Practical Access Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this episode of Practical Access, hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines welcome Dr. Honora Wall, an expert on dyscalculia, a math-related learning disability. Dr. Wall, founder of the Dyscalculia Training Research Institute (DTRI), sheds light on the unique challenges faced by individuals with dyscalculia, offering practical strategies for teachers and families to better support students struggling with math.

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding Dyscalculia: Dr. Wall explains how dyscalculia differs from dyslexia and other neurodivergent traits, emphasizing that it's not a deficiency but a difference in brain wiring.
• Practical Classroom Strategies: Tips for identifying early signs, using real-time feedback, and incorporating supportive tools like visual aids and step-by-step guides to make math less intimidating.
• Reducing Math Anxiety: Families can focus on fun, low-pressure math activities like puzzles, card games, or discussions about tempo in music to create positive associations with math.
• Empowering Students: Dr. Wall highlights the importance of fostering a supportive, judgment-free environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth.

Whether you're an educator or a parent, this episode offers valuable advice to help students overcome barriers and thrive.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@Accesspractical) or Instagram (@Practical_Access). 

Resources:

The Dyscalculia Training Research Institute (DTRI) Website: https://www.thedtri.org/

Teaching Students with Dyscalculia: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Students-Dyscalculia-Honora-Wall/dp/1732760160

Honora Wall’s Podcast, What in the World is Dyscalculia: https://rss.com/podcasts/dyscalculia/

Honora Wall’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqXKkHFgVlACI_NqM2J34pg 

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In this episode of Practical Access, hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines welcome Dr. Sarah Bush, Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar at the University of Central Florida and co-author of The Math Pact series. The conversation dives into strategies for making math education engaging for all students, including those with disabilities. 

Dr. Bush discusses the synergy between high-leverage practices (HLPs), mathematics, and effective teaching practices (ETPs), emphasizing the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in both general and special education. She advocates for asset-based approaches to teaching, highlighting the need to leverage students’ strengths and avoid harmful deficit labels. 

Key insights include: 

• Avoiding Deficit Labels: Shift focuses to students’ strengths and build on them to support areas of growth. 
• Value in Math Education: Replace rigid teaching rules with flexible, meaningful practices, like emphasizing the true meaning of the equal sign and avoiding ineffective keyword strategies in problem-solving. 
• Creating Positive Math Experiences: Teachers should cultivate an open, contextual approach to math, encouraging engagement and reducing negative associations. Dr. Bush stresses the importance of never framing oneself as “not a math person” in front of students. 

Dr. Bush also reflects on what makes an inclusive math classroom truly exceptional—empowered, confident teachers who foster a caring and nurturing environment, set high expectations, and provide tools for students to succeed. 

This episode is packed with practical strategies for educators looking to create inclusive, effective math classrooms that inspire confidence and success in all learners. 

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@Accesspractical) or Instagram (@Practical_Access). 

Resources:  

Sarah Bush's Bio: https://ccie.ucf.edu/person/sarah-bush/ 

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: https://www.nctm.org/  

Math Pact Series: https://www.corwin.com/landing-pages/the-math-pact?srsltid=AfmBOorx3GL6RwftuSyi3uY6dwF96tn9h_QvrDpPNwoNrO9Da0RpG366 

NCTM and CEC Position Statement on Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities: https://www.nctm.org/uploadedFiles/Standards_and_Positions/Position_Statements/NCTM-CEC-Disabilities-Position-Statement-December2024.pdf  

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Summary:  

In this episode of "Practical Access," hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines are joined by Dr. Maggie Mosher, an assistant research professor at the Achievement and Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas. Dr. Mosher specializes in using evidence-based practices and innovative technologies to improve academic, social, emotional, and behavioral instruction for students, particularly those with high-incidence disabilities. The discussion covers various topics, including building relationships with students and families, setting goals, progress monitoring, and leveraging technology in education.

Resources:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maggie-Mosher

https://shorturl.at/klGOW

https://voissadvisor.org/

https://www.projectvoiss.org/  

Highlights: 
- Building Relationships: Dr. Mosher emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students and families as a foundation for effective teaching and learning. She highlights the significance of getting to know students individually, understanding their goals, and collaborating with families to support students' academic and personal growth.
-Personalized Instruction: The discussion underscores the importance of personalized instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of students, particularly those with high-incidence disabilities. Dr. Mosher advocates for individualized goal-setting and progress monitoring to ensure that instruction is meaningful and effective for every learner.
- Practical Strategies: Practical strategies for teachers include minimizing teacher talk time, using graphic organizers, and making connections between learning objectives and real-world applications. These strategies help engage students, enhance understanding, and foster a positive learning environment.
- Technology Integration: Dr. Mosher shares insights into the transformative role of technology in education, particularly tools like PDF readers and note-taking apps. These tools enable students to access information more effectively and manage tasks efficiently, thereby enhancing acc

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• Teach students how to make a mini-lesson plan
• Create an environment where students have input and feel valued
• Boost your students' self-esteem

Above are a few tips on how to create a Student-Centered Classroom. Listen in to today's episode by Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker for more amazing tips!

Have a question that you would like answered as well?  Call and leave us a question on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305 or via social media on Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access)

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Curious about how you can increase teamwork and empathy amongst your students virtually? Listen in to today's episode by Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker for some tips.

Have a question that you would like answered as well?  Call and leave us a question on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305 or via social media on Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

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Today, Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker are back at it again answering questions from our listeners. Tune in to today's episode for tips on precision teaching, taking data, and best practices to support students online with math. 

Don't forget we are still accepting questions from teachers to ask problems they would like some renewal ideas on. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

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Today, Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker are back at it again answering questions from our listeners. Need tips for working on social and emotional learning skills for the little ones? Tune in to today's episode for more information, tips, and more!

Don't forget we are still accepting questions from teachers to ask problems they would like some renewal ideas on. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

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Today, Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker are back at it again answering questions from our listeners. Need tips for supporting middle school students remotely? Tune in to today's episode for more information on involving students, websites with resources, and much more! 

Don't forget we are still accepting questions from teachers to ask problems they would like some renewal ideas on. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

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Today, Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker answers a question from a listener. Tune in to hear their tips on ways to prepare high school students for graduation and post-graduation options aside from College.

We are still accepting questions from teachers to ask problems they would like some renewal ideas on. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).