Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive – Details, episodes & analysis

Alex Williams of The Anxiety Institute walks us through ALL of the essentials when it comes to navigating the complex world of mental health services. You won’t want to miss this conversation and all the wonderful and informative ways that Alex shares her expertise and knowledge with us! Discover more about mental health services in this episode.

Main Discussion Points:

1. Treatment Levels:
   • It is important to know what treatment levels are when it comes to mental health services
   • Some treatment levels are more restrictive than others and some require hospitalization
2. Resources:
   • Use the school system to help you test or seek private testing and diagnosis
   • Work with the school system to develop a plan that makes sense for you student
3. Outpatient vs. Inpatient:
   • There are various options for outpatient mental health therapy that range in implications
   • Outpatient is the least restrictive with IOP and PHP altering your student’s day or school placement
4. Support Should Fit The Student
   • Support teams should coordinate efforts to create plans and strategies unique to your student
   • What approach works for one student might not have the same results for your student
   • Start by seeking a list of outpatient providers in your area and in your network

Where to find Alex: 

Website: https://anxietyinstitute.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-williams-msw-82b70197/ 


Where to find Wendy: 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE 

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney based in Kentucky, joins Wendy Taylor on the podcast. Ashley brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from her experience as a teacher, attorney, parent of a child with Down syndrome, and someone with a physical disability.

Main Discussion Points:

1. Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA:
   • Explanation of parents' rights and protections under IDEA, including the right to request an IEE at public expense.
   • Importance of the IEE in ensuring that students with disabilities receive necessary support and services for effective education.
   • District's obligation to pay for the IEE unless the request is proven unreasonable.
2. IEE Process:
   • Overview of the IEE process, allowing parents to obtain an independent evaluation if they disagree with the school district's assessment.
   • Role of the IEE in providing parents with additional information and perspectives for making educational decisions for their child.
3. Effective Reading Interventions for Dyslexia:
   • Characteristics of effective reading interventions for students with dyslexia: systemic, explicit, multisensory, and research-based.
   • Discussion on the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured and cumulative program designed to develop phonemic awareness, phonics skills, decoding strategies, and reading fluency in students with dyslexia.
4. Individualizing Inclusive Education:
   • Federal mandate for children with disabilities to be educated to the greatest extent possible with non-disabled peers.
   • Importance of tailoring inclusive education to meet the specific needs of each student.
5. Misconceptions About Inclusion:
   • Addressing misconceptions, such as the idea that inclusion means always keeping a student in a general education setting without considering individual requirements.
   • Importance of assessing each student's needs and providing appropriate levels of support and intervention.
6. Implementing Inclusive Education:
   • Emphasis on accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction to ensure that students with disabilities can access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.

Where to find Ashley: 

Website: https://ashleybarlowco.com/#/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarlowco/ 

Where to find Wendy: 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE 

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

In this episode, we uncover the essence of specialized instruction, what it truly means, and how it can transform your child's educational journey.

Specialized Instruction Defined:

• Individualized: Personalized to address each student's unique needs and learning style.
• Differentiated: Modifying teaching methods, materials, and assessments to accommodate diverse needs.
• Evidence-Based: Grounded in research-based practices proven effective for students with similar needs.
• Collaborative: Involves teamwork among educators, parents, and stakeholders.
• Goal-Oriented: Aligned with the goals and objectives outlined in the student's IEP or Section 504 plan.

Misconceptions:

• Not One-Size-Fits-All: Tailored to individual needs, not a standardized approach.
• Not Segregated: Aims to promote inclusive practices, not isolation.
• Not Static: Dynamic and responsive to evolving needs and progress.
• Not Lowering Expectations: Provides necessary support for students to meet rigorous standards.
• Not Exclusively Academic: Holistic approach addressing social, emotional, and functional needs.

Actionable Tips for Parents:

• Understand your child's needs, strengths, and learning style.
• Advocate for thorough evaluations to identify specific learning strengths and challenges.
• Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws to understand your child's rights.
• Build positive, collaborative relationships with your child's IEP team.
• Advocate for instruction and supports that meet your child's unique needs.
• Advocate for the use of evidence-based instructional practices and interventions.

Reach out to us. We would love to hear from you! 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE 

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041

Planning ahead is important. Is your student prepared for the transition from high school to college? Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., and Anne Tulkin, MS, as they discuss evolving vision statements, choosing the most suitable college, and securing adequate resources for support.

Home - Accessible College
Twitter: @AcssCollege
Instagram: @accessiblecollege

🔍 Understanding Dyscalculia:

• Dyscalculia as a lifelong neurodiversity: a condition impacting various aspects of life.
• Limited research compared to dyslexia highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding.
  
