This week we explore "compassionate care ABA" and how it works in schools. ❤️ Learn practical strategies to build rapport 🙌, understand triggers 💡, and empower student success 🌱 – all while fostering a positive classroom environment. Compassionate care isn't just about being "nice," it's about applying the science of behavior analysis ethically and…

Today we wrap up the COPAA series with a really great conversation with David Jefferson, the President of the Board of Directors. David's journey to advocacy from the corporate world is super interesting and relatable, and you'll learn how he built a large advocacy business in a few short years. David's got a heart for advocacy - and the right tool…

Hey Sped Teacher, Have you found yourself scrambling at the end of summer to get everything ready for the new school year? Are you ready to get a head start on the next school year so you don’t end up stressed again? We are all looking forward to resting and relaxing this summer! We definitely deserve it! But I’ve learned my lesson about waiting un…

The Parents Guide to Advocacy: Empowering Resilient Families In this episode of 'The Parents Guide to Advocacy,' host Ashley Hinkle shares her mission to equip parents with the tools needed to advocate for their children's unique educational needs. Reflecting on personal experiences, Ashley discusses the challenges of raising neurodivergent childre…

When Estefania Holt transitioned from the traditional classroom to the open waves, she didn't just change her scenery—she transformed lives. On our latest episode, the founder of Shaka Soul Surfers shares how her innovative surf program is making waves in the special needs community, providing an uplifting and inclusive experience for children with…

Today we chat about ABA skill acquisition data: probe versus trial by trial! Join us to hear pros and cons of each type of data collection method, as well as ways to track data for each! ✨Join our Facebook Group for a community of like minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE resources to save you time! ⬇️ The Misfit Behaviorists | Facebook 😍 Mor…

If you've ever wanted to crawl inside my brain to have a conversation on special education advocacy, law, and practice, here's your chance. Amy Bonn, consulting attorney, with COPAA, speaks. my. language. Amy and I have a hearty conversation about our jobs as special education attorneys, and it's just too good! Sometimes while I record with guests,…

Hey Special Education Teacher, Are you looking to find a better work and home life balance? Are you convinced that staying late and taking work home is just the way it is for teachers? I spent several years staying after school for hours. I had no idea how to turn off work mode and felt like I had to do all the things! A few years down the road, I …

Empowering Parents: Advocacy for Neurodivergent Children Ashley Hinkle hosts a comprehensive guide for parents on advocacy for neurodivergent children, focusing on equipping and empowering them to advocate for their children's unique educational needs. Ashley discusses the challenges and successes of raising neurodivergent children, specifically ad…

In this episode of the FAST 15 podcast, we are joined by Estefania Holt, founder of Shaka Soul Surfers, a nonprofit organization that brings the joy of surfing to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Estefania's background as a special education teacher, combined with her passion for promoting acceptance and kindness, led her …

This episode of The Misfit Behaviorists tackles the essential topic of modifying content in general education classrooms. 🏫 We answer a listener's question with practical tips and strategies for making learning accessible to students with disabilities. ✨ We break down the difference between accommodations (how students access learning) and modifica…

Resilience starts with a strong foundation, and a primary caregiver who is safe, stable, consistent, and loving. Resilience is not just surviving, it's thriving in life after the negative event; it’s more than bouncing back or getting back up. Resilience results in: -Increased motivation -Positive outlook -More focus on problem-solving -Flexible th…

So, here is the most helpful and humbling thing I keep coming back to in different seasons of life: challenges reveal the areas that I need to grow in myself. It’s humbling because we have to look at ourselves as a contributor to our struggle. And, it’s helpful because when we acknowledge what we bring to the table, then we can address the underlyi…

Before having my children, I was an elementary teacher and reading specialist. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Reading Education. For years, I participated in IEP meetings as a general education teacher. I advocated for my students to receive intervention services and created my own accommodations and modificati…

Today we roll out a new series on the podcast called COPAA Conversations by chatting with Denise Marshall, the CEO of the Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates. COPAA’s mission is to protect and enforce the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. The organization offers trainings, an amazing conference, publi…

Hey Sped Teacher, Curious about what a veteran special education teacher wishes she knew before beginning her special education teaching journey? Do you wish you had insider knowledge before beginning your own journey as a special ed teacher? I’m sure I am not alone when I say that after getting some experience as a new special education teacher, I…

Show Notes: Today on the FAST 15, we welcome Jane Singleton, an expert in educational development and coaching with over 12 years of experience. Jane brings a wealth of knowledge in the fields of psychology, communication studies, and special education, having earned her B.S. from James Madison University and an M.A. from the College of William and…

