Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

Our goal is always to keep people informed about what’s going on in today’s world that directly affects the education of our students. It is essential to consider the communities that are forming within the broader context of the current political climate. How are conversations being navigated around important topics like race and culture? Today’s guest has valuable insights to share! Join us! Jebeh Edmunds is the founder and CEO of Jebeh Cultural Consulting, a firm that helps disseminate multicultural lesson plans for K-12th grade. Part of her essential work also includes providing training sessions on DEI and cultural responsiveness. Jebeh was a classroom teacher for 18 years before she became an entrepreneur. Proud of her heritage, Jebeh is a first-generation Liberian-American who came to the US as a toddler. Show Highlights: Resources: Connect with Jebeh Edmunds: Website (Find resources and courses.) and Jebeh's podcast, Cultural Curriculum Chat with Jebeh Edmunds. Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Please feel free ​​to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X), our IEP Website, and Email.

We are in the middle of the start of another school year across the country, whether your students have already returned or have a later start date. One of the most important events from last school year was the Supreme Court decision to withhold $65M in federal funding for education, and we are seeing those impacts across the board. Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez is here to unpack the decision and the far-reaching effects. Join us to learn more! Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez is the CEO at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, an organization that is almost 50 years old. Their mission is to serve ALL students, their families, their educators, and their future employers. Dr. Rodriguez has a background steeped in education, from teaching special education at all levels to being an administrator. Her passion for advocacy and equity for all students is the central theme of her work, always focused on a more inclusive and equitable education system. Show Highlights: Resources: Connect with Dr. Rodriguez and the NCLD: Website (Click the “Take Action” tab at the top!) Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

Welcome back to the podcast as we kick off a new school year! We are excited, as always, to jump into some very important topics in the coming weeks. First up is our amazing guest, Jennifer Catalano, to discuss her work in deaf education and share her perspective on the least restrictive environments for these students. Is it better to have 100% inclusion or 100% special instruction? Let’s learn more from Jennifer’s perspective in today’s episode! Jennifer Catalano is the director of both undergraduate and graduate deaf education programs at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. Her background spans deaf education, elementary education, and special education, making her current role the perfect intersection of her experience and expertise. She loves working with current and future teachers to help them serve deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Show Highlights: Resources: Connect with Jennifer Catalano: Flagler College Website and Email Mentioned in this episode: Deaf President Now documentary Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

