PaTTANpod: Recent Episodes
Dawn Durham
PaTTANpod is a discussion forum produced by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN). Our goal is to spread quality professional development material to practitioners throughout the field while inspiring educational growth.
Computer Science Camp and Camp Inspiration, Youth experience: what to expect – engagement activities for youth and families Click here for more episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2 Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play MusiciTuneshttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2 Google Play Musichttps://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpodHostSeth ChamberlainProducer John RagsdaleTechnical Support Michael EspositoProduction Assistant Lisa SmithPaTTAN Leadership Team Angela KirbyChris ChernySergio AnayaCorey DickeyAnimationMedia Solutions Thank YouTom MillerLauren WalkerHunter Steinitz Special thank you toPennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,and Bureau of Special Education Autism, Secondary Transition, CS, Helix Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Dr. Julie Esparza Brown joins PaTTANPod to explore how educators can improve literacy and language outcomes for English learners (ELs) with disabilities by embedding culturally and linguistically appropriate instruction into existing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Dr. Brown introduces the PLUSS Model, a framework designed to infuse evidence-based second language acquisition practices within each MTSS tier and provide tailored support for dually identified students, and a tool that educators can use reflect on their implementation of PLUSS strategies.
The 2025 Bridging Knowledge to Know-How Conference offers the opportunity for unifying Pennsylvania's educators, community partners, families, and youth to explore insights and tools that bridge knowledge and practical application. This conference will bring together Pennsylvania’s educators, community partners, families, and youth to explore the latest insights, strategies, and tools that bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application. Sessions will have a specific focus on autism, sensory disabilities, secondary transition, and students with complex instructional needs. Participants will gain tangible strategies to enhance teaching practices, drive student success, and adapt to the evolving demands of today’s classrooms. Visit our website at PaTTAN - Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Educators and Partners, July 28-31, 2025
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Dr. Robert Balfanz joins PaTTANpod at the 2024 MTSS & PBIS Advanced Implementation Forum to discuss how schools can use the new ABCs: Agency, Belonging, and Connectedness as part of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to nurture joy and support learning in school communities.
PaTTAN conference planning team would like to record a Promo (commercial) for the upcoming 2025 Bridging Knowledge to Know-How Conference to highlight bringing together three conferences into one super conference. Will complete webisode information beta 2 form on teams.
Accessible educational materials (AEM) are crucial for ensuring that students with disabilities can access the same content as their peers. PaTTANpod goes behind the scenes of AEM at the Lancaster Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13) with accessible materials specialist, Sarah Ditzler. Sarah shares how common types of accessible educational materials are made and provides practical tips for educators and administrators who support students with print access disabilities.
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
PaTTAN Accessible Educational Materials: https://www.pattan.net/Evidence-Based-Practices/Accessible-Educational-Materials PaTTAN Blind/Visual Impairment (BVI) Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Evidence-Based-Practices/BlindVisual-Impairment PaTTAN Short Term Loan program: https://www.pattan.net/short-term-loan/ IU13 BVI Services: https://www.iu13.org/students-families/special-ed/special-ed-programs/blind/
Sarah is passionate about accessibility. A couple summers when she was on summer break from Messiah College, Sarah worked as a paraprofessional 1:1 for the IU13's Extended School Year program. After graduating from Messiah and working in Music Education in a couple different capacities, Sarah realized her heart for working with and advocating for students with physical, academic, and behavioral needs. While working with a student with low vision, she learned Braille and learned about accommodating materials for blind and visually impaired students. In her current role at the IU13, Sarah works with other staff to produce braille, large print, and accessible electronic documents for K-12 blind and low vision students.
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Technical Support
Michael Esposito
Production Assistant
Lisa Smith
PaTTAN Leadership Team
Angela Kirby
Chris Cherny
Sergio Anaya
Corey Dickey
Animation
Media Solutions
Thank You
Sara Ditzler
Special thank you to
Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN),
Pennsylvania Department of Education,
and Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Ben Hartranft joins PaTTANpod at the 2024 Pennsylvania Department of Education annual conference, where he was a featured speaker. As the president of Benergy1 Presentations, Ben advocates for autism awareness and acceptance by sharing his personal experiences. The episode also features Ben’s brother, Dan, and his parents, Sandy and Glenn, who share perspectives on navigating the complexities of autism as a family.
Transitioning from youth into adulthood can be very challenging, especially for students with disabilities. Members of the PaTTAN Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) team join PaTTANpod to discuss the importance of engaging students in transition planning, as well as resources and support available from the YES team.
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
Natasha Fletcher, Youth Engagement Specialist
Natasha Fletcher is a Youth Engagement Specialist at PaTTAN East with over a decade of experience helping individuals with behavioral challenges and mental health concerns. Specializing in Behavioral Health management with youth Natasha uses that experience to advocate for individuals with disabilities along with providing the knowledge to expand and defend their rights while supporting self-advocacy. By focusing on the youth, she understands that no significant learning can occur without first building a significant relationship. Through lived experience as a child navigating the foster care system and an adult who struggles with ADHD herself currently, are reasons why she gets up in the morning and fight for those that are unable or have difficulties fighting for themselves.
Hayley Penn, Youth Engagement Specialist
Hayley Penn is a Youth Engagement Specialist for PaTTAN Central. She has a background in Behavioral Health and Psychology and many years of experience working with young people throughout her time as an employee at Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. As a Youth Engagement Specialist, her mission is to help provide a seamless transition for students with disabilities from high school to college or the workforce. Her goal is to advocate for support services that allow students to participate in competitive employment and higher education. She provides technical assistance and training as part of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and PATTAN.
Hunter Steintz, Youth Engagement Specialist
Hunter Steinitz, MDiv. (Master of Divinity) is a Youth Engagement Specialist with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) in the West. Hunter is a self-advocate and speaker and brings her experience of living with a rare genetic skin condition. She has spent over a decade working with children and young adults through her church and disability communities and continues to connect and engage with those communities. Hunter's current areas of focus at PaTTAN include Secondary Transition, Employment, Family Engagement, and more.
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Animation
Media Solutions
Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,
And Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
PaTTAN AI team would like to record a NAC 2024 Promo (commercial) for the upcoming conference to highlighting the session strands for Families and highlight Children's Institute
PaTTAN AI team would like to record a NAC 2024 Promo (commercial) for the upcoming conference to highlighting the session strands for Educators, Related Service Providers, BCBA.
To promote cross-department and cross-agency collaboration, HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low-incidence disabilities, provided special opportunities and incentives for teams of attendees in 2023.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
To promote cross-department and cross-agency collaboration, HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low-incidence disabilities, provided special opportunities and incentives for teams of attendees in 2023.
