The Parent Teacher Podcast

Dan Cochrane is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional and a clinical instructor in the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. A former special educator, Dan worked for over 20 years in a suburban Chicago unit school district (K-12), first as an elementary special ed resource teacher and inclusion facilitator, and for the last 13 years as the district-wide assistive technology specialist/coordinator. Dan has an MA in Teaching special education, an MS in Disability and Human Development, and recently started in the PhD program in Disability Studies at UIC. Dan presents on AT topics at several national AT conferences, and is a member of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), currently serving on its Board of Directors. https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/problem-solving-assistive-tech http://www.uicatu.org/  bit.ly/atcycle https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/problem-solving-assistive-tech --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Dan Cochrane is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional and a clinical instructor in the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. A former special educator, Dan worked for over 20 years in a suburban Chicago unit school district (K-12), first as an elementary special ed resource teacher and inclusion facilitator, and for the last 13 years as the district-wide assistive technology specialist/coordinator. Dan has an MA in Teaching special education, an MS in Disability and Human Development, and recently started in the PhD program in Disability Studies at UIC. Dan presents on AT topics at several national AT conferences, and is a member of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), currently serving on its Board of Directors. https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/problem-solving-assistive-tech http://www.uicatu.org/  bit.ly/atcycle https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/problem-solving-assistive-tech --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

My thoughts on a contentious issue. Not super scientific, but I pointed to several resources: Harris Cooper synthesized research in the mid 90's, and is often cited as support for giving kids homework: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/03/homework-research-how-much/585889/ Alfie Kohn, author of "The Homework Myth" takes issue with Cooper's conclusions. Read him here: https://www.edutopia.org/no-proven-benefits  As I often do, I looked back in my library at an old favorite- Classroom Instruction that Works by Marzano, Pickering, and Pollack- get a copy on Amazon (holy cow, it's cheap!) https://www.amazon.com/Classroom-Instruction-that-Works-Research-Based/dp/0131195034 Takeaways: when judging the value of homework, consider the purpose of the task, don't use it as an assessment, keep the routine and structure familiar, check for understanding, and give timely feedback.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

When a child can technically "hear" but isn't making meaning of the sounds efficiently, it can really impact their learning and ability to function.  In the classroom, this might look like inattention, difficulty decoding and reading, trouble following directions, or even attitude!  Dr. Jeanane Ferre is an expert in Central Auditory Processing Disorder, and explains why evaluation can help some kids get the support they need. You can find out more about CAPD and services she provides at her website, https://dr-ferre.com/ For a more technical presentation, check out this youtube video where she talks about differential diagnosis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h3NpYAQ_-0 Questions? Want to contact me or learn more? Get in touch at reorientedadvocacy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

What's the difference between accommodations, modifications, and differentiation teachers are expected to do in the classroom? Let's do a 'set me straight' type of episode where I explain my thinking... Here are some resources: (links are clickable through Anchor FM, or see slides on my website!) IRIS Peabody on differentiation (great module!) CHADD 504 accommodations list Mastery vs. Quantity Smart Kids with LD More questions? Ideas? Arguments? Contact me through my website, www.reorientedadvocacy.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

What does it mean to be 'twice exceptional', '2E', or 'gifted'? I'm glad I was connected to Robin Schader, Ph.D, author of "To Be Gifted and Learning Disabled" so she could lend some perspective to this and promote an integrated, strengths-based approach to teaching learners. You can read more about her and her work as well as Bridges Academy at bridges.edu.  Definitely check out the 2E Center Suite of Tools with the My Learning Print resource.  https://www.bridges.edu/suite-of-tools-img-version.html I'm hoping we'll have her back soon to talk more on My Learning Print! Other resources she recommended include:  "Atom" Renzulli https://gifted.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/961/2015/01/Systems_and_Models-ReisRenzulli.pdf Bridges Academy profile: https://www.bridges.edu/robin-schader.html 2E movie link to companion guide: http://www.childofgiants.com/2e/about-the-film/ Sternberg: http://www.robertjsternberg.com/special-education Rose: The end of average https://www.amazon.com/End-Average-Succeed-Values-Sameness/dp/0062358367 Kaufman: Ungifted https://www.amazon.com/Ungifted-Intelligence-Scott-Barry-Kaufman/dp/0465066968/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ungifted&qid=1579220524&s=books&sr=1-3 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

What is dyslexia? Why do some kids struggle to learn to read? What is the Orton Gillingham method, and how does it differ from other structured programs, like Wilson? Kristen McShane from The Learning Specialist, LLC joins me to talk about the rules around reading, multisensory approaches, and effective instruction in the classroom and one on one. This article and a few others had me thinking hard about how to better prepare teachers and help them be more effective. You can find Kristen at thelearningspecialistllc.com The book she mentions is The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben Foss. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

