Unified Sports | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:42:47 | |
This November Massachusetts voters will determine the fate of keeping the MCAS exam as a high school graduation requirement. We had a longer debate last year when it was on the ballot as a citizen petition (Oct. 13, 2023 episode). This week we revisit the topic. Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Welcome to Season 5 | 13 Sep 2024 | 00:41:35 | |
We're just getting back into the swing of things so join us as we preview some upcoming topics and catch up. Hope everyone's school year is off to a great start! Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| The "T-Shirt" Case | 12 Jul 2024 | 00:37:32 | |
We're interrupting our summer to record our response to a June 2024, 1st Circuit court decision regarding the case: L.M. v. Town of Middleborough that affirms a Massachusetts school’s decision to forbid a middle school student from wearing two T-shirts to school that say, “There are only two genders” and “There are [censored] genders." We hope you enjoy it! Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| 100th episode! (and can anyone help Angela turn off her notifications?!) | 19 Apr 2024 | 00:28:25 | |
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 S3 Ep. 6 The 1,2,3s of IEPs (meetings, that is!) S2 Ep. 26 Final Episode of Season 2! AKA Robin's Had It! S2 Ep .11 What's so special about specialized instruction? S3 Ep. 8 Please stop saying that! S1 Ep. 10 What is the "Least Restrictive Environment" and Why Do We Keep Talking About It? S2 Ep. 22 Administration Consideration S3 Ep. 12 Inclusive Fitness: Interview w/Greg Austin S3 Ep. 22 We've Got Mail 2nd Edition S2 Ep. 7 Interview with Laura Gillis (parent side attorney) S2 Ep. 4 Discipline Deep Dive... Part 1 S2 Ep. 2: Behavior IS Communication - Interview with Kristin Pas, BCBA S3 Ep. 5 There's something SPECIAL going on..... S4 Ep. 3 Top 10 Common Logical Fallacies S3 Ep. 1 What happens if there are no teac Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Interview with Jim Lange, CPA/Attorney | 12 Apr 2024 | 00:53:53 | |
James Lange is a CPA/Attorney and the author of 10 best selling financial books that help IRA and retirement plan owners get the most of what they've got. The Wall Street Journal has endorsed Jim's tax and estate planning strategies 36 times! Using his family's journey as the base, Jim authored a new book, Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability, with two experts in the disability field. Jim and his co-authors believe the book is the best comprehensive financial resource for parents of a child with a disability. You can get your free book at https://DisabledChildPlanning.com/Podcast We are also hosting a 3-day virtual summit titled Financial and Life Planning Summit…for Parents of a Child with a Disability from June 18 to June 20. Tatyana McFadden, one of the top paralympic athletes in the world will be our celebrity speaker. The three co-authors and a host of other experts will be offering educational talks over the three-day period. Participants can choose which of the sessions they would like to attend. Many will also be followed with Q&A sessions. And best of all, everyone can enjoy the talks from the comfort of their own living room. To receive updates on our June 18 th – 20 th Financial and Life Planning Summit, go to https://DisabledChildPlanning.com/June Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| IQ Test Debate | 05 Apr 2024 | 00:40:01 | |
Listen 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: School psychologists are relying less on testing — but the change is too slow for some" Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| World Down Syndrome Awareness Day | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:26:23 | |
Many 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). Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| What's the research on ABA? | 22 Mar 2024 | 00:52:43 | |
In this (almost) solo episode, Abby analyzes a new article that was published on March 6, 2024: America’s Most Popular Autism Therapy May Not Work — and May Seriously Harm Patients’ Mental Health
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Review of Love On The Spectrum S2 (SPOILERS!) | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:37:58 | |
Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the TV show Love On the Spectrum (Season 2 - Netflix) Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| 7 Steps to College Success: Interv. w/author Elizabeth C. Hamblet | 08 Mar 2024 | 01:08:11 | |
Listen in on the discussion with Elizabeth C. Hamblet the author of 7 Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities. Also, Elizabeth created a 20% discount for our listeners for her on-demand webinars. They can enter SpEdPodcast at checkout for her overview webinar or her webinar focused on academic accommodations that are and aren’t commonly approved: https://bit.ly/ECHNZ1
The Importance of Transparency in College Preparation for Students with Disabilities: https://bit.ly/LDblog154x How to Find College Disability Documentation Requirements - https://bit.ly/LDblog109x Myths About Disability Documentation for College Accommodations - https://bit.ly/LDblog150x College Disability Accommodations Request Preparation Form (to see how much students know) - https://bit.ly/LDAF2x Here's how to reach out to Ms. Hamblet if you want to access her expertise on this important topic: Instagram - ld_advisory (https://www.instagram.com/ld_advisory/) Twitter (X) - @echamblet Facebook - Elizabeth C. Hamblet, LD Advisory (https://www.facebook.com/LDadvisory/) LinkedIn - Elizabeth C Hamblet https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-c-hamblet Threads – ld_advisory Bluesky - @echamblet.bsky.social Youtube - https://bit.ly/LDadvisoryCTPlaylist Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Call Out the National Guard!?!?! | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:35:53 | |
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. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| The Future of FAPE | 23 Feb 2024 | 00:36:29 | |
You asked for it......this episode is alllllllllll Angela! Join us as we break down Endrew v. Douglas and what it means for FAPE. The Endrew F. decision is important because it informs our efforts to improve academic outcomes for children with disabilities. To this end, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) is providing parents and other stakeholders information on the issues addressed in Endrew F. and the impact of the Court’s decision on the implementation of the IDEA. Because the decision in Endrew F. clarified the scope of the IDEA’s FAPE requirements, the Department’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is interested in receiving comments from families, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to assist us in identifying implementation questions and best practices. If you are interested in commenting on this document or have additional questions, please send them to OSERS by email at EndrewF@ed.gov." Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| PTO v School Sponsored activities | 16 Feb 2024 | 00:36:21 | |
Listen 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. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Top 10 list: Hot Topics for 2024 | 09 Feb 2024 | 00:40:37 | |
Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Choosing a Functional Curriculum | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:30:09 | |
The 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 Disability and Community to get a sense of the universe of curriculum choices available. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| How to handle Rejection | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:33:43 | |
Welcome 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 survey | |||
| 20 Questions | 24 Nov 2023 | 00:31:24 | |
It's time for our mid-season break! But first, who loves those fun Facebook polls? We do- so get to know us a little better. Be back in 2024! Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Working WITH Advocates | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:37:31 | |
Tune 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 survey | |||
| Oh Nuts! | 10 Nov 2023 | 00:40:04 | |
During this episode, Robin and Angela talk about how to manage severe food allergies in school. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| A Shout Out To OSEP | 03 Nov 2023 | 00:42:56 | |
Join 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. Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Traumatic World Events | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:10:36 | |
The recent events in Israel left Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||
| Mail bag #3 | 20 Oct 2023 | 00:26:15 | |
**sorry for the weird ending- editing got a little funky this week** Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey | |||