In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jamie Pearson to explore the unique experiences of Black students with autism and their families. We discuss the systemic inequities these students face, the barriers they encounter in accessing services, and how they navigate life within their communities. Additionally, we delve into the complexities and tensions surrounding ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) practices, particularly when applied to Black children and youth. This conversation offers valuable insights and recommendations for school administrators and researchers.

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In this episode of DiveIn, I talked to Dr. Elizabeth Bettini about the persistent challenges in special education teacher recruitment and retention. Dr. Bettini details the longstanding issues since the 1970s, addresses the implications of the teaching shortage for BIPOC communities, and provides recommendations for administrators and researchers.

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In this episode, I interview Dan Losen, the senior director of the education team at the National Center for Youth Law. We discuss pressing issues regarding disciplinary disparities in special education. Losen emphasizes the lack of adequate support and quality services for students with disabilities and the profound consequences this has on educational outcomes. We also delve into how the discipline gap and achievement gap are interconnected, highlighting how lost instructional time from suspensions severely impacts students, particularly those of color and those with disabilities.

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This episode explores the challenges, perspectives, and implications of scholars engaging with the evolving issue of anti-woke culture in special education research. We interviewed Erica McCray, Associate Dean at the University of Florida College of Education, who sheds light on her experiences and provides guidance for working in an anti-woke environment. McCrae discusses the need to confront inequities and foster conversations within the field while emphasizing the importance of self-care and rest

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In this episode of DiveIn, host Federico Waitoller interviews Dr. Maya Kalyanpur about the term 'the Global South' and its importance for understanding inclusive education. Dr. Kalyanpur shares insights from her experiences teaching and conducting research in South Asia and translate her work into lessons for conducting education research in the USA that foregrounds equity and inclusion for students with disabilities and beyond. 

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 In this episode, we talked to Dr. Martínez Álvarez about how to best teach emergent bilingual students with disabilities so that their linguistic and ability repertoires are positioned as assets rather than deficits. We also discussed her latest book, Teaching Emergent Bilingual Students with Disabilities, in which Dr. Martínez Álvarez writes about what it means to adopt a humanistic approach to teaching and learning and how to train teachers to serve best emergent bilingual students with disabilities.

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In this episode, we talk to the new National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) commissioner, Dr. Nathan Jones.  We ask about how NCSER addresses equity, diversity, and inclusion issues, provide tips for those seeking funding in NCSER, and much more.  

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In this episode, I talk to Endia Lindo and Kathleen King Thorius, two of the new editors of one of the most important journals in special education research: Exceptional Children.  We discuss how the editorial team came together, their vision for the journal, and discuss advice for authors submitting papers, and much more.   

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In this episode of DiveIn, we converse with María Cioè-Peña about her research with BIPOC mothers of students with disabilities. We discuss the importance of centering these mothers' narratives in special education research and offer some guidance for designing research projects that privilege such narratives.  

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In this episode of DiveIn, I talk to LaRon Scott, William Hunter, and Jonte' C Taylor about their edited volume The Mixtape Volume 1: Culturally Sustaining Practices Within MTSS . We discuss how to use Hip-hop pedagogy in special education research to improve student learning and engagement. We also discuss the tensions that emerge from using culturally sustaining pedagogy with more traditional forms of special education research.  LaRon, William, and Jonte end the episode with great recomendations for future of special education research. 

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