I wanted to learn more about transition planning and self-advocacy, and I luckily sat next to Tom Iland a few weeks ago. Tom is a speaker and co-author of "Come to Life" which is an awesome collection of analogies, metaphors, and visuals that help students with autism (or anyone!) through the process of making informed decisions into adulthood.    Tom was diagnosed with autism at 13, and shares with me some of his experience overcoming obstacles to realize his goals- being independent and helping others. You can read more about Tom at thomasiland.com and read about his co-author and mom, Emily Iland at her site, emilyiland.com.  The link to buy the book directly is https://thomasiland.com/come-to-life/. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Dr. Sonia Cooper of theschoolpsych.com joins me to talk about the school psychologist's role in evaluating and determining eligibility for kids with suspected learning differences. Not only is she a psychologist, she's the creator of some super useful resources! Check out her TPT store for awesome tools and reference materials like observation forms, behavior point sheets, visual tools, and guides on special education and related services. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Girls often don't get the diagnosis or treatment they need, for a lot of reasons. A lot of them wind up seeking help for anxiety- and they sure do have anxiety! But that might not be the whole picture. I'm going to share some of the ways executive functioning issues impact women and girls along with my own experiences.... contact me at reorientedadvocacy.com for more info. :) Links! Jenny Blake's "Pivot" resource, the Ideal Day Mad Lib CHADD ADHD in women and girls Emotional Labor- an explanation from the guy who coined the term Emotion in ADHD with Dr. Thomas E. Brown. This guy TOTALLY gets it. *I know, everyone has emotions- but it's to what degree this impacts us. Self promo I guess- but Understood.org has two articles I want to share. What is an educational therapy? and Ten things to look for in an educational therapist Leave a voice message? Someone will, eventually... mom? Lol. I should start a pool or something.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Greg Chasson joins me to talk about cognitive behavioral therapy and approaches used to help people who suffer from OCD, anxiety, or other conditions. (He's a PhD, but it feels super weird to call him doctor. Lol) Greg recommends the following sites if you're looking for more information on providers or the conditions we discussed today: Association for behavioral and cognitive therapies (ABCT) to find a provider Anxiety and Depression Association International OCD Foundation Social Thinking is the publisher of the Super Flex curriculum. The 'triangle' is made up of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Contact me with questions, to consult about your child, or see more resources at my blog, reorientedadvocacy.com. Or- leave your message here.  Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

I talk with Matt Cohen about what parents (and teachers!) should understand regarding IDEA. Matt's book is Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians, and Advocates need to know. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Erin Young, a veteran CPS special educator and "teacher advocate" tells me about the realities in today's classrooms, from secondary trauma, staffing shortages, and the importance of prioritizing and being assertive to prevent burnout. Need to be connected to support? Contact me and we'll connect you to groups for special ed teachers or for parents.  Email: kaycee@reorientedadvocacy.com My website: www.reorientedadvocacy.com    Facebook: www.facebook.com/reorientedadvocacy Links: Edweek.org article on Special Education Teacher Shortage (Dec 2018) Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self Care Packet  Harvard Grad School of Ed article: Helping Teachers Manage the Weight of Trauma (9/2018) Ross Greene (again, I told you!) Lives in the Balance/Collaborative practice for behavior challenges --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Lauren Krieg joins me to talk about the importance of not making assumptions, informing ourselves and others about neurodiverse people, what we're getting wrong and what could be done to promote acceptance and belonging. Question? Comments? Reach out! My site is www.reorientedadvocacy.com Leave a voice message and be heard! How cool is that? Or if you're less adventurous, email me: kaycee@reorientedadvocacy.com  More info and things we refer to: Neurotribes by Steve Silberman  What is Neurodiversity (article by John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye, My Life with Aspergers Livesinthebalance.org (Ross Greene's site, also check out his books!)  All Kinds of Minds (Temple Grandin, Youtube video) ASAN: Autism Self Advocacy Network Understanding the Spectrum A Comic Strip Explanation (The "Wheel" vs a line) DSM V Autism Criteria --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Elijah Eiler, former student of mine/CPS special ed teacher/current substitute teacher, CTU member, now studying social work, talks to me about how asking students to adapt behavior to by more 'typical' causes anxiety.  Somehow, we connect ABA with the LGBTQ movement, I'm not sure how that happened... but it made sense. Controversy about ABA therapy causing PTSD in adults leads to some discussion of the neurodiversity movement.  Extra effort to conform to societal norms or be rejected by others causes distress- and finding community and a sense of belonging can help.  Here's a link to the "hands down" image Elijah refers to, by Ink & Daggers (meredithkultra on Instagram) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

After reading about a 'lack of administrative support' for discipline in schools, I invited Krystal Lewis-Pratl to come chat with me about how teachers can use restorative practices to strengthen relationships with students and approach behavior management in their classrooms. Visit my blog at www.reorientedadvocacy.com for links and more, or leave a question of your own. https://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/5-14-2019/Acting-out-/ According to the district's data, 2018-19 school year, 13 students (7 black, 4 hispanic) were given a total of 21 out-of-school suspensions, compared to three students (2 black, 1 hispanic) who were given three out-of-school suspensions at Brooks. No data on disabilities available here... https://www.childtrends.org/publications/black-students-disabilities-out-of-school-suspensions Illinois increased suspensions overall from 2012-16 for black students,  and those with disabilities https://www.clccrul.org/blog/2018/3/28/more-than-one-year-after-sb100-illinois-educators-and-students-reflect-on-school-discipline-progress Chicago lawyers committee for civil rights, updates and links on SB100, three takeaways, updates one year later https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2019/06/14/if-you-wont-do-restorative-justice-right.html A need for more training, support, and staff --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Do kids know how to make good decisions? Is bad behavior truly their fault? Kristina Siffererd, PhD, author of "Responsible Brains" talks to me about executive function and culpability. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message

Episode 1 is the most nerve-wracking! Is it rejection sensitive dysphoria at work, or is the fear of podcasting my bully? (Maybe it's an ADHD thing...) Isaiah Makar of Impact Makars joins me to talk about why it's so scary to put ourselves out there, face possibly negative feedback, and how teachers and parents can coach kids to work that muscle so they can overcome performance anxiety and become braver over time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/parentteacherpodcast/message