This is our last episode before our much-needed summer break. Taking this break helps us to refocus and prepare for a new school year. We recently made another appearance on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning: A ChildNEXUS podcast with Dr. Karen Wilson, who has also joined us on our podcast before. Today, we are featuring that episode as an overview of what’s been happening, and continuing to happen, in the field of special education in the US since the Trump administration took office. Enjoy the conversation! Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Dr. Karen Wilson and her podcast: Diverse Thinking Different Learning: A ChildNEXUS podcast Mentioned in this episode: 5 Calls App Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The landscape of American education has undergone significant changes over the past few months, particularly in the realm of special education. Our diligence in staying informed about developments in our field is more important than ever as we approach the start of a new school year in just a few weeks. Our focus today centers on understanding 504s with our guest, April. Join us to learn more! April Rehrig is a special education advocate who does things differently. Her experiences as a teacher, mother, and school psychologist for 20 years provide her with a wide-ranging perspective on education and a unique approach to advocacy. She is the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting and has a passion for helping parents and their children navigate the world of special education. Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with April Rehrig: Website (many resources are available!), YouTube, and Instagram Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today’s episode brings back Tracy Baynes to share her best tips and advice for getting your student involved in their education earlier rather than later. She gives practical steps middle school students can take to prepare for college success, even if they are low-income students. Join us to learn more! Tracy Baynes is the founder, president, and CEO of STEP, the Student Expedition Program. As an instructor in the oceanography field, Tracy noticed the persistent achievement gap between high-income and low-income students. She created the STEP college access and leadership program for low-income high school students, guiding students from their sophomore year through every step of the college application process. STEP includes summer leadership experiences as part of its comprehensive program to prepare students for college. Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Tracy Baynes and STEP: Website and Email Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We continue our journey to view the education of our children holistically as we strive to develop them into productive and inclusive members of society. Tracy Baynes joins us to share her interesting work in helping students achieve unimaginable success. Tracy Baynes is the founder, president, and CEO of STEP, the Student Expedition Program. As an instructor in the oceanography field, Tracy noticed the persistent achievement gap between high-income and low-income students. She wanted to focus her efforts on students who are working hard despite their adverse economic background. In 2004, she established STEP and soon took the first group of students to Alaska for a three-week sea kayaking trip. Show Highlights: Contact Tracy Links/Resources: Connect with Tracy Baynes and STEP: Website Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today’s conversation covers the impact of recent executive orders on DEI, the historical context of the civil rights movements, and the importance of local community efforts. Our guest is Dr. OiYan Poon, a community-engaged research scholar, educator, storyteller, and leader for intersectional racial equity. Her research is focused on the racial politics of Asian Americans, and her book is titled Asian American is Not a Color. Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Dr. OiYan Poon: Website, Public Pedagogy website, Instagram, and Asian American is Not a Color Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today’s episode features a fascinating conversation about strategies to support students and schools during unknowns and big transitions in education in the US. We welcome Robert Barnett to the podcast to discuss his innovations in teaching math and how his nonprofit, The Modern Classrooms Project, is training teachers to teach differently. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: Why Americans Hate Math--and What to Do About It Links/Resources: Connect with Robert Barnett and the Modern Classrooms Project: Website and Rob’s TEDx talk, Why Americans Hate Math--and What to Do About It Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Many parents of kids with disabilities share the same fear of what will happen to their child in adulthood and when they are no longer here to care for and advocate for them. Today’s guest is Kimberly McCarten, CEO of Jonathan’s Landing Foundation, in Orlando, FL. This remarkable organization is bringing innovation into how we service people in the adult transition by providing a bridge to communication and independence for adults across the autism spectrum. A division of Jonathan’s Landing is Techtonic’s Workforce Academy. This social enterprise certifies neurodivergent individuals in WISE certification, paving the way for sustainable careers in the rapidly growing tech repair industry. Join us to hear more from Kimberly! Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Kimberly McCarten, Jonathan’s Landing, and Techtonic: Jonathan's Landing Website, Techtonic Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We love to offer solutions along with our discussions of the current problems in education today. Today’s fresh perspective comes from Dr. Emily Affolter, the director of the Sustainability Education Ph.D. at Prescott College. The focus of this program is on the nexus of social and environmental justice as enacted in teaching, learning, and leading. Emily’s interest is in culturally responsive teaching across grade levels to infuse social justice principles into education. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: Equity Literacy Institute (ELI) Links/Resources: Connect with Dr. Emily Affolter: LinkedIn Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

One of the benefits of hosting a podcast in our field of civil rights and special education is that we can do quick follow-ups to incidents as they happen. If you follow us on social media, you know we cover many topics there, and we utilize the podcast for more in-depth conversations about relevant happenings in our field. One such recent event is the "Dear Colleague" letter of 2/14/25 sent out by the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). It gives guidance clarifying how they will interpret federal laws about discrimination for educational institutions that receive federal funding. Let’s take a closer look in today’s episode. Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns! Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

We are still in the early months of 2025, and there is a LOT happening in the state of California and across the country. There are many important conversations we need to have, and our guest, Mike Robbins, joins us to discuss the current state of affairs. We have concerns about what’s happening with DEI and special education, but we want to keep things in perspective and learn how we can find common ground in an increasingly divided and disconnected world. Join us to learn more from Mike! Mike Robbins is a speaker, writer, workshop leader, and podcaster. His work focuses on inclusivity, connection, teamwork, and collaboration. Mike is a leadership expert who partners with top organizations to enhance culture, performance, trust, and belonging. He teaches people, leaders, and teams to infuse their lives and businesses with authenticity and appreciation. Show Highlights: Connect with Mike Robbins: Website Links/Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