Sydney Evans and Stephanie Brennan describe their experiences at HELIX and the benefits of collaboration among classroom teachers and special education teachers and practitioners.
https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Sydney Evans is a first grade teacher at Whitemarsh Elementary School in the Colonial School District. She attended the HELIX conference for the first time with her colleagues, Stephanie, Michaelle, and MT. She found this conference to be meaningful and informative even as a general education teacher due to having the opportunity to teach students with exceptionalities in my classroom setting. Sydney enjoyed having this experience and loved getting to meet new people and share new findings.
Stephanie has been a life skills teacher for more than 15 years. She is passionate about helping students achieve their highest level of autonomy and independence through collaboration and creative problem solving. Stephanie has led her district in inclusive practices and community engagement, running a student- staffed restaurant out of her classroom for 10 years. Areas of expertise include child and family advocacy, behavioral support strategies, and interprofessional practice.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
To promote cross-department and cross-agency collaboration, HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low-incidence disabilities, provided special opportunities and incentives for teams of attendees in 2023.
Michaelle Khatchadourian and Mary Therese (MT) Sabatino share how participating in HELIX supports self-reflection and collaboration.
https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Michaelle has been an occupational therapist for 35 years. She owns her own business and has contracted with the district for 11 years providing a variety of related services. Michaelle’s areas of interest includes sensory integration, use of assistive technology to support function, and mentorship. Michaelle loves her job and enjoys learning and collaborating with all disciplines to support the students.
MT is a school-based speech, language pathologist who has been practicing in the field for over 15 years. She has special interests in the areas of language and literacy development, assistive technology, advocacy for families of children with disabilities, mentorship, and interprofessional practice. MT is active in the Pennsylvania Speech-Language Hearing Association (PSHA) and co-chair of the schools committee.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Rebecca Schillack and Kathleen Mease discuss how attending HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities, impacted their efforts to support English language learners with disabilities.
Rebecca and Kathleen attended the 2023 HELIX conference as part of a team from Bensalem Township School District through a conference program promoting cross-department and cross-agency collaboration.
HELIX conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Miss Schillack is a Special Education teacher at Bensalem Township School District teaching students, within the Life Skills program, Functional Language Arts and Reading Strategies. Miss Schillack has worked as a Special Education Teacher for the Bensalem Township School District for 15+ years. She co-teaches a class with Ms. Mease, the English Foundations' teacher at Bensalem High School. The class includes students that have English language needs in addition to their individual disabilities.
Kathleen Mease is an ELD teacher from Bensalem High School. She primarily teaches newcomer English Language Learners, but also co-teaches ELLs who are within the Life Skills program. She works closely with a Life Skills teacher to help these students with reading strategies.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
To promote cross-department and cross-agency collaboration, HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low-incidence disabilities, provided special opportunities and incentives for teams of attendees in 2023.
Shannon McMahon and Lorendana Martinez describe their experiences at HELIX and their ongoing efforts facilitating collaboration among Special Education and English Language Development educators and practitioners to support English language learners with disabilities.
HELIX conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Shannon McMahon is currently a Supervisor of Special Education for Bensalem Township School District. Mrs. McMahon has worked in the field of Special Eduction for over 25 years. This year Mrs. McMahon is working closely with the team at Bensalem High School in focusing on support for English Language Learners who have complex support needs.
Loredana Martinez, MS, CCC-SLP is a bilingual speech-language pathologist for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit .She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Pennsylvania state licensure in Speech-Language Pathology, and Teacher of Speech and Language Impaired certification in Pennsylvania. Loredana has 32 years experience working in brain injury rehabilitation, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, and school-based settings. She has been a member of the BCIU’s Multilingual Learner team since 2007.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Missy Garber and Kathleen Lopez discuss how HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities, enhances ongoing collaboration among educators and practitioners involved in professional mentoring.
https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Missy Garber, Ph.D. is an itinerant teacher of students with visual impairments with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit in Norristown. She was formerly the Director of the Teacher of the Visually Impaired Preparation Program and Co-Director of the National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairment at Salus University where she currently serves on the Blindness and Low Vision Studies Advisory Board. She also serves on the Pennsylvania Advisory Committee on Education of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (PACES-BVI). Dr. Garber has published several peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters and presented at regional and national conferences. In addition to PA certification as a TVI, Dr. Garber is a Utah-endorsed teacher of the deaf-blind. She is also the parent of a young adult who is blind.
Kathleen’s educational credentials include: a Master’s Degree in Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a Dual Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Education for Special and Elementary Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Also, she is a Certified Reading Specialist (K-12), Certified Elementary Educator (K-6), and Certified Special Educator of Visually Impaired (Birth-age 21).
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Natalie Steltzer describes her ambitions to become an educational interpreter and experience providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation at HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities. Natalie attended the 2023 HELIX conference as part of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education’s Attract Prepare Retain (APR) initiative.
PaTTAN Deaf and Hard of Hearing Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing HELIX Conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Natalie is a Junior majoring in American Sign Language and English Interpreting and minoring in Early Childhood Education at Mount Aloysius College. She is working towards becoming an educational interpreter.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Daisy Wishard and Marlee Stake share their experiences as first-time attendees and student interpreters at HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities. Serving as student interpreters allowed them to practice their American Sign Language(ASL) interpretation skills in a real-world setting while contributing to the accessibility of the conference.
PaTTAN Deaf and Hard of Hearing Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing HELIX Conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Daisy Wishard is a junior at Mount Aloysius college majoring in American Sign Language and English Interpreting. Her passion for wanting to be in the Interpreting field came about at a very young age. Her upbringing as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), has allowed her to be exposed to Deaf culture and the Deaf community. Daisy has been given the opportunity to interpret for her parents out in public which has deeply rooted a strong passion of wanting to become fully educated and improve her skills to work in the Interpreting field as a Certified Interpreter.
Marlee Stake is a senior in the American Sign Language and English Interpreting Program at Mount Aloysius College. After graduating in the Spring, she plans on focusing on community interpreting, with a strong interest in medical interpreting.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
In this segment of a two-part episode, Rachel Collins and Hilary Collins share perspectives from HELIX 2023, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities. Rachel and Hilary also discuss resources available to educators and practitioners who support students who are Deafblind.
Texas DeafBlind Project: txdeafblindproject.org PaTTAN Deaf-Blind Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-Blind HELIX Conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Rachel began her career as a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing in 1998. She quickly fell into deafblind education and served as a self-contained teacher for students who are deafblind for 10 years and as an itinerant teacher of students who are deafblind for 12 years after that. She joined the Texas Deafblind Project in 2022 and is currently one of the Deafblind Education Consultants on the team.
