Overview:

On today’s show, host Lori Boll speaks with Daniel Wickner the founder of Identity-Centered Learning, a framework for supporting students’ identity development in schools.This work builds on culturally-relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies and is informed by his own biracial, multicultural, and multilingual identity, along with his thirteen years in international education. Daniel discusses his own background in schools and the impact that had on him as well as what he means by identity centered education. Lori and Daniel also discuss changing systems rather than students and how we, as educators need to become “Identity Experts” for our students as they go through their own identity journeys.

Daniel Wickner (he/him/his) is the founder of Identity-Centered Learning (www.identity centered.com), a framework for supporting students’ identity development in schools. This work builds on culturally-relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies and is informed by his own biracial, multicultural, and multilingual identity, along with his thirteen years in international education. He currently teaches third grade at Hong Kong International School and supports schools as a consultant in the areas of identity and DEIJ.

Overview:

Today, host Lori Boll speaks with Dr. Jack Naglieri. Some of you may recognize that last name. Yes, he is the creator of the Naglieri Noverbal Ability Test. Jack and Lori speak about how traditional IQ tests do not measure how students think. Rather, they measure what they know- which is an inherently biased and unfair practice. Today’s conversation is eye-opening and hopefully gets us all thinking about changing the traditional system and the benefits of doing so.

Bio

Dr. Jack A. Naglieri, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor at George Mason University and Senior Research Scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. His main interest is the development of psychological and educational tests and the implications these approaches have for accurate and equitable assessment. He has published about 25 books, 50 tests and rating scales, and approximately 300 research papers. Jack is the author of tests used for identification of gifted students including the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, the Naglieri Tests of General Ability Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal with coauthors Dina Brulles and Kim Lansdowne and the forthcoming Kaufman Multidimensional Assessment of Creativity with James Kaufman and Cecil Reynolds. He is also well known for his neurocognitive theory of intelligence referred to as PASS and measured with the Cognitive Assessment System-2nd Edition and the related book Helping Children Learn-Second Edition; the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (2010); Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory (2013); the Devereux Elementary Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA); and the DESSA-mini for universal screening of SEL behaviors. I

Overview:

Today, host Lori Boll speaks with Katy Fattaleh who is the Chief Program Officer for The Nora Project. The Nora Project’s mission is to promote disability inclusion by empowering educators and engaging students and communities. Their work is important and can truly change the way we see disabilities and inclusion. Take a listen. Get inspired by learning more about The Nora Project today.

Katy Fattaleh is a former elementary school teacher and K-8 instructional coach who now serves as the Chief Program Officer for The Nora Project. In her work at TNP, Katy is always searching for ways to bring essential curriculum and training to schools so that they can create environments where all students feel a strong sense of belonging.

Overview:

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Robyn Reagan who is the Executive Director for Circle of Friends. Circle of s a school inclusion program for students

who experience social isolation due to disability or other challenges.

Through weekly lunches and meaningful activities students develop

compassion and the understanding that they are more alike than different.

CoF promotes a culture of acceptance and genuine friendship.In our show today, Robyn shares about this fantastic program and the research behind it. By the end you’ll know how you can become a Circle of Friends advisor in your school. And you’ll have HOPE. and that HOPE is for our future and also an acronym which you’ll hear more about later.

Robyn has been improving systems and supports for children, youth and families for over three decades. Her first role model was Annie Sullivan, "Teacher" and friend to Helen Keller. Robyn is a lifelong advocate for children who struggle to make their gifts and needs known.

Overview:

Today, host Lori Boll speaks with the Chief Global Education Officer for the Special Olympics, responsible for global education and youth leadership.Jacqueline Jodl, PhD.  Lori and Jackie discuss the history of the Special Olympics, the evidence that backs up these programs that lessens bullying and bias, and how we, in our international schools, can get more involved. With a program like Unified Sports, we can create inclusive opportunities.

Jacqueline Jodl, PhD, is the Chief Global Education Officer for the Special Olympics,  responsible for global education and youth leadership. Previously, Dr. Jodl was an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Executive Director at the Aspen Institute leading the National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development. Dr. Jodl's life is dedicated to helping organizations like Special Olympics that help children and young people who advocate for a more inclusive world where differences are celebrated, not feared.

Overview:

On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with long time SENIA friend and Executive Functioning expert, Sarah Ward. Sarah and Lori discuss Processing Speed, and how having either slow or fast processing speed can impact our everyday lives, what teachers or families may recognize in the classroom or home, and how we can best support these challenges. This is a must-listen for all of us. Enjoy!

Overview:

Today host Lori Boll speaks with Chris Nikic and his father, Nic. Chris set a new world record by being the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. He is also the first person with Down Syndrome to be sponsored by Adidas. His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals.