  

💪 Empowerment Through Support:

• Importance of early intervention: reducing anxiety and providing tools for self-advocacy.
• Navigating educational, work, and social interaction difficulties with effective strategies.
• Lifelong empowerment: Creating a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and understood.
  
  

🔍 Characteristics of Dyscalculia:

• 🤔 Struggles with estimation affecting time, money, and measurements.
• 🔢 Difficulty with subitizing: recognizing a small number of objects without counting.
  
  

🌐 Connecting Experiences:

• Building connections for individuals with dyscalculia is especially valuable for adults feeling isolated.
• The importance of collaboration among professionals, educators, families, and individuals with neurodiversity.
  
  

👧 Supporting Learners:

• Fostering a positive mindset by acknowledging challenges and strengths.
• Utilize concrete, pictorial, visual/verbal multi-sensory strategy. 

Tune in to this insightful episode as we unravel the layers of dyscalculia, unmask the challenges, and explore the avenues for empowerment and support. Join the conversation and build a more inclusive and understanding world together! 🎧 #UnmaskingDyscalculia #NeurodiversityJourney #EmpowerThroughUnderstanding #SpecialEdStrategist #LearningEssentials

To Find The Dyscalculia Network and Cat
Dyscalculia Network CIC www.dyscalculianetwork.com

www.dyscalculianetwork.com  
https://www.youtube.com/@thedyscalculianetwork2548 
www.facebook.com/dyscalculianetwork 
https://www.instagram.com/dyscalculianetwork/?hl=en 
https://twitter.com/DyscalculiaNet1 
https://www.tiktok.com/@dyscalculianetwork 


To Find Wendy 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ 

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE 

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041 

In this dynamic episode, we delve into the intricate process of crafting and achieving Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals with precision, adaptability, and collaboration. The host emphasizes the dynamic nature of the journey and the importance of ongoing evaluation, adjustment, and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

• Precision in Goal-Setting:
  • Goals should go beyond vague aspirations.
  • A comprehensive assessment sets the baseline for specific and measurable goals.
  • The importance of setting realistic and achievable goals is highlighted.
• Collaboration for Success:
  • Educators, parents, and specialists collaborate for effective support.
  • Timely adjustments based on real-time insights promote a responsive education approach.
• Involving Parents in Data Collection:
  • Enhance accuracy by involving parents in the data collection process.
  • Use behavioral tracking sheets and educational apps for real-time insights.
• Transparency in Data Collection:
  • Regularly collecting data on a child's performance at home fosters effective communication.
  • Transparency allows for informed decision-making and adjustments.
• SMART IEP Goals and Clear Reporting:
  • Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals.
  • Clear reporting ensures a comprehensive understanding of outcomes and progress.
    
    

Insights on Involving Parents:

• Bridge the Gap: Sharing behavioral tracking sheets with parents bridges the gap between homeschooling and collaboration.
• Real-Time Insights: Educational apps tracking students' performance offer real-time insights for busy professionals.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Involving parents in data collection enhances accuracy, promotes collaboration, and provides a holistic understanding.
  
  

The Significance of SMART IEP Goals:

• Avoiding Vagueness: Broad goals are ineffective; SMART goals provide specificity and measurability.
• Clarity and Direction: SMART goals ensure clarity and direction for both educators and students.
• Facilitating Meaningful Progress: By setting SMART goals, educators ensure realistic and achievable targets for meaningful progress.
  
  

Empowering a Stronger Community:

• Community Collaboration: Clear reporting and SMART goals empower educators, families, and advocates to work together for a stronger community.
• Consistency and Understanding: Specific and measurable goals ensure consistency and a shared understanding of progress.
  
  

Tune in to this episode to unlock the potential of every student, emphasizing collaboration, precision, and the power of SMART IEP goals in the realm of special education. 🚀 #IEPGoals #SpecialEducationStrategist #SMARTGoals #ParentCollaboration #LearningEssentials

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ 

LinkedIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE 

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

Review Podcst - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041 

Episode Mentioned: Episode 201: Measurable IEP Goals

In this illuminating episode, host Wendy Taylor delves into the world of behavior modification with special guest Teri Bullis, Ph.D., BCBA. The focus is on the pivotal role of rewarding desired behaviors and effectively disciplining undesired behaviors using behavior modification techniques. The episode unfolds as a guide to understanding behavior theory and implementing interventions that foster positive behavior change.

