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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.

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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 :) 

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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!

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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.

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During this episode, Robin and Angela talk about how to manage severe food allergies in school.

MA DESE guidance
FAACT- 504 guidance

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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.

Discipline and Behavior -Blog Series
Discipline Dear Colleague Letter (2022)
5 Action Steps To Reduce exclusionary discipline
Resources (keep digging through the links!)
Valerie C Williams

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The recent events in Israel left

This week's episode is a reminder to listen to S2 Episodes 18 and 19 for tips on how to speak with students about difficult events.

Talking to students about crises
Planning ahead for emergencies

Greater Good: How to talk with your child about the war in Gaza and Israel

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**sorry for the weird ending- editing got a little funky this week**

In this episode Robin, Angela and Abby answer a listener question involving if services are tied to a specific disability, when is it a good idea to terminate speech services for a student with autism and how related services are provided in an online school setting.

MA technical guidance: 8/25/06

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Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss the Massachusetts high stakes competency exam required for a high school diploma (MCAS exam) with Laura Gillis , parent side special education attorney. There is a movement by parents and the MA Teacher's Union to end it as a diploma requirement while at the same time, DESE is proposing to raise the bar for proficiency.

Here are some articles to read more about it:
MTA/MassLive article
Advocates ask leaders to end MCAS
Leaders vote to raise the MCAS proficiency score

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