Hillary Keys is the Early Childhood Deafblind Education Consultant for the Texas Deafblind Project. She has worked as a classroom teacher, itinerant TVI/TDB, and Deafblind Specialist at a regional and statewide level. She is passionate about finding the best ways for children, especially those with complex needs, to interact, play, and experience joy. While she has diverse educational interests, Active Learning approach and early childhood development and learning are areas of strength. Hillary is the past chair of the Multiple Disabilities and Deafblindness Division of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) and was also recognized by Texas AER with an award for her work in Active Learning.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
In this segment of a two-part episode, Deafblind education consultant Kaycee Bennett shares about her experience attending and presenting at HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities.
Deafblind education consultant Kaycee Bennett shares about her experience attending and presenting at HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities.
Texas DeafBlind Project: txdeafblindproject.org PaTTAN Deaf-Blind Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-Blind HELIX Conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference
Kaycee Bennett is a certified teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing and also has a graduate certificate and master’s degree in deafblind education from Texas Tech University. She worked as a classroom teacher and an itinerant teacher for 10 years before joining The Texas Deafblind Project in 2019. Kaycee is one of the authors of the publication The Essential Tools of the Trade for Teachers of Students who are Deafblind.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
The National Autism Conference offers the opportunity for educators, parents/caregivers, and students to collectively learn from national and international professionals in the field in addition to local leaders making a difference in our schools for students with autism.
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Nicole Jackson joins PaTTANpod at the 2023 CSforAllPA Summit to discuss her nontraditional professional journey in computer science (CS) and STEM, the relationship between technology and creativity, applications of cognitive science in technology leadership, and the role of empathy in efforts to close equity gaps in education.
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
Nicole Jackson is a technical leader with more than a decade of experience in product software engineering. She combines her background and love of user experience, economics, systems, and analytical thinking to the development of eloquent, scalable solutions to complex problems in a multitude of spaces, including social equity, healthcare, and higher education. Currently, Nicole serves as the Head of Digital Transformation at Catalyst.org, a global nonprofit supported by many of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Nicole is also a nationally recognized contributor to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education. She is a National Science and Technologies Medals Foundation mentor to two Howard University STEM students, and an ambassador for the Association for Advancement of Sciences IF/THEN Initiative, which brings together high-profile women in STEM to serve as role models for middle school girls.
Resources:
https://www.pattan.net/Supports/STEM/computer-science; https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/Teachers-Administrators/Certification%20Preparation%20Programs/Framework%20Guidelines%20and%20Rubrics/Culturally-Relevant%20and%20Sustaining%20Education%20Program%20Framework%20Guidelines.pdf;
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Technical Support
Michael Esposito
Production Assistant
Lisa Smith
PaTTAN Leadership Team
Angela Kirby
Chris Cherny
Sergio Anaya
Corey Dickey
Joel Wehr
Animation
Media Solutions
Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,
And Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Neha Shukla joins PaTTANpod at the 2023 CSforAllPA Summit to discuss her experiences in computer science (CS) and STEM, the capacity for everyone to create positive change with technology, and ways educators and parents can empower students to be problem-solvers.
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
Neha Shukla is an 18-year old serial inventor, social entrepreneur, bestselling author, and AI ethicist passionate about developing technology to create positive change. She has created innovative solutions like the SixFeetApart wearable social-distancing device and the PA Homeless Guide app to address critical issues. Neha runs global STEM, community impact, and climate innovation workshops to inspire the next generation of youth problem-solvers, and released her bestselling debut book "Innovation for Everyone: Solving Real-World Problems with STEM” to further encourage youth innovation. Neha also champions AI ethics as the Chair of the World Economic Forum's Generation AI Youth Council and advocates for climate justice and youth engagement in STEM.
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Animation
Media Solutions
Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,
And Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
A safe and supportive learning environment is crucial for students’ development and success. Educators and school leaders can be proactive about student behavior by implementing
evidence-based practices to provide positive reinforcement, teach and maintain appropriate behaviors, and adapt instruction as needed. Behavior analysts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Anika Costa join PaTTANpod to discuss the science of student behavior and prevention and intervention strategies that support a safe and supportive learning environment.
https://www.pattan.net/Multi-Tiered-System-of-Support/Behavior; https://linqapp.com/paul_gavoni?r=link;
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
(1) Dr. Paul Gavoni is a behavior analyst who is passionate about applying and sharing Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) strategies with an international audience. He loves to inspire and help leaders establish positive and engaging environments across industries to bring out the best in those they serve using the science of human behavior. A Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY best-selling author, he is co-host of the Crisis in Education Podcast, Thoughts & Rants of a Behavior Scientist, and is also an active Board Member of the Opioid Awareness Foundation and The World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance. Beyond his work in education and human services, Dr. Gavoni is a former Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion and highly respected striking coach in combat sports. Coach Paulie has been featured in the books Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams at the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts and A Fighter’s Way. He was also a featured fighter in FX’s highest-rated reality show at the time, The Toughman, and most recently in the Lifetime reality series, Leave it to Geege.
(2) Anika Costa is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over two decades of experience as a classroom teacher, adjunct faculty, trainer, coach, supervisor, mentor, and consultant in education and behavioral science. She became board certified in 2010 after earning a post-graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Stony Brook University, a M.S. in Education from C.W. Post University in 2002, and a B.S. in Communicative Sciences at the University of Central Florida in 1997. Anika is the founder and president of The Operant Teacher, LLC, a behavior analytic consulting firm offering training, coaching, and instructional design services to individuals, groups, and organizations across educational, private, and community-based agencies. She is also co-authored two best-selling books, QUICK Responses for Reducing Misbehavior and Suspensions: A Behavioral Toolbox for Classroom and School Leaders, and QUICK Wins! Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement. Anika is passionate about disseminating behavior science; Anika is the United States Ambassador for the World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance (WBADA) and is a member of the Development Committee for the B.F. Skinner Foundation.
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
This episode is part of a series recorded on location at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology during the 2023 BUILD FLY CODE Live!, a special event for schools involved in a PaTTAN computer science (CS) professional learning program using drone technology.
Lori Blantz and Janice Beitzel reflect on their professional growth in CS education and discuss strategies for engaging students with disabilities in CS learning.
Other episodes in this series:
"CS Spotlights: Integrating Computer Science into Special Education Classes"
"CS Spotlights: Student Perspectives on Computer Science"
For additional information about engaging students with disabilities in K-12 CS education, visit PaTTANpod episode S5E19:Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (Youtube) and the CSinPA toolkits (PaTTAN website).
https://youtu.be/XxSp97Bb3mY https://www.pattan.net/Supports/STEM/computer-science
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
Lori Blantz, Supervisor of Child Accounting and ECSES STEM and Instructional Technology Support, Lancaster Lebanon IU13
Lori Blantz has worked at IU13 for 17 years and in Special Education for 34 years. Lori trains and coaches the Lancaster Lebanon IU3 Special Education staff on using STEM and Instructional Technology tools in the classrooms to support and instruct students. Lori has always had a passion for computer science and works with her teachers to explore ways to incorporate CS skills in the classroom daily.