There is SO much going on in our country right now, and we are faced with many unknowns about what’s coming next. We don't want to be part of the “noise,” but we want to give you accurate information about relevant topics. Today’s focus is on ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly in schools. Our guest is Victoria Lucero, an immigration attorney, and returning guest from a few years ago. She practices special education law in New Mexico and US immigration law, so she’s the perfect person to help us understand the ramifications of the new policies on students and their families. Join us! Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Victoria Lucero: 505-343-2009 and Website Additional Resources: United We Dream - To report a raid, call 1-844-363-1423 or send a text message to 877877. If possible, take photos, videos, and notes. National Immigration Detention Hotline: 1-209-757-3733 (open Monday through Friday 12pm to 8pm PST) or for more information on the hotline you can also go to: https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/hotline Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Teachers are our “boots on the ground” partners for all we want to accomplish in education. There are real mental health challenges all around us, and teachers need our support more than ever. Nothing will impact a child’s learning like a great teacher–and the reverse is also true, unfortunately. Join us as we explore this important topic! Karen Foley is the president and CEO of The Juvenile Protective Association, a Chicago nonprofit founded in 1901. The JPA provides therapy in schools and clinics to give children the mental health care and support that they need. Karen is a former corporate executive who left that field to care for her son and found her calling in nonprofit work. Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Karen Foley and the JPA: Website and Karen's email Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Executive functioning is more than a catchy buzzword phrase in the world of education. What does it mean, how can we understand it better, and how can we do a better job of helping students? Join us as we explore this topic in today’s episode! Dr. Tara Williams is the owner and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, which assists students with learning difficulties via a personalized plan based on their strengths and weaknesses. Students learn to hone their executive functioning skills and build confidence in an online environment through working with the staff at ICC. Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Dr. Tara Williams and Innovative Collegiate Consultants: Website and Instagram Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Grassroots efforts usually work to bring about change. Unfortunately, our political leaders don’t look closely at education, disability rights, and reform in the same way we discuss these topics here in this space. Our goal is always to spur more conversations about education, disability rights, civil rights, and support for marginalized communities. Patrick Jones, aka “Mr. JonesX,” joins us for today’s discussion in light of the current political climate in the US. Join us! Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Patrick Jones: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Believe it or not, October is over. It was a busy month for IEP meetings, and the holiday rush is about to begin. In today’s episode, we want to give helpful insights about community building in a classroom through a simple, actionable technique; this conversation will benefit teachers, parents, and administrators–anyone who wants to foster confidence and community in kids. We are joined by Rob Sanders, a children’s book author who spent time as a 4th grade ELA teacher and writing coach. Rob is the author of several books, including the newly published picture book, We Are a Class. Show Highlights: We Are a Class. Links/Resources: Connect with Rob Sanders: Website (Find Rob’s other books!), Facebook, Instagram, Email, and We Are a Class Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Today’s episode includes a look into the controversial Project 2025 plan, a 900-page roadmap created by far-right think tanks, like The Heritage Foundation. With the elections looming, we are giving our perspectives on some of the alarming implications of this proposal, particularly its potential to dismantle essential educational protections, erase civil rights language, and threaten public education across the United States. Tune in as we discuss how Project 2025 threatens diversity, equity, and inclusion, how it threatens The State Department of Education and Title 1 funding, and the risks posed to students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income families. We also discuss how this could have broader consequences for public education and society, as a whole. Please be sure to share this episode with your family, friends, and others! Show Highlights: admin@iepcalifornia.org Links/Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

In today’s episode, Vickie and Amanda discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO of HAI Analytics. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on admissions, highlighting the shift away from standardized testing and the importance of considering diverse factors in admissions decisions. Emily shares insights on the challenges faced by students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and emphasizes the need for more equitable admissions policies. If you are a parent navigating the college admissions process, tune in! Show Highlights: Links/Resources: Connect with Emily Chase Coleman: Website (complete contact form) LinkedIn Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org