Today we have special guest Jen Stracquadanio sharing three helpful tips for school based BCBAs! These insights are invaluable for new BCBAs but also super practical and relatable for any BCBA working in any setting! ✨Join our Facebook Group for a community of like minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE resources to save you time! ⬇️ The Misfit…

Ever feel like you need to up the ante on your Negotiation but feel stuck in how to do that? How about a tool that psychologists use to help people get to the root of their own struggles? In today's episode we're going to dive a little deeper into a concept I call "Tactical Empathy," and we'll work on validating the emotions of all of the people at…

Hey Special Education Teacher, Feeling the pressure of the last month of the school year? Wondering how to keep students engaged during the last month of the school year? We are entering the final stretch of the school year! But this last month of school always seems challenging. Between all the end of year tasks, maintaining student engagement, me…

In this episode, we are picking up where we left off with JR Stevens. Join us as we illuminate the strengths and potential of individuals like Mike, who has Williams syndrome, and show the world how tailored education and employment can significantly enhance their lives. Mike's story is one of perseverance and the remarkable impact of aligning work…

💥 Taming the IEP chaos! This episode is your guide to simplifying goals, data, and materials. Get ready for stress-free IEP work! ✅ We'll cover smart systems from binders to dry erase magic. Find what works for YOU! 🎁 Join the Facebook group for FREE IEP goodies: "At-a-Glance" sheet and Goal Check-off List! 💎 Today’s GEM: There's no one "right" way…

We've all been there. The IEP Meeting is going well. Everyone is smiling, the computer system is working, the child is making progress. Then... (record scratch)... things go sideways. In today's episode I talk about one common IEP Pitfall, and it's so obvious. Fortunately, the solution is also super obvious and easy, so I'll walk you through that, …

Hey Sped Teacher, Are you struggling to connect with your gen ed colleagues as a special education teacher? Do you want to collaborate with general ed teachers to better serve your students but aren’t sure where to start? As our students’ case manager, we are to provide our students with the least restrictive environment. This means that we should …

Embark on a heartfelt journey with JR Stevens, a devoted advocate for the special needs community and a tech industry powerhouse, whose life's work has been shaped by his commitment to inclusion and empowerment. As someone who has witnessed the transformative effect of support on people with disabilities, I can't wait to share JR's inspiring tales …

We dive into the crucial topic of managing problem behaviors by teaching essential replacement skills. Listen as we explore effective strategies for teaching functional skills such as requesting wants and needs, teaching waiting & tolerating hearing “no”. Listen for practical insights & evidence-based techniques to support positive behavior change.…

One of my most favorite and successful strategies has very little to do with negotiation strategy. Rather, it is founded in a desire to make meetings as efficient as possible... but it has a huge positive impact. In today's episode I share my tried and true strategy of requesting a draft of an IEP prior to the meeting and then submitting written qu…

Hey Special education Teacher, Are you considering making a transition from SDC to RSP, or RSP to SDC? Have you wondered what the differences are between these positions? In my 15 years of experience, I’ve spent 10 years as an SDC teacher before transitioning into my current role as an RSP teacher. I know that knowing and understanding the differen…

In this captivating continuation of the Fast 15 podcast, we delve deeper into the world of special education with the remarkable Catherine Whitcher, a passionate advocate with over two decades of experience. Catherine sheds light on the transformative concept of Master IEP Coach®, a groundbreaking program designed to facilitate collaboration among …

This week, we're ditching the pronoun confusion with a super fun and interactive game! If your students are struggling with "I", "you," and all those tricky stand-in words, this episode is a must-listen. We share a simple activity that makes pronouns click, plus you'll get a free resource to try it yourself. Want bonus content and behind-the-scenes…

Hey Sped Teacher, Do you have elementary or middle school students transitioning on to their next school? Are you unsure how to prepare for a transitional IEP meeting? When students are moving from an elementary school to a middle school or a middle school to high school, it is crucial to have transitional IEPs to help with facilitating a smooth tr…

Join Specially-Designed Education Services as we get to know as we get to know Catherine Whitcher, founder of Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Check out BOTH Specially-Designed Education Services and the Functional Academics Program at www.sdesworks.com Master IEP Coach® at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/. Growing up alongside a sibling with Down syn…

Difficult conversations are natural when working in ABA or autism classrooms with students with heightened emotional and behavioral challenges. Listen for tips to navigate these challenges and work productively with colleagues! Join our Facebook Group for a FREE resource to share with teachers on the power of positive language! 🙌🏼 😍 More, you say? …

I talk to about one professional a week about an Inclusion case. Attorneys, advocates, outpatient therapists, social workers, pediatricians, and so many other professionals have questions about Inclusion. I'm not only honored that these colleagues call me, but I'm also always excited to geek out about Inclusion and to provide my insight. The only g…

