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A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education
A Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Lawyer walk into a bar....all you ever wanted to know about special education
This podcast explores special education from multiple perspectives. Hosts Robin Fabiano, Abby Hanscom, and Angela Smagula share information, lessons learned, and interviews with experts and important figures in the field. They bring diverse viewpoints and some humor to an otherwise serious topic. The show is aimed at teachers, administrators, lawyers, parents, and anyone interested in special education.
Episodes
July Pod: A (Very) Cautionary Tale
Thanks for listening to our summer pod!! If you want to read the legal brief directly from Perry Z. - here is a link:Perry Zirkel's July 2026 legal updateHere are the book's Robin is reading this summer....Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good Peopleby Mahzarin R. Banaji (Author), Anthony G. Greenwald (Author)The Happiness Files: Insights on Work and Life by Arthur C. BrooksTake care and see
It's a Wrap on Season 6
Thank you for listening in this year! This week if our final week of Season 6. LIsten in as Robin, Angela and Abby look back and ahead to key topics in the world of inclusive public schools.Have a great summer all!Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Charter Chatter Pt. 2
Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby interview Brian Harrigan and Deb Westaway from the Parker Charter School in Harvard, MA about their experience with the provision of special education in charter schools.Learn more about Parker and their mission here.Www.theparkerschool.orgPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpod
EL Evaluations
Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss a recent Chalkbeat article about the Newark, NJ public schools and the possible over evaluation of students who are English Language Learners.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
The Science of...Math
Tonight Abby and Robin talk about the science of Math. This movement is a response to ongoing math achievement gaps for all students and suggests that it is just as important to teach procedural fluency (Facts/algorithms) as it is conceptual understanding. There are many echos of the science of reading approach to be seen and lots of implications for students with disabilities as well.Here is the
When Feedback Crosses the Line
Listen in when Angela, Robin and Abby discuss a recent article from the Harvard Business Review about the power of feedback - especially when it crosses a line and becomes destructive.When Feedback Crosses the LinePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Mail Bag
Join Robin and Angela as they answer questions from listeners. Can you think of an out of the box acronym? Let us know!Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Clickbait
Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss an article from 2023 that questions the effectiveness of Inclusion. While it is a couple of years old, it has recently resurfaced in the discussion threads on the internet. Here is the 2023 article from the Hechinger Report.That article references a 2022 study about the impact of inclusion - that is linked here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36908836/C
Location, Location, Location
Listen in as Angela breaks down a very recent Massachusetts Appeals Court ruling (linked below) clarifying the "place regulation". This regulation informs how the location of services is determined for students who do not attend public school.Universal Hub articleRuling PDFPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @a
The Great Homework Debate
Listen in as Robin and Abby jump into the Homework Debate! The article below is a great resource for the research referenced in their convo!Is Homework Necessary? Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
There's More to Heated Rivalry Than Cute Butts
During this podcast, Robin and Angela talk about the nuanced depiction of Shane's autism in the hit show Heated Rivalry (HBO). Time articleThriveworks articlePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Charter School Chatter
Listen in as Angela leads us through the confusing world of Charter School special education compliance. This may end up being a two-parter!!!References:MADESE Charter School Info WebpageCharter School Accountability InformationMassachusetts' Charter School LawCharter School Special Education requirementsPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.c
Snow Day Throwback: Movie Episode
We are burried in snow so resharing an episode from 2024 during which Robin and Angela discuss the TLC show Braylen Out Loud. This is timely because Tourette Syndrome is in the news this week... Read about it here:Vanity Fair's articleNBC newsBraylen's perspective on the BAFTAsPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagra
An overarching Umbrella (?) of Topics for 2026
5 key stories to follow in 2026Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
My Brother's Keeper: Interview with David Tynes
Listen in as Robin and Abby interview David Tynes, the Director of the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts' Saturday Program (and many other things). David is also the Head Coach of the Cambridge Special Olympics Men's Basketball team, The Warriors.The Warriors have an 88 game winning streak and this year will represent Massachusetts at the United State Special Olympics basketball tournamen
What the F?
There's a different way of thinking about child development and how special education services fit in that turns the medical model upside down. Listen in as Robin and Abby discuss the Five F-Words and the model they represent. In 2011, Rosenbaum and Gorter published a paper titled: The "F-words" in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think! in the journal Child: Care
Manifesting Inclusion
Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby take a spin in the way back machine all the way to 2002.That's when Cheryl Jorgensen and her colleagues at UNH wrote the Essential Best Practices in Inclusive Schools, Rappaport et. al 2002 (revised 2012), the manifesto of "look fors" in inclusive schools and classrooms. It is linked here as a resource and there is a lot to talk about.Here is the
There’s always another factor…
Join Angela, Robin and Abby as they take a look at the factors courts and schools consider when determining effective progress. Spoiler: they are usually not the same!Here is the article written by Perry Zirkle and Mitchell Yell that was referenced during the pod.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Angela Learns What Her IPhone Can Do
Have you seen this apple accessibility video? In our 1st episode back in season 6, Abby, Robin and Angela talk about the cool tools out there supporting students at the college level and if they are accommodations if they are universally available to everyone.AT resources by State.Here is the SETT Framework Robin referenced.Learn more about universal design herePlease tell us how you found us by c
Holiday Hoopla (and Advocacy)
Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss two big dates in November and December - the actual 50th Birthday of the IDEA and National Inclusive Schools Week 2025. Here are some links related to both events and a link to help you identify who your local legislators are so you can send them an email reminding them about how important the IDEA is during this period of federal