Janice Beitzel, Teacher of the Deaf/HH, Lancaster-Lebanon IU13
Janice graduated from Bloomsburg University with bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a concentration in Deaf Education in 2003. She received her master’s degree in Deaf Education in 2005 and has taught students who are Deaf/HH for 18 years, mostly at the high school level. She received the Annie Sullivan Award from IU13 in 2018 and was nominated as a Keystones Technology Innovator in 2023. She has engaged her students in STEM projects, such as the Governor’s STEM Challenge and Build|Fly|Code.
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Animation
Media Solutions
Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,
And Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
This episode is part of a series recorded on location at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology during the 2023 BUILD FLY CODE Live!, a special event for schools involved in a PaTTAN computer science (CS) professional learning program using drone technology.
Octorara Area students DJ Mewhort and Aidan Smith join PaTTANpod to discuss why CS is important for all students and why it is especially meaningful to them.
Their teacher, Kimberly Boyd shares perspectives on CS learning in “CS Spotlights: Integrating Computer Science into Special Education Classes.”
For additional information about engaging students with disabilities in K-12 CS education, visit PaTTANpod episode S5E19:Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (Youtube) and the CSinPA toolkits (PaTTAN website).
https://youtu.be/XxSp97Bb3mY https://www.pattan.net/Supports/STEM/computer-science
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
DJ Mewhort, Student, Octorara Area School District
DJ Mewhort is a 10th grade student at Octorara JSHS in the Octorara Area School District where he enjoys classes with coding and experiments. Coding is his favorite part of incorporating drones into lessons. DJ is also active in Track and Field and Boy Scouts. After graduating, he is interested in being a game developer.
Aidan Smin, Student, Octorara Area School District
Aidan Smith is a 10th grade student at Octorara Area Senior High in Octorara Area School District. His favorite classes are Art Major 1 and Graphic Design. He also enjoys building and coding drones in Mrs. Boyd’s class. Outside of school, Aidan is active in church and karate. After graduating, he is interested in going into art college and studying concept art.
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Animation
Media Solutions
Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,
And Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
This episode is part of a series recorded on location at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology during the 2023 BUILD FLY CODE Live!, a special event for schools involved in a PaTTAN computer science (CS) professional learning program using drone technology.
Special education teachers Kimberly Boyd and Meaghan Stolnis reflect on their professional growth in CS education and discuss strategies for engaging students with disabilities in CS learning.
Students in Ms. Boyd’s join PaTTANpod in “CS Spotlights: Student Perspectives on Computer Science.”
For additional information about engaging students with disabilities in K-12 CS education, visit PaTTANpod episode S5E19:Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (Youtube) and the CSinPA toolkits (PaTTAN website).
https://youtu.be/XxSp97Bb3mY https://www.pattan.net/Supports/STEM/computer-science
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
Lori Blantz and Janice Beitzel reflect on their professional growth in CS education and discuss strategies for engaging students with disabilities in CS learning.
Other episodes in this series:
"CS Spotlights: Integrating Computer Science into Special Education Classes"
"CS Spotlights: Student Perspectives on Computer Science"
For additional information about engaging students with disabilities in K-12 CS education, visit PaTTANpod episode S5E19:Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (Youtube) and the CSinPA toolkits (PaTTAN website).
Kimberly Boyd, Autism Support Teacher, Octorara Area School District
Kimberly Boyd is an Autism Support Teacher (grades 10-12) at Octorara Junior Senior High School. Mrs. Boyd has been teaching for 11 years. She started integrating computer science in her classroom last year when she saw a high student interest in technology and future career interests. It is also really fun to incorporate computer science with social-emotional lessons. Mrs. Boyd is also a proud mom of two girls, ages 4 and 1.
Meaghan Stolnis – Life Skills Teacher – West Chester Area School District)
Meaghan is a passionate special educator who strives to meaningfully include her students in engaging content. She has worked with students of varying ability levels over the course of 15 years. In addition, she is the advisor of the Best Buddies program at Peirce Middle School
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Animation
Media Solutions
Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,
And Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
PA ECC-DHH: A tool for developing educational plans for students who are deaf or hard of hearing
The Pennsylvania Expanded Core Curriculum for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (ECC-DHH) is a resource for developing educational plans for a students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Pennsylvania ECC-DHH, patterned after the Iowa ECC-DHH, addresses specialized needs that are not covered in the general education curriculum. Barbara Chubb, who led the team that developed the Pennsylvania ECC-DHH joins PaTTANpod to discuss how educators, school leaders, and parents can use the resource to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Click here for more episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2
Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod
PaTTAN DHoH initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing 2023-24 webinar series on the communication pland and PA-ECC: https://www.pattan.net/events/Webinar/course-3212/events/session-38470/
Barb is recognized for her extensive knowledge about and experience re: educating students who are deaf or hard of hearing and for her endless commitment to supporting the professionals who serve these students. With more than 40 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and innovator, Barb continues to lead multiple professional efforts designed to improve educational practices and learning outcomes for students. Her most recent efforts include revitalizing PA’s grassroots professional organization for teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing (PESDHH), heading PA’s team in revising the Expanded Core Curriculum (PA ECC-DHH, patterned after the Iowa ECC), and working with IEP teams to understand how “access to the general curriculum” is assessed and improved for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Barb’s passion for teachers and their roles in creating student success is obvious every time she engages with colleagues in the field. However, if you by chance find her relaxing, she will be engaging with her granddaughters, building websites for new entrepreneurs, dabbling in real estate, or heading to Broadway to take in a theater performance.
Host
Sara Frey
Producer
John Ragsdale
Technical Support
Michael Esposito
Production Assistance
Lisa Smith
PaTTAN Leadership Team
Angela Kirby
Chris Cherny
Corey Dickey
Animation
Media Solutions
Special thank you to
Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PaTTAN),
Pennsylvania Department of Education,
and Bureau of Special Education
Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net
Computer science (CS) and data science are closely related fields. Data science, represented by the concept "data and analysis" is one of five key concepts in K-12 computer science (CS) education. Andrew Kromer shares about his experiences with data science and CS, and ideas for broadening participation in K-12 CS.
Held annually since 2014, the Governor’s STEM competition challenges student teams to research, design, and present a project that can improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. As part of a three-part series, joining PaTTANpod to share their perspectives on the competition is Pennridge School District teacher and STEM competition advisor, Melissa O’Brien.
Held annually since 2014, the Governor’s STEM competition challenges student teams to research, design, and present a project that can improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. As part of a three-part series, joining PaTTANpod to share their perspectives on the competition is East Stroudsburg High School North teacher and STEM competition advisor, Jacqueline Edelbaum.
