In this episode of Remixing Education, we feature Dr. Dana Page, founder of Turn the Page Education Consulting. Dana shared her extensive experience and insights into the academic achievement of students with emotional/behavioral disorders (E/BD), her journey from paraeducator to Ph.D., and methods and strategies that are critical to establishing anti-racist and culturally responsive practices in education.

Bio

Dr. Dana Page's Linkedin Page

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-elaine-page/

Contact

[email protected]

In this episode of Remixing Education, we delve into the rich history and evolving landscape of special education with our expert panelists, David Bateman, Rebecca Wade, and Kendra Saunders. The conversation explores the themes of the evolution of disability rights, the impact of legislation on special education, and the importance of creating inclusive learning environments.

Panelists

David F. Bateman, PhD, is a principal researcher at AIR (American Institutes for Research) and the project director for the Massachusetts IEP project. He is a former professor at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education. He has taught students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, intellectual disabilities, and hearing impairments. Dr. Bateman has coauthored several books on special education and serves in various professional roles related to special education law and policy.

David Bateman's Blog: https://spedlawblog.com/https://spedlawblog.com/

Kendra V. Saunders, PhD, NCSP, is an assistant professor of school psychology at Texas A&M University–Commerce. Her teaching experience spans prekindergarten to graduate school, and she has provided psychological services in both school and clinical settings. Her research interests include school-based mental health services and the impact of mental health attitudes on service access. She is passionate about disability rights and the dismantling of ableism, influenced by her personal experience as the sister of a disabled woman. Kendra's contact information: [email protected]

Rebecca Wade, EdS, MA, is an elementary school principal and former special education teacher in the Roseville Area Schools in Minnesota. She is also an adjunct faculty at the University of St. Thomas. Rebecca is committed to interrupting practices and policies that perpetuate white supremacist ideologies and lead to disproportionate outcomes for historically marginalized learners. Rebecca's contact information: [email protected]

For more information and to purchase the book, visit Amazon the following website.

In this episode, the panel of experts discuss creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for students with disabilities. They share their personal journeys into special education and highlight key themes from the book 'Disability, Intersectionality, and Belonging in Special Education'.

The experts emphasize the importance of recognizing and valuing the multidimensional identities of students, incorporating family voice in the special education process, and implementing strength-based approaches in education. The principal themes of the conversation revolve around the importance of culturally sustaining teaching in special education. The conversation also highlights the need for government policies that support inclusive practices, investment in research and development, enhanced teacher preparation and professional development, and increased funding for special education.

Some more details about our guests:

Kenyon Andrews:

Kenyon Andrews, MS, is an African American doctoral candidate, husband, father, and mental health champion. With extensive experience in K–12 education, he advocates for teacher leadership and addresses cultural bias and stigmas in the classroom. He is dedicated to promoting equity and belonging within the educational culture and serves in various roles within the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 100 Black Men of America, Kappa Delta Phi, and the Council for Exceptional Children.

Meaghan M. McCollow (she/they):

Meaghan McCollow, PhD, BCBA-D, is a white, queer, cisgender woman with anxiety and depression, an associate professor of special education at California State University East Bay, and a contracted BCBA at Empowered: A Center for Sexuality. Dr. McCollow's research focuses on professional development for education specialists, diversity in research practices, and sexuality access and education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. McCollow has extensive experience as an educator across the United States and has served on the board and committees of the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities, a division of the Council for Exceptional Children.

https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

Elizabeth G. (Liz) Finnegan:

Elizabeth Finnegan, PhD, is a heteronormative, cisgender woman with a facial difference, and a professor of special education at St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York. A former special education teacher, her research interests focus on literacy for individuals with autism. Dr. Finnegan has served on various committees and boards, including the Council for Exceptional Children and the American Educational Research Association.

Lindsay M. Griendling:

Lindsay Griendling, PhD, is a white, cisgender female with ADHD and an assistant professor of special education at Appalachian State University. Her research addresses educational policy inequities and centers on student and family voices to improve classroom practices for marginalized youth. Before academia, Dr. Griendling was a middle school special educator for seven years in diverse public school systems.

For more information and to purchase the book, visit https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538175828/Disability-Intersectionality-and-Belonging-in-Special-Education-Socioculturally-Sustaining-Practices).

In this episode of "Remixing Education," we are thrilled to feature Dr. Jonte' C. Taylor. Dr. Taylor is an associate professor of special education at Penn State University and a former special education teacher. His research focuses on effective strategies for inclusive STEAM education for students with disabilities and improving school and classroom climates for students, families, and teachers. Dr. Taylor's expertise spans inquiry-based science instruction, the use of arts in research, and evidence-based interventions. He is passionate about fostering student motivation, enhancing student-teacher relationships, and integrating hip-hop in the classroom. Dr. Taylor's diverse experiences, from juvenile justice and preK–12 grade schools to group homes, provide a rich perspective on special education.

