School Disrupted

Ever wonder why so many folks are throwing shade at inclusion in schools? Dive into the fiery debate around whether inclusion is good or bad for students. Join us as we unpack the controversies, assumptions, and diverse perspectives on inclusive education. Get ready for a riveting discussion that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting the verdict on this contentious issue. Tune in and be part of the conversation that's shaking up the education landscape.

In this explosive episode, I unveil the harsh impact of labeling in special education—where kids become targets, face misdiagnoses, and suffer from withheld support. Join our heated debate around the pros and cons of diagnostic labels, revealing stories of frustrated parents battling against these limitations. Our rallying cry urges parents to demand more—teachers that understand behavior, break free from unnecessary labels, and flexible support that goes beyond the status quo. Buckle up for a quick and gripping journey into the untold realities of education. Join me and my guest, Michelle Gail, a well-known special education expert, for this must listen episode.

We all know someone who has been failed by the school system. Maybe it was you! Toni launches season two with a heartfelt message to parents who feel failed by the school system. School isn't working for far too many kids and this season Toni will invite everyone to learn about what's happening behind the doors of the schoolhouse.

In this season of School Disrupted, Toni Barton is joined by her partner in disruption, Michelle Gail. Think of them as education's gossip columnists, letting you in on the secrets schools won't spill to parents. It's your VIP ticket to the backstage drama, packed with controversies and clever solutions.

This season Toni and Michelle fearlessly expose the reality behind 'That Kid' everyone complains about and expose other hard truths. With a blend of humor and unfiltered honesty, join Toni and Michelle as they invite you to both laugh and cringe as they seek to not only expose the truth but also inspire change.

In the latest episode of the "I've Had It" series, I delve deep into the world of "No-Excuses Charters," recognizing that this complex issue is not all black and white. These schools have seen both success and controversy in their quest to close the achievement gap. My take is not a soft one; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the hard truths that exist beneath the surface. We acknowledge that these schools have brought innovation to education, addressing long-standing problems in failing schools, and have produced impressive results. However, we also confront the harsh criticisms, especially regarding the exclusion of students with disabilities and the push-out of those who don't meet rigorous expectations. Join me for a nuanced reflection that challenges the status quo, acknowledges the good, and pushes for meaningful change in education.

In this episode, Toni delves into the continued failure of students with disabilities in Washington, D.C., despite significant financial investments. She sheds light on the limitations of financial resources alone and explore how poorly designed school environments may contribute to these disparities. Moreover, she raises questions about whether some students receive disability classifications due to unaddressed community needs as opposed to having a legitimate disability. She also shares the shortcomings of self-contained classrooms, which come with a hefty price tag but in some cases fall short in meeting students' needs. This episode pushes the education community toward enhanced accountability and encourages educators and policymakers to embrace disruptive approaches to improve outcomes.

In this episode Toni challenges the education system's approach to inclusivity. Toni kicks off the episode with the controversial sentiment, "...if we fix general education, we wouldn't need special education," and emphasizes the need to fix general education classrooms as essential to improving special education. This episode reveals a troubling reality where students with disabilities often lack adequate support in inclusive settings, shedding light on the absence of accountability and the limited training provided to educators. These hard-hitting truths underscore the significance of disruption and necessity of redesign to create schools where #NoChildIsLeftBehind.

In this installation of 'Toni's Truths' I dissect the episode, 'Why Do We Need to Normalize Difference in Schools?' In this episode, I start by asking listeners to confront the hard truths of segregation, division, and demoralization within our educational system. Listen as I break down the imperative of student-centered design, the need to break down demoralizing structures, and the call to embrace disruption, because if it doesn't work for 'one,' it works for none.

This is the first of a new segment, 'Toni's Truths,' where I dissect past episodes, name unspoken hard truths, and extract the essential takeaways. In this episode, I delve into the powerful insights from "Why Do We Need to Disrupt Schooling," and address the prevalent issue of ableism, advocate for inclusive curriculum design, and challenge the educational status quo.

"No excuses" charters are a complex and controversial part of our education system. Many are defined by strict discipline policies and high academic expectations. While they've been praised for raising test scores and advancing historically disadvantaged students, they've also faced criticism for their disciplinary practices and exclusion of students with disabilities. Join us as we engage in a candid conversation with a former leader and teacher from two prominent "no excuses" schools. Our conversation will uncover some controversies surrounding these institutions and examine how their practices may affect one of the most marginalized student groups—students with disabilities. We explore concerns, shed light on misconceptions, and discuss the path to creating an inclusive educational environment that balances high expectations with the needs of all students.

Explore the pressing issue of inclusive education with two of DC's most celebrated education leaders, Rachel Tommelleo and Daniela Anelo. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the challenges, solutions, and enlightening success stories surrounding the quest for truly inclusive schools. Join us as we break down barriers, challenge rhetoric, and call for change in the way we see and support every child's educational journey.