Hey Special Ed Teacher, Are you looking for ways to help your students with special needs manage test anxiety? Do you want your students to be as relaxed and prepared as possible for state testing? We all have students who overthink and stress out before tests. This can come out in a variety of ways including crying, attitudes, dropping to the floo…

In this captivating episode of the Fast 15, join us for the second part (Check out Part #1 Here on SDESworks.com) of our insightful conversation with Dr. DeShanna Reed, where we delve deeper into the intricacies of educational consulting and the transformative power of compassionate strategy. Dr. Reed, a renowned two-time TEDx speaker, author, and …

For the benefit of the majority of Americans who are capable of understanding what I’m about to say, I appreciate the opportunity to share some insights with you that might help you better frame how you think about current events and other people’s behaviors. For those of you who struggle to understand what I’m about to say, just know that the poin…

📝 Takeaways : 5 reasons you may be feeling burnt out and 5 ways to take your power back! 💎 Today’s GEM: Remember, it’s OK to not be OK sometimes. It’s OK to prioritize your own mental health. It’s OK to say no! ‌🔗 Links: If you are in need of help or support of any kind or know someone who is, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Better early tha…

Join us this Autism Awareness & Acceptance Day as we reminisce with a clip of 2008 documentary of Audra’s son as he shared “What Autism Means to Me.” 💎Today’s GEM: …because maybe we just need a bit more respect Join our Facebook Group for a community of like minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE resources to save you time! ⬇️ The Misfit Behavi…

I like to say that the "heart and soul" of special education is the specially designed instruction. This is the instruction that is supposed to be uniquely tailored to the child's needs. This should be drastically different from the accommodations and modifications that students on IEPs get in their general education classrooms and other environmen…

Hey Special Education Teacher, April is Autism Acceptance Month! Do you have a favorite way to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month? Working in the education field, there is an extremely high chance that you have already worked with or will work with a student with Autism. That is one reason I feel it is so important to celebrate Autism Acceptance Mon…

At Specially-Designed Education Services (SDES) we LOVE highlighting amazing current and former Special Education Administrators along with our amazing Special Education Teachers! In this episode of the Fast 15, meet Dr. DeShanna Reed, a distinguished TEDx speaker, author, and seasoned educator specializing in special education and student behavior…

Have you heard the term “pick your battles?” It’s not just a quip! Used thoughtfully and systematically, it can be an amazing tool in your behavioral toolbelt! It helps reduce power struggles, preserves energy (yours and theirs), prioritizes safety and core values, and creates opportunities for positive choices. Join us as we discuss this and other…

Oh, the emails I got! I posted about IEEs in my stories a few weeks ago, and I got so many messages from professionals asking about them. I took those questions as a sign that we needed to spend a second more on IEEs here on the pod. So, let's take a step backwards and hammer in on a few basics on Individual Education Evaluations. Fact One: They're…

Hey Sped Teacher, Are you nervous about an upcoming observation? Do you tend to stress yourself out by overdoing it on your observation lesson plans? For many teachers (me included!), pressure and nerves come along with knowing you have an observation coming up. I would try to come up with some new and exciting lesson that covered every aspect of a…

Introducing SDES Functional Academics Program Trainer, Deborah Schlomer-Frazer - A journey highlighting Deborah's inspiration and expertise in special education in her work with paraeducators. Deborah shines a guiding light on the Functional Academics curriculum. As a fresh doctoral graduate, she shares the intricacies of fostering autonomy and ent…

Have you heard the term “pick your battles?” It’s not just a quip! Used thoughtfully and systematically, it can be an amazing tool in your behavioral toolbelt! It helps reduce power struggles, preserves energy (yours and theirs), prioritizes safety and core values, and creates opportunities for positive choices. Join us as we discuss this and other…

Last week I attended the COPAA Conference, and a session on IEEs, presented by esteemed VA SPED attorney, Melissa Waugh, I had an epiphany about cognitive testing. Many of my clients that have kids with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities shy away from cognitive/ IQ testing. In this episode, we'll ponder (yet another…

Hey Special Ed Teacher, Do you struggle with managing behavior in your special ed classroom? Are you ready to create a better learning environment for your students with disabilities? When I was in my first couple years of teaching, I was so excited about decorating my classroom, getting my students into the classroom, and teaching them all the exc…

Unlock the transformative potential of technology in the special education space with our guest, Joe Brazier from Microsoft, as we navigate the vital role of inclusive tools designed to empower students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This episode promises to reveal how educators can be equipped with devices such as iPads and smar…