The Research to Practice Gap

What does meaningful student participation actually look like—and are we sometimes mistaking compliance for engagement? In this episode, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with author and instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky to explore how educators can create more intentional opportunities for students to think, communicate, and engage in learning. From rethinking who does the talking to examining t...

In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores talks with Dr. Tal Slemrod about why evidence-based practices can take so long to reach classrooms—and what educators can do about it. They explore the research-to-practice gap, barriers to effective professional development, and practical ways teachers can find and use research to support their students. Dr. Slemrod also discusses...

What does it really mean to support neurodivergent students in the classroom? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Zakreski joins Dr. Helen Flores to explore why equity—not equality—is essential when supporting students with different brains. From giftedness, ADHD, and twice-exceptionality to behavior, inclusion, and Universal Design for Learning, Dr. Matt shares practical ways educators can create enviro...

In this episode, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Barbara Friedlander to explore how Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) can help students become more confident, independent writers. Barbara explains how explicit modeling and think-alouds make the invisible thinking behind writing visible, shares practical examples of what SRSD looks like in the classroom, and discusses how the framework can...

In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Tianna Dowie-Chin, Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education at the University of Georgia, to explore how educators can move beyond simply teaching about racism toward creating classrooms that affirm students' identities and histories. Together, they discuss the difference between anti-racist education...

What if the most harmful experiences students have at school aren't dramatic, but happen through everyday interactions? Dr. Helen Flores sits down with sociologist and Slow Violence author Dr. Ranita Ray to explore how subtle classroom practices, power dynamics, and everyday language shape students' sense of belonging. Together, they discuss how educators can reflect on their own practic...

Self-determination doesn't begin at age 14—it starts in the earliest years of school. In this episode, Laurie Williams-George explains how teachers can build student agency through simple, research-based practices that help students make decisions, advocate for themselves, and believe that their actions can shape their futures. More from Laurie Williams George: Raising Joy #62: Navigating the...

In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Hank Samuels to explore the role of creativity, imagination, and arts integration in education. Together, they discuss why so many educators believe they are "not creative," how schools often separate art from learning, and practical ways teachers can incorporate creativity into everyday instruction. Dr...

 In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores sits down with educator and leadership coach Michael Fairbanks II to discuss one of education’s biggest challenges: teacher retention. Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, principal, and instructional leader, Michael shares practical strategies for sustaining intrinsic motivation, building mental flexibility, and creating sy...

In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores speaks with Tabitha Lim about the impact of high-stakes testing on student learning, stress, and well-being. Drawing from neuroscience, embodied cognition, and her experiences in both Malaysia and the United States, Tabitha shares practical strategies educators can use to help students regulate stress, improve memory and retrieval,...

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Tedrow to explore how trauma impacts learning, behavior, and brain development—and what teachers can do about it. We break down the “regulate, relate, reason” framework and share practical, trauma-informed strategies educators can start using right away. Resources for Teachers Culturally Responsive Practices Emotion and Stress Regulation Tool Box The National...

This episode explores how classroom design impacts students’ attention, regulation, and learning. Dr. Laura Foster shares research-backed strategies for creating more intentional, less visually overwhelming spaces—and how small shifts in the environment can better support all learners. Resources for Teachers Heavily Decorated Classrooms Disrupt Attention and Learning In Young Children Building Des...

 In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , I sit down with Dr. Sharde Theodore to discuss how social emotional learning (SEL) can transform classroom culture and improve outcomes for students.  Articles by Dr. Theodore National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities Resources for Teachers: Daily Progress Reports Check In/Check Out (CICO) Classroom Job Ideas for K-12 Class Do...

 In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. D’Annette Mullen of Boston University talks about disrupting disproportionate discipline in schools through art, restorative practices, relationship-building, and student voice.  Join our newsletter community for practical insights, implementation tips, and resources!  Semicolon Books Works by Dr. Mullen : Racism by Another Name: Black Student...

 In this episode, Dr. Alejandra A. Fernandez-Morgado shares research-based insights on special education, gifted education, and creating more equitable opportunities for diverse learners.  Join our newsletter community for practical insights, implementation tips, and resources!  Find all of Dr. Alejandra Fernandez Morgado’s work here Book and quote mentioned in the podcast: Quote by Paola Ramos: “...

In our first episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Buruuj Tunsill to explore how educators can better serve racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse (RELD) students in special education — particularly in under-resourced and high-needs schools. This episode bridges research and lived classroom experience, offering concrete strategies educators can beg...

As a special educator, I struggled to find truly effective ways to support my students. I joined professional organizations, but didn’t have the time to sift through journals or navigate lengthy resource pages. I attended required professional development, yet it wasn’t always engaging—or useful. Welcome to The Research to Practice Gap, a podcast created to bridge exactly that divide. Each month,...