Held annually since 2014, the Governor’s STEM competition challenges student teams to research, design, and present a project that can improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. As part of a three-part series, joining PaTTANpod to share their perspectives on the competition is Bishop Shanahan High School teacher and STEM competition advisor, Dr. John Janasik.
This episode will highlight the story of one building administrator who is committed to attracting and retaining staff through building strong relationships, positive school climate and culture through collaboration and teaming. In addition, this episode will highlight servant leadership and dedication to providing comprehensive mentorship and supervision for all staff. This episode will also focus on staff retention and why the staff working with these buildings leaders chose to stay in the field of education.
This episode will highlight the story of two different building administrators who are committed to attracting and retaining staff through building strong relationships, positive school climate and culture through collaboration and teaming. In addition, this episode will highlight servant leadership and dedication to providing comprehensive mentorship and supervision for all staff. This episode will also focus on staff retention and why the staff working with these buildings leaders chose to stay in the field of education.
This video will highlight the story of a paraprofessional's journey to becoming a certified Special Education teacher within a school district.
This video will highlight the story of a paraprofessional's journey to becoming a certified Special Education teacher within a school district.
Ground-breaking musician and co-founder of the Deaf Professional Arts Network (D-PAN), Sean Forbes joins PaTTANpod to discuss how determination and persistence help shape dreams into achievable goals.
Training and Consultation (TaC) services support LEAs by providing professional development, technical assistance, and consultation regarding Pennsylvania's special education initiatives. PaTTAN's Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (TACTICS) team is a voluntary program for TaC who want to grow their capacity as leaders in Pennsylvania's computer science (CSinPA) education initiatives. Joining PaTTANpod to discuss how TaC support CSinPA are Tom Esposito from Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 and Lauren Walker from Chester County Intermediate Unit.
Pennsylvania’s multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) is a comprehensive school improvement framework that includes a continuum of evidence-based academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports to meet the needs of all students, including students with disabilities. Joining PaTTANpod to share a success story about Tier 2 supports in literacy are Shelley West from Shaler Area School District and Laura Miller from AIU3.
PaTTAN is the home of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s AIM Center, which produces Braille, large print, and formatted PDF materials for eligible school-aged students. Joining PaTTANpod to discuss the importance of accessible instructional materials and accessible educational materials is Dr. David Bateman from Shippensburg University.
PaTTAN is the home of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s AIM Center, which produces Braille, large print, and formatted PDF materials for eligible school-aged students. Accessible instructional materials play a crucial role in ensuring all students have equitable learning opportunities. Joining PaTTANpod to discuss the importance of prioritizing access for all students is David DeNotaris.
A previous episode of PaTTANpod explores cultural navigation, a model for providing linguistically and culturally relevant support to English Learners and their families. Operationalizing cultural navigation requires collaboration among multiple LEA and community partners. Erin Conahan, Mark Simms, and Loice Byler join PaTTANpod to discuss how school and district leaders play a crucial role in the implementation of cultural navigation in the School District of Lancaster.
Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining (CR-SE) Education ensures equity for all students and seeks to eliminate systemic institutional racial and cultural barriers that inhibit the success of all students, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented. School psychologist Dr. Charles Barrett joins PaTTANpod to explore socially just practices as a component of CRSE.
A positive school climate helps increase educator perseverance and retention. In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to attracting, preparing, and retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, Dr. Alison Mellott joins PaTTANpod to discuss school and personal strategies to build positive environments and increase educators perseverance.
School climate is a key factor in social, emotional, and academic outcomes for students, but what about their teachers? In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to attracting, preparing, and retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, Dr. Salome Thomas-El, better known as “Principal El,” joins PaTTANpod to discuss the relationship between school culture and teacher retention.
Teachers of students with visual impairments (TVI) are uniquely qualified educators who support students who are blind or have visual impairments.
In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attracting, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, joining PaTTANpod are Amanda Whelan from Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Scott Burfield from Central Intermediate Unit 10, and Holly Russell from the Western Pa School for Blind Children.
Certified orientation and mobility specialists have a unique role in supporting students who are blind or visually impaired. Orientation and mobility specialists address orientation and travel needs of students not only in the school setting, but at home, and in the community, too.
In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attracting, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, joining PaTTANpod are certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMS) Autumn Booths, Melissa Kenderes, and Jessica Madden.
a wide range of devices, as well as services to support the selection, acquisition, and use of AT devices. AT consultants play a crucial role in these services.
The Short Term Loan (STL) Program at PaTTAN provides local education agencies (LEAs) with devices to assess the assistive technology (AT) needs of students with disabilities. AT kit categories include: augmentative and alternative communication, blindness/visual impairment, computer access, deaf/hard of hearing/deafblind, switch access/environmental access, and technology for print/reading/writing support. In this episode, Beth Christopher, Greg Gerhart, and Mike Onofrey provide an overview of the Short Term Loan program and tips for LEAs.
Moving into a new community and starting at a new school can be challenging for students. For immigrant and refugee students, challenges often exist because of cultural and language differences. Cultural navigation is a model for providing linguistically and culturally relevant support to English Learners and their families. The team of cultural navigators and advisors understand key components of the cultures of the families they serve and are equipped to enhance communication and trust among students, families, and schools, and provide supports to bridge home, community, and school.
PaTTAN educational consultant, Maria Ronneburger, and IU13 community education supervisor, Joshua McManness, joined PaTTANpod to discuss how the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13’s team of cultural navigators works with the School District of Lancaster and local community to build partnerships that empower students and their families. Isobel Benites and Jalilah Yacoub shared what cultural navigation means to their families. IU13 cultural navigators, Ahmadullah Falzi, Jeremy Rhoads, and Sunila Safi provided a glimpse into their role and efforts.
School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams who support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. Electing to enter the field of school psychology can be an exciting decision and one we want to focus our attention on today.
In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attacking, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, joining PaTTANpod are two students enrolled in a school psychology program, Mitch Chunta an undergraduate student from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Alyssa Stephens a graduate student from Millersville University.
There are many roles individuals play in a school setting. Each one carries a heavy responsibility for ensuring the welfare of our students – physically, emotionally, and academically.
A dynamic role in the school setting is that of a paraprofessional.
In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attracting, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, Christine Moon, educational consultant from PaTTAN West / state lead for the APR pillar at the state level, Tammy Adams, Special Education Supervisor for the West Allegheny School District and Renee Patterson, a paraprofessional in West Allegheny School District joined PaTTANpod to discuss the dynamic role of paraprofessionals.
There is not a one-size fits all postsecondary path for every students, so it is critical for them to be prepared for success on whatever path they take after graduating.