Key Takeaways:

• Behavior Modification Essentials:
  • Explore the fundamentals of behavior modification involving reinforcement for desired behaviors and punishment for undesired ones.
  • Understand the importance of consistency in implementing behavior modification techniques to avoid confusion and increased negative behaviors.
• Timeout as an Effective Discipline Technique:
  • Delve into the debate around the use of timeout and the host's emphasis on its effectiveness.
  • Learn why providing attention and love in response to negative behavior can reinforce such behavior, and how timeout offers an alternative approach.
• Identifying and Addressing Negative Behavior:
  • Uncover the significance of identifying factors that reinforce negative behavior to design interventions that promote positive behavior.
  • Gain insights into creating a consistent and supportive environment for children's behavioral development.
• Strategic Conversations:
  • Understand the importance of having discussions about negative behaviors without children present.
  • Explore how exclusion from initial conversations ensures efficiency and avoids creating negative associations with therapists or discipline processes.
• Parental Input in Reward System:
  • Learn about the benefits of parents creating a list of rewards for a point system without needing their children's input.
  • Discover how this approach ensures an efficient and effective implementation of the point system, tailored to the child's interests.
    
    

Why Listen?
This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of behavior modification, providing practical insights and strategies for parents and educators. Host Wendy Taylor, along with expert Teri Bullis, share real-world examples, emphasizing the positive impact of consistent reinforcement and strategic discipline techniques. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or anyone interested in understanding and shaping behavior, this episode promises valuable takeaways for promoting positive change in the lives of children. Don't miss the chance to unleash the power of behavior modification and create a supportive environment for lasting positive outcomes. Tune in now!

To Contact Teri: 
Behavior Solutions for Children and Families, LLC
www.behaviorsolutionsvt.com

To Contact Wendy: 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ 

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE 

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041 

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Tailoring Services to Individual Needs:

• Definition and role of the IEP service page.
• Detailed and individualized account of services throughout the school day.
• Addressing specific challenges and requirements identified in the evaluation process.
• Clear understanding for parents regarding support mechanisms and alignment with goals.

2️⃣ Ensuring Legal Compliance and Accountability:

• Crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Communication tool among the IEP team.
• Clarification of roles and responsibilities for team members.
• Establishing a framework for accountability and ongoing evaluation.

3️⃣ Flexibility and Collaboration for Success:

• Recognition that educational needs may change over time.
• Mechanism for periodic review and modification based on student progress.
• Flexibility to allow for adjustments in services.
• Collaboration among parents, educators, and students for a customized roadmap to success.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ 

LinkedIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE 

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041 

Join us on an exhilarating journey into the often-overlooked realm of transition planning! Your host Wendy Taylor and special guest, Tom Liniak, a trailblazing attorney and dedicated parent, aim to unlock the secrets of successful transitions for disabled individuals.

Takeaway 1: Transition Tango! 

• Unpacking the critical role of transition planning for students with IEPs.
• Understanding the essence of a smooth transition from the school setting to adult life.
• Empowering individuals by arming them with the skills, knowledge, and support needed for their unique journeys.

Takeaway 2: Workplace Wizardry! 

• Delving into the key elements of workplace success beyond job-related skills.
• Gaining Tom's insights on cultivating indispensable skills like time management, personal hygiene, and professionalism.
• Mastering these foundational skills to pave the way for individuals to thrive in the workplace and impress potential employers.

Takeaway 3: Guidance Genies Unite! 

• Navigating the labyrinth of adulthood with Tom's expertise from Disability Transition Support.
• Providing customized consulting to help individuals and families comprehend the transition process.
• Avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing outcomes for a smooth and successful journey into adulthood.

Closing Thoughts: Sparking Success Beyond Limits 

• Recapping the three empowering takeaways from this enlightening episode.
• Emphasizing the transformative impact of investing in transition planning.
• Reminding that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to lead a fulfilling life and achieve their goals.

Tune in for More! 
Don't miss out on the full episode for a deeper dive into transition planning, sprinkled with laughter and valuable insights. Click the link in our bio to join the party and empower lives with the magic of podcasting! 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/

LinkedIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

More From Tom: https://disabilitytransitionsupport.com/
True North Disability Planning For More Information (Nation Wide): https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/ 

Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041

Unpacking the IEP Essentials:

• Explore the crucial role of Present Level of Performance (PLOP).
• Learn how accurate assessments impact legal compliance.
• Discover the importance of active parental involvement beyond paperwork.

Clear Goals:

• Dive into the legal emphasis on clear, measurable goals.
• Understand the collaborative process in goal-setting.
• Find out why ongoing communication is vital for goal achievement.

Collaboration:

• Peek into the collaborative efforts shaping the IEP.
• Uncover the significance of regular check-ins and effectiveness monitoring.
• Learn practical tips for fostering collaboration between home and school.

Effective Communication:

• Delve into the podcast's emphasis on communication's pivotal role.
• Gain insights into sharing successful strategies and accommodations.
• Explore the seamless transition from home to school through aligned efforts.

Why Listen?
Embark on a journey to demystify IEPs, legal nuances, and the power of collaboration. This podcast promises practical insights, legal wisdom, and real stories—essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone navigating the world of special education.

Want more? 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/

LinkedIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com