His greatest achievement is showing others how shifting your focus from your disabilities to your abilities and pursuing your dreams with an unwavering tenacity, a positive attitude and a no-quit grit can help anyone achieve their goals and dreams.

Chris Nikic set a new world record by being the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals.

His greatest achievement is showing others how shifting your focus from your disabilities to your abilities and pursuing your dreams with an unwavering tenacity, a positive attitude and a no-quit grit can help anyone achieve their goals and dreams.

In today’s show, host Lori Boll speaks with Julie Skolnick. Julie  is a thought leader and expert in the field of twice exceptionality a.k.a. 2e or gifted with a learning difference. As Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, Julie passionately guides parent, mentors 2e adults and trains teachers on how to bring out the best and raise self confidence in 2e learners. Lori and Julie discuss what it means to be 2E and how it is essential for educators to understand the needs of these learners so they can be successful both in and out of school

Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their 2e students and clients.

Julie serves as Secretary to the Maryland Superintendent’s Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, is an advisor for the Masters of Education Program for the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity, is the Maryland liaison for Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), is a Committee member for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and serves as an advisor to “The G Word” feature documentary currently in production.

Julie produces Let’s Talk 2e! virtual conferences, hosts the Let’s Talk 2e! Parent Empowerment Series, maintains the free listing service, 2eResources.com, and publishes “Gifted & Distractible,” a free monthly newsletter.

A frequent speaker and prolific writer, Julie is also the mother of three twice exceptional children who keep her on her toes and uproariously laughing.

Subscribe to “Gifted & Distractible” monthly newsletter at www.WithUnderstandingComesCalm.com, find resources at www.2eResources.com and learn more about our conferences and parent series at www.LetsTalk2e.com. Follow Julie on social media: Facebook: WithUnderstandingComesCalm, Let’s Talk 2e – Parents, Let’s Talk 2e – Teachers’ Lounge, Instagram: @LetsTalk2e, Twitter: @JulieSkolnick, LinkedIn: Julie Rosenbaum Skolnick, and YouTube: Let’s Talk 2e.

Overview:

On today’s show, Lori speaks with our most recent recipient of SENIA’s World Changer award; Courtney Wong. Courtney is a high school student in California and is the founder and president of Tutors4Stars, a youth organization that provides free learning opportunities for neurodiverse students through online private and group lessons. Courtney gained experience as a volunteer by teaching art and music classes locally as well as operating the San Diego chapter for the non-profit organization SN Inclusion. So she’s a busy high school student, and she hopes to continue supporting the neurodiverse community in their academic and personal growth as she gets older. Courtney is here today to tell us about her advocacy work and her inspiration behind starting this magnificent program.

SENIA Youth

SENIA Certification Coursework

Courtney attends Torrey Pines High School and will graduate with the class of 2023. She is the founder and president of Tutors4Stars, a youth organization that provides free learning opportunities for neurodiverse students through online private and group lessons. Courtney gained experience as a volunteer by teaching art and music classes locally as well as operating the San Diego chapter for the non-profit organization SN Inclusion. She hopes to continue supporting the neurodiverse community in their academic and personal growth. In her free time, Courtney likes to figure skate and watch figure skating competitions in-person and remotely. She also enjoys listening to music and learning new things.

Overview:

Today our host Lori Boll speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Henry, affectionately known as Dr. Liz. She is a nationally renowned, board-certified pediatrician, speaker, author, parent coach, and youth advocate. She is a trusted advisor to parents and youth and the founder of Dr. Liz Consulting, a company created to empower parents and uplift youth.

After graduating from Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, and Georgetown’s Pediatric Residency Program, Dr. Liz has spent over twenty years as a pediatrician and youth consultant.

Dr. Liz has written a book entitled You are NOT a bad parent.A Pediatrician's Guide To Reducing Conflict And Connecting With Your Teens

We discuss her approach to communicating with the pre teens and teenagers in your life, whether you are a parent, teacher, aunt, uncle- we all  can benefit from learning more about teenagers and the best way to communicate with them. And as Dr. Liz will tell you, communication is key.

Dr. Elizabeth Henry, affectionately known as Dr. Liz, is a nationally renowned, board-certified pediatrician, speaker, author, parent coach, and youth advocate. She is a trusted advisor to parents and youth and the founder of Dr. Liz Consulting, a company created to empower parents and uplift youth.

After graduating from Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, and Georgetown’s Pediatric Residency Program, Dr. Liz has spent over twenty years as a pediatrician and youth consultant.

Her new book, "You Are Not A Bad Parent: A Pediatrician's Guide To Reducing Conflict And Connecting With Your Teens," reached #1 on the Amazon best seller list.