Career and Technical Education in Pennsylvania offers students the opportunity to develop critical skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences, which allow them to apply academics to real-world problems.
Joining PaTTANpod is the Director of the Bureau of Special Education, Carole Clancy and Lee Burket, Director of Career and Technical Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Part II of this series, additional agencies are highlighted for networking students and families to the resources available to them.
Effective partnerships that support students and the overall school improvement process, that’s what we are all seeking. In this two-part series, we focus our attention on the many networks available for families and caregivers and how each of these organizations and agencies help us to build stronger family-school partnerships.
The understanding and practice of inclusive classrooms and schools has been a foundation within Pennsylvania. Simply stated, inclusive education means that all students are accepted and have a true sense of belonging within the school community. The conversation will focus on inclusive practices and what they may look like in a school setting with Mike Bovino, Senior Advisor for Special Olympics, Pennsylvania.
Representatives from the Butler Area School District joined PaTTANpod to showcase their efforts in building oral language and vocabulary amongst adolescent students.
Principal, Jersey Shore Elementary School / Principal, Avis & Salladasburg Elementary Schools / Principal, Jersey Shore High School
Joining PaTTANpod is Maria Ronneburger, educational consultant leading the work of this initiative out of the central PaTTAN office.
Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth or AEDY is a temporary placement in Pennsylvania, we recognize the challenges surrounding the requirement of administering a behavior assessment and creating the alignment to intervention and the creation of measurable goals that will inevitably determine whether or not the student remains in this placement. Dr, Tim Knoster joins PaTTANpod to provide evidence-based strategies to assist in the direct instruction of behavioral strategies for students who may have skill deficits surrounding behavior.
Through the course of the 2021-2022 academic year, school-based teams worked with PaTTAN educational consultants in collaboration with IU consultants to enhance early literacy outcomes.
Representatives from Foot of Ten Elementary School in the Hollidaysburg Area School District join PaTTANpod to share their journey and the positive student outcomes they were able to achieve through their dedicated efforts.
Hear from The Science of Math movement - what is it, why it is needed, and how to ensure you are implementing evidence-based practices in your classroom instruction. Website: https://www.thescienceofmath.com/ Twitter: @4ScienceofMath Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/484983039154372/
Educational consultant, Tara Kelly, speaks to the difference between family involvement and family engagement.
A multi-tiered system of support for mathematics requires many stakeholders to ensure the systems level and the individual student level is aligned, supported, and effective. In a recent edition of the Communique, Dr. Erica Kaurudar and Jared Campbell, two PaTTAN Educational Consultants, provided insight into practical strategies for supporting a multi-tiered system of support for mathematics.
Listen to Educational Consultant, Amiris Dipuglia, speak to the evidence-based practices deployed by the autism initiative.
Hear from Nicole Tucker-Smith about the tier 1 approach of Universal Design for Learning. UDL is essential for some, beneficial for all.
Teachers play various roles within our school settings all with the common goal of student success. Teachers of the Deaf, specifically, have a unique role for a population of our students. Here from Deb Genet with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit on how these individuals bring a global perspective to the IEP team.
As we consider our classrooms, kindergarten through high school, the management strategies and practices we employ need to be meaningful, evidence-aligned and trauma informed. Listen to Dr. Tim Knoster interconnect classroom management and trauma informed practices benefiting all students.
While at the National Autism Conference, Dr. Francesca Degli Espinosa joined PaTTANpod to discuss social and verbal skills for students with autism
While at the National Autism Conference, Dr. William Heward and Dr. Janet Twyman joined PaTTANpod to discuss active student responding
While at the National Autism Conference, Dr. Tim Vollmer discussed establishing cooperation when interacting with students with autism.
Baldwin High School showcases how they implemented a Competitive Integrated Employment Grant to open the Innovation Shop allowing students to develop life-long skills.
Providing mental health services, supporting students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach, assisting families in navigating the educational landscape… school psychologists have the expertise to do all this and more. Individuals in the school psychologist role have the ability to bring about positive change in the lives of students and families. Join the panel of school psychologists to hear how this role leads to transformational change.
To achieve positive outcomes for students, our tier 1 instruction, the instruction we provide to all students, needs to be robust. In order to bolster and support those efforts, particularly in math and reading, we need to consider classwide interventions. Dr. Matthew Burns joins PaTTANpod to discuss classwide interventions.
If we think about the traditional language arts block in a classroom, we see evidence of reading instruction and often times a separate block of time for spelling that is typically shorter in duration. Spelling is important on its own and we need to provide spelling instruction in conjuction with reading instruction. Dr. Rebecca Treiman joins PaTTANpod to discuss ther intersection between reading and spelling.
Dr. Hugh Catts joins PaTTANpod to discuss the multidimensional nature of reading comprehension. Listen as he shares how educators need to frame reading comprehension, how we provide meaningful instruction, and assess utilizing reliable methods.
Engaging families in the learning and development of children is crucial. We know the evidence suggests that children, no matter the income or background, tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more when we actively engage families. Pennsylvania has developed the Family Engagement Framework to help professionals in learning communities maximize their efforts.
Students who are deaf and hard of hearing need access to spoken language. Learn about the need for educational interpreters.
Become familiar with the Communication Plan tool to for students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Part of our goal is to educate schools about the roles individuals play in the school setting. This allows educators the opportunity to not only grow in their own knowledge but also ensure equity and inclusion for our students. Joining PaTTAN is an audiologist and consultant, Dr. Jennifer Craig and Dr. Nicole Corbin and audiologist from the University of Pittsburgh.
Hear from parent consultants offering support and guidance to raise the voices of families and empower them to be active members in the success of their child.
Hear about an update to the Rehabilitation Act under Title IV. A partnership between LEAs, OVR, and BSE brings collaboration and commitment to improving transition from high school to adulthood for our students with disabilities.
Hear from Pennsylvania's Special Education Advisory Panel members on the importance this panel plays in special education policies and recommendations for the field.
Given all of the decisions and people involved in deciding what an appropriate special education program looks like for a student, it’s not surprising that there will sometimes be differing opinions. Many of these disagreements can be resolved at the local level, between families and schools, but there are some situations where the involvement of a neutral third party may be helpful.
Policies drive practices... Dr. Heather Bennett from PBSA and Dr. Stacy Winslow from the Derry Township School District discuss the what, why, and how of Educational Equity Policies.
Dr. Julie Esparza Brown shares insight into determing the difference between a child's language acquisition and potential learning disability.
Once acquired, skills need to be maintained in order to move forward with learning. Dr. Paul Riccomini shares insight into why maintenance practice is crucial and effective practices aligned to research.
