SPEDTalk

In this episode, we record our first ever Video Podcast edition of SPEDTalk at ESC Region 10. Listen in to hear the audio version of this podcast in which we talk about the evolution of SPEDTalk or check out the Video version on YouTube at the link below https://youtu.be/YrgOFsgdMzo ------>    SPEDTalk Video Podcast Episode: Now You See Me... 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barb...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Alexander and Dr. Justin Porter to discuss leadership and direction at TEA. Tune in to hear about changes with respect to Cyclical Monitoring and TEA Initiatives and Resources.  TEA Special Populations 2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitte...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we sit down with ESC Region 10 Special Education Liaison, Evan Heckmann, to discuss his 10 Minutes 'Til Video series designed for campus leadership but available to all on the ESC Region 10 website. ESC Region 10 knows that educational leaders face many competing priorities and that Special Education knowledge can be vital to their success. Knowing their time is precio...

In this episode, the SPEDTalk Team comes together to discuss the progression of the podcast and to provide our listeners with an opportunity to become a bit more acquainted with each of the members of SPEDTalk. Listen in to hear all about what's new in 2022.  2022 Barbara Jordan Media Awards 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitter...

In this episode, the SPEDTalk Crew comes together to discuss upcoming changes to the Texas State Assessment, the STAAR Test. In case you didn't know, the STAAR Test is currently being redesigned to more accurately emulate pedagogical best practices and classroom instruction that is differentiated and evidence based. The STAAR redesign is a result of House Bill (HB) 3906 passed by the 86th&nbs...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the Partners Resource Network (PRN), which is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers [PTI’s are funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)]. The PTI Projects are: PACT , PATH ,  PEN , and  TEAM . PRN helps parents to understand their...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are back with our friends from Texas Transition to learn all about their amazing resources. In case you didn't know, the Student-Centered Transitions Network (SCTN) is creating new pathways to a successful adult life for students with disabilities. The SCTN is led by the Eleanor and Charles Garrett Center on Transition and Disability Studies at Sam Houston Stat...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and I travel to ESC Region 17 in Lubbock, Texas to experience the West Texas Cotton Boll Consortium first hand. Through a collaborative partnership between Regions 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, this two-day session brings Special Education Directors and other administrators together to discuss hot topics and best practices. Various topics discussed inclu...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by Meghan Young (Franchise Relations and Brand Excellence) for Bitty & Beau's Coffee Shops. Brewing up more than just delicious drinks, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop. Their shops provide a one-of-a-kind experience that is changing the way people see people with disabilities. As advocates for the value,...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about the Special Education Director Collaborative LiveBinder, which is a joint project of the Texas ESCs working together to provide time-sensitive information and resources on special education topics to support special education directors across the state. The binder consists of Timeline Topics, which highlight time-sensitive items on a quarterly basis,...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we visit Waxahachie ISD to learn all about the Connecting the Dots Transition Fair, which is a partnership with Region 10 ESC. Connecting the Dots is an informational fair for individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and educators as well as the vendors who provide services. The purpose of the event is to provide information about community based reso...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by Dr. Shawn A. Robinson aka Doctor Dyslexia Dude following his inspiring presentation at the 2021 Cotton Boll Consortium. Shawn Anthony Robinson, Ph. D. is a full-time faculty member teaching reading, scholar, and entrepreneur, who delivers premium services such as training sessions, consulting and speaking engagements. He is professionally aff...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn all about one mother's journey through special education with her son Michael. Former Superintendent of Morton ISD and Founder of Alcove Care, Vicki Rice shares her inspiring story and reminds us all of the power of a mother's love for her child. Since retiring after a thirty plus year career as an educator, Vicki has gone on to give back to her community with...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John sit down with Northside ISD Coach, Dave Lambert, who goes the extra mile for his students. Football is a language all of its own, but what if you can’t hear? A student on the @NISDFolks football team is deaf so he and his coach are learning how to communicate with each other. Watch how Coach Dave Lambert is going #BeyondTheGame to help all his student...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are blown away by the amazing learning opportunities regarding trauma informed practices from Project Restore. As a result of school closures and remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students have been at higher risk of exposure due to adverse childhood experiences and first hand exposure to the effects of COVID-19. Many educators have themselves experience...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we sit down with Dr. Gracie Whitley from ESC Region 10 to learn all about SPEDTex, which provides information and resources that can help parents understand their child’s disability and their rights and responsibilities under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Special Education Information Center (SPEDTex) facilitates collaboration that suppor...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we sit down with Dr. Justin Porter (State Director of Special Education) and Jennifer Patterson (Director/Special Education ESC Support) from TEA to discuss the state of special education in Texas, the evolving role of special education liaisons, and the 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Award that SPEDTalk received for our "Don't Be Afraid To Be Included" episode.  2021...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, the team reflects on the amazing episodes from Season Three and looks forward to Season Four, which will kick off with a bang with Justin Porter and Jennifer Patterson from the Texas Education Agency.  2021 Barbara Jordan Media Awards www.facebook.com/SPEDTalk2020 www.instagram.com/spedtalk2020/ Twitter@spedtalk2020 SPEDTalk Dashboard ARD Buddy Elite Big Changes I...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we reconnect with Kami Dodds and Simon Guzman to honor their contributions to our award winning episode, "Don't Be Afraid To Be Included," which was recently selected as a 2021 Barbara Jordan Media Award Winner. Listen to catch up on Simon's efforts to develop and deliver a wheelchair swing and Kami's transition to a new school district in which she hopes to replicate...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by Tamsey, Mona, and Jasmine to learn all about Cheer Abilities, which provides athletes of all ages with varying types of differences and limitations the opportunity to Cheer on competitive teams. Th goal is to provide these athletes with the true experience of all-star cheerleading, from tumbling and stunting, to the thrill of performing in front o...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn about the amazing resources and trainings from the Texas Complex Access Network (TX CAN). Dedicated to raising awareness of the limitless potential of students with significant cognitive disabilities by presuming competence and finding the most appropriate supports to provide connection, access, and increased opportunities, TX CAN is creating a new paradigm of...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John learn all about the Strategic Partnership between the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the American Institute for Research (AIR) to address Significant Disproportionality (SD) through grant opportunities for specific LEAs. The purpose of this grant is to support LEAs that have been notified of 1 or more areas of significant disproportionality in either dis...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John dive into the deep end of Inclusion with Corsicana ISD who is proud to be the first chapter site in Texas of The Penguin Project. The Penguin Project is a magical and touching celebration of the human spirit that all unfolds on stage. Students across the district (4th - 12th grade) perform in the Broadway musical, Annie, Jr. The roles are filled by yo...

In this episode, Pam and John learn all about the Multiple Exceptionalities and Multiple Needs (technical assistance) Network, which aspires to support the unique set of needs of students who are being served by Special Education as well as identified in one or more of the following areas: English learners, Gifted and Talented, and Highly Mobile; specifically-- migrant students, military conn...

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John learn all about the amazing work of the TIER Network. Tiered Interventions Using Evidence-Based Research, or TIER, is a project funded by the Texas Education Agency. Their goal is to provide educators, caregivers, and other educational stakeholders with the knowledge and materials to ensure appropriate implementation of multi-tiered system of supports (MTS...