Dr. Jonte' C. Taylor shares his background and journey into special education, discusses the challenges new teachers face, and explores key themes from "Disability, Intersectionality, and Belonging in Special Education," emphasizing the importance of historical disability rights movements. He also delves into his book, "The Mixtape Volume 1: Culturally Sustaining Practices Within MTSS Featuring the Everlasting Mission of Student Engagement," highlighting strategies for inclusion and supporting teachers and administrators with culturally sustaining instruction and strategies.

Reference Links:

- Disability, Intersectionality, and Belonging in Special Education

- The Mixtape Volume 1: Culturally Sustaining Practices Within MTSS Featuring the Everlasting Mission of Student Engagement

In this episode of "Remixing Education," we have an interview with Dr. Colin Rose, founder and CEO of Perennial Education Consulting, to explore his transformative journey in education. Starting out as a special education teacher, Dr. Rose shares his experiences and innovative work as an assistant superintendent in Boston Public Schools. He discusses how he created equitable and effective school policies, offering practical insights and inspiring stories on leading with purpose and fostering excellence in education.

Dr. Colin Rose is also a co-author of the new book, "Disability, Intersectionality, and Belonging in Special Education." In his chapter, Dr. Rose and other contributors discuss the importance of culturally and linguistically sustaining pedagogy, empowering families, and integrating these practices within educational frameworks that support equity. This episode is part of a series highlighting the book and hearing voices from it's authors/contributors.

Amazon - Disability, Intersectionality, and Belonging in Special Education

Publisher website

⁠https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538175828/Disability-Intersectionality-and-Belonging-in-Special-Education-Socioculturally-Sustaining-Practices⁠

Colin's LinkedIn Profile

⁠linkedin.com/in/colin-c-rose⁠

Perennial Education Consulting Website

https://www.perennialed.com/

In this episode of "Remixing Education," we are thrilled to feature the lead authors and editors of the book "Disability, Intersectionality, and Belonging in Special Education." This essential resource equips educators with socioculturally sustaining practices and culturally relevant curricula to address the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The book, including contributions from over 50 individuals with disabilities, empowers practitioners to create inclusive, equitable learning environments by understanding and implementing intersectional approaches.

[email protected]

Ryan Fell is currently an interim principal at Four Seasons A+  Elementary School in Saint Paul Public Schools in Minnesota. He is also a  former special and general education teacher, dean of instruction, and  program administrator. In addition, Fell is pursuing a Ph.D. in the  Education Policy and Leadership—Executive Cohort Program at the  University of Minnesota.  

During this episode, Principal Fell talked about his experience as a  student who received special education services and his journey as a  special education teacher and general education teacher. In addition,  Fell discussed his experience as an educator and educator leader. He  emphasized the importance of understanding others' experiences, creating  connections with students, and collaborating with families and school  team members.

During of my very first podcast episodes, I shared a presentation called, "How to Develop and Maintain Culturally Sustaining Relationships in School Communities." Now, that podcast is one of Remixing Education’s most popular episodes. Today, you'll hear me deliver that presentation at the 2022 San Diego Equity Conference with an audience. At the conference, I discuss the systemic issues in special education, the impact of implicit bias on minoritized students, and strategies to develop culturally sustaining relationships.

In this episode, you’ll hear an interview I did with Kelly Jenson. Kelly is a former special education teacher who now is a content coach for teachers in St. Paul, MN. Kelly has a long history of utilizing technology to make learning fun and engaging for students and creating and maintaining a strong sense of community in her classroom. Now,Kelly’s work focuses on implementation of existing curriculum and transforming to online. Kelly talks about how to develop strong relationships with students who are racially, linguistically, and culturally diverse.

The workload for all educators is intense. For special education teachers, it may be even greater due to the range of students’ instructional needs, the nuances of multiple classroom instructional formats, and the quantity of due process requirements. Although all teachers experience stress, teachers of color (TOC) often experience unique stressors. The experiences that TOC endure are multilayered and complex. In this episode, you’ll hear an interview I did with Moemen Ibrahim and Danielle Danielles. Two special education teachers in St. Paul, Minnesota. They discuss the challenges that minoritzed teachers and students experience in our schools and what we can do to mitigate them.

Since the episode, Danielle was hired as an Equity Coach for the Office of Equity in Saint Paul Public Schools. Congratulations, Danielle!