Dr. Riccomini began his career as a dual certified general education mathematics teacher of students with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disabilities students in Grades 7–12 in inclusive classrooms. His teaching experiences required a strong content knowledge in mathematics and the development and maintenance of strong collaborative relationships with both general and special educators. His research focus is on effective instructional approaches, strategies, and assessments for students with dyscalculia and students who are low achievers and/or students with learning disabilities in mathematics. He is currently an Associate Professor of Special Education at The Pennsylvania State University. Learn more about his work here: https://ed.psu.edu/directory/pjr146. Follow him on Twitter @pjr146
The state-wide School Psychology Initative team discuss school psychologists and the National School Psychology theme for 2020 "The Power of Possibility"
The state-wide School Psychology Initative team discuss school psychologists and the National School Psychology theme for 2020 "The Power of Possibility"
PaTTAN Consultant shares the commonalities and interconnection between Path to Graduation and School Improvement.
Two Pennsylvania school Districts, Butler Area School District and Governor Mifflin School District, share their challenges and successes with the Path2Graduation grant opportunity. This episode will help any school interested in building and Early Warning System to prevent dropout.
Parent supports and resources are highlighted for children who recieve special education services and non-native English speakers.
School wide mental health practices have always been at the forefront on our minds. With the COVID-19 pandemic, these practices become even more essential for both children and adults.
Dr. Perri Rosen is a consulting psychologist at the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) at the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She is also a Pennsylvania certified school psychologist and special educator.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text ‘PA’ to 741-741
PA Support and Referral Helpline: 1-855-284-2494 (for TTY: 724-631-5600)
During Continuity of Education, building and supporting Pa Career Ready Skills becomes even more critical.
Agencies from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania highlight supports and services available during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marilyn Zecher shared the value of multimodality teaching in mathematics to increase the impact of learning from basic math understandings to more complex topics. Marilyn offers insight into how to use household items to help children while on extended school closures.
Dr. Stephanie Stollar discusses the impact extended school closures will have on student outcome data.
Guest Bio: Dr. Stephanie Stollar is an educational consultant who supports teachers to improve reading outcomes. Her work is focused on the use of direct assessments to build and evaluate multi-tiered systems of supports. Dr. Stollar has provided professional development for teachers for the past 25 years. She has conducted research in the areas of assessment, early intervention, and collaborative problem solving. She serves on the boards of the Innovations in Education Consortium and the Mount St. Joseph University Reading Science Program, where she is an adjunct professor.
One of the state leads for the PaTTAN Autism Initiative shares was resources the team has curated for educators, parents, caregivers, and students during this extended school closure.
Dr. Jane Thierfeld-Brown talks about the necessary skills for students on the autism spectrum to prepare for college and career.
*Dr. Adam Saenz shares the stages of escalation and how to best respond at each stage. The current situation brings light to all adults needing to know how to handle students/children when in emotional and behavioral crises.*
Dr. Adam Sáenz earned his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Texas A&M University as a United States Department of Education doctoral fellow. He completed his predoctoral clinical training under a fellowship appointment to Harvard Medical School, and he has a post-doctorate in clinical psychology from the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Dr. Sáenz also earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling from Graduate Theological Foundation with residency at Christ Church college of Oxford University. Dr. Sáenz is the author of the best selling book, The Power of a Teacher, and Relationships That Work, and his most recent release The EQ Intervention: Raising a Self-Aware Generation Through Social and Emotional Learning (Greentree Book Group) will be released in January 2020. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Oakwood Collaborative, the counseling and assessment clinic he founded in 2003, and he consults with school systems internationally in the areas of emotional intelligence, self-care, and the dynamics of relationship-based learning. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Saenz serves as a high school track and field, coach. He is a member of the Association for Applied Sports Psychology, and he is a lifetime member of the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association. Dr. Sáenz and his wife, Kim, have been married 24 years, and they have four children: Alisa, Mya, Isaiah, and Andrew.
Guest, Dr. Sandy Chafouleas, shared the Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) can be effective and efficient as a progress monitoring tool as well as a targeted screening tool.
Dr. Sandra M. Chafouleas is a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology within the Neag School of Education. She also serves as the founder and Co-Director of the UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health (CSCH). Dr. Chafouleas received her Ph.D. in psychology (school) from Syracuse University and has been a licensed psychologist in Connecticut since 2001. Dr. Chafouleas has demonstrated continued success with extramurally funded research since 2006, with work focused on supporting school system implementation of evidence-informed practices and expertise in areas of integrated health and learning (whole child), school mental health, and behavior assessment. She has authored over 150 publications, and regularly serves as a national presenter and invited speaker. She is a fellow in both the American Psychological Association and Association for Psychological Science, and is and Invited Member and Past-President of the Society for the Study of School Psychology. She received the 2018 Edward C. Marth Graduate Mentorship award from the University of Connecticut AAUP; the 2018 UConn Alumni Foundation award for Faculty Excellence in Research and Creativity Award in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; the 2016 APA Division 16 Oakland Mid-Career Scholar Award; the 2009 UConn Alumni Association award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching; and previously served as associate dean for The Graduate School (2012-2014) and then the associate dean for research in the Neag School (2014-2016). Prior to becoming a university trainer, she worked as a school psychologist and school administrator in a variety of settings supporting the needs of children with behavior disorders.
A native of Perú, Dr. Walqui holds a Ph.D. in Education from Stanford University. For over fifty years she has worked on the development of deep disciplinary practices in second languages. She has taught at all levels and at universities in Perú, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the US. Dr. Aída Walqui directs the Teacher Professional Development Program at WestEd and one of its signature initiatives, the Quality Teaching for English Learners (QTEL), focused on improving teacher and educational leadership ability to accelerate and deepen the linguistic and academic disciplinary achievement of English learners in American schools. Dr. Walqui is the author of multiple articles and books, including Scaffolding the Academic Success of Adolescent English Learners. A pedagogy of promise; English Language Learners the New Standards: Developing language, content knowledge, and analytical practices in the classroom, published by Harvard Education Press; and her most recent, published in 2019 The Amplified Curriculum: Designing Quality Learning Opportunities for English Learners published by Teachers College Press. Dr. Walqui is one of the founding partners of Stanford University’s Understanding Language Initiative. In 2016, on the 50th anniversary of the International TESOL Association, she was selected as one of the 50 most influential researchers in the last 50 years in the field of English Language teaching.
Guest, Ron Sims from the Capital Intermediate Unit, discusses the pathways through computer science and highlights the PAsmart grant program.
Families to the Max is a Pennsylvania Statewide Family Network focused on offering parents of students with complex the needs knowledge, support, and collaboration. Email F2Max@pattan.net for more information.
Tammi Morton is a graduate of Allegheny College. She has a M.A. in Education, where she focused on developing a curriculum for adults with intellectual disabilities. She began her career working with a variety of children as a therapeutic staff support (TSS) for Northwestern Human Services. Her experience prompted Tammi to write about Autism and intellectual disabilities. She is the author of two books about the Autism Spectrum and wrote with Dr. Mark Dombeck for MentalHealth.net. Tammi is a parent of a child who has a disability. Her work experience runs the gamut from Early Intervention to adult habilitation. Tammi places high value on listening to others, understanding their needs, and respecting their learning styles. She strives to make meaningful connections. As a Project MAX Coordinator at the PEAL Center, Tammi hopes to instill the belief that every student has the capacity to learn.
Nicole Gilchrist is a former CPA and university instructor in the fields of accounting, taxation, & financial planning. She is a graduate of Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking (C2P2), served as the Parent Co-Chair of Bucks County Interagency Coordinating Council (BCICC) and the Parent Representative of the Bucks County Quality Child Care Coalition Inclusion Workgroup. She currently serves on the Board of the Council Rock Educational Foundation, as a Parent Partner to Families to the MAX, and is the Chair of the Equity and Inclusion Committee at her children’s school. She lives in Bucks County with her husband and 2 children.
**With classrooms ‘going Google,’ educators have to understand both the advantages and disadvantages to using such a platform.
Guest Bio: Ting Sui is a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), and coordinator and assistant professor of the teacher preparation program in visual impairments at San Francisco State University. Her experience includes working with students of all ages with visual impairments and multiple disabilities including deafblindness. Ting began her teaching career as a paraprofessional in the Deafblind Program at the Perkins School for the Blind and later taught at the Jewish Guild for the Blind, NYC Department of Education, and currently in local Bay Area school districts. Ting’s research focuses on communities of practice to support TVIs' technology use. She also provides consulting support in the following areas: development of educational technologies for learners who are visually impaired, community education to design and deliver accessible instruction, and educator trainings to facilitate accessibility and technology integration in the classroom. (www.tplus.education)**
*In talking about students who have significant cognitive disabilities, we often hear that statement “should I be teaching grade level content?” PaTTANpod guests help us answer that question.*
Pamela Mims is the Associate Dean of Research and Grants as well as Associate Professor of Special Education in the College of Education at East Tennessee State University. She received her PhD in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior to her time in academia, Dr. Mims served as a teacher for students with severe, multiple disabilities for 7 years. Her areas of interest/research include: students with significant intellectual disability and autism, access to the general curriculum, and systematic instruction. Dr. Mims has numerous publications including peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and curriculum on the topics of systematic instruction and access to the general curriculum for students with significant disabilities. She has spent extensive time writing extended content standards for state departments of education, as well as training educators and administrators on alternate assessments within the United States. She recently served as the Principal Investigator on an IES SBIR Research Grant, Access: Language Arts. which focused on developing and researching technology supports for access to grade aligned language arts for students with low incidence disabilities. Dr. Mims continues to conduct research and provide professional development nationally and internationally.**Ginevra R. Courtade is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Special Education at the University of Louisville. Dr. Courtade has worked in the field of moderate to severe disabilities for 20 years. Her work focuses specifically on teaching academics to students with moderate to severe disabilities and preparing teachers to instruct students in the general education curriculum using evidence-based practices. She has numerous publications to her credit, including Early Literacy Skills Builder, Teaching to Standards: Science, Aligning IEPs to the State Standards, and 6 Successful Strategies for Teaching State Standards to Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities.
Dr. Courtade received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, her master’s degree in special education from D’Youville College, and her doctoral degree in special education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior to her current position, Dr. Courtade spent two years at West Virginia University, where she served as an assistant professor in special education.
Currently, Dr. Courtade works closely with the Kentucky Department of Education to provide training and support to new teachers of students with moderate to severe disabilities. She also trains teachers nationally to implement academic curricula for their students.**
Kelly Fonner, a consultant and trainer in assistive technology joins PaTTANpod to unpack a particularly useful AT tool available.
Kelly Fonner, MS is a self-employed consultant and trainer in assistive and educational technology. She has a BS in Special Education from Millersville University & an MS in Educational Technology with emphasis in Rehabilitation/Special Education Technology from The Johns Hopkins University. Her continuing education & research is in the area of Adult Education & Urban Education at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She holds an Assistive Technology Applications Certificate of Learning from California State University - Northridge. Kelly has been a teacher, para-educator, instructional media specialist, assistive technology specialist in early education, school & university settings. She has worked for the PA statewide AT project & has been an instructor in university courses. Since 1986 Kelly has presented at schools, conferences, & to families in 48 states and internationally (Australia, Canada, South Africa). She speaks on a wide-range of topics including educational accommodations, augmentative communication, computer access, electronic literacy, study skills, AT assessment & implementation strategies. Each year, she works with approximately 50 school-based teams supporting students’ implementation of AAC & literacy implementation in the classroom. Kelly is also the relative to individuals with CP, Aspergers, and acquired disabilities, which impacts her perspective on the field. She is available to do seminars, webinars, consultations & workshops. Her website is www.kellyfonner.com.
Dr. Codding and Dr. VanDerHeyden published an article titled ‘Belief-Based vs Evidence-Based Math Assessment and Instruction: What School Psychologists Need to Know to Improve Student Outcomes. The article tacked some of the philosophical beliefs that have been instilled in educators and compares them to actual findings from quality educational research. This is part V of a 5-part series addressing conceptual understanding and procedural knowledge.
Dr. Codding and Dr. VanDerHeyden published an article titled ‘Belief-Based vs Evidence-Based Math Assessment and Instruction: What School Psychologists Need to Know to Improve Student Outcomes. The article tacked some of the philosophical beliefs that have been instilled in educators and compares them to actual findings from quality educational research. This is part IV of a 5-part series addressing executive function.
Dr. Codding and Dr. VanDerHeyden published an article titled ‘Belief-Based vs Evidence-Based Math Assessment and Instruction: What School Psychologists Need to Know to Improve Student Outcomes. The article tacked some of the philosophical beliefs that have been instilled in educators and compares them to actual findings from quality educational research. This is part III of a 5-part series addressing anxiety in mathematics.
Dr. Codding and Dr. VanDerHeyden published an article titled ‘Belief-Based vs Evidence-Based Math Assessment and Instruction: What School Psychologists Need to Know to Improve Student Outcomes. The article tacked some of the philosophical beliefs that have been instilled in educators and compares them to actual findings from quality educational research. This is part II of a 5-part series addressing fluency and automaticity.
Dr. Codding and Dr. VanDerHeyden published an article titled ‘Belief-Based vs Evidence-Based Math Assessment and Instruction: What School Psychologists Need to Know to Improve Student Outcomes. The article tacked some of the philosophical beliefs that have been instilled in educators and compares them to actual findings from quality educational research. This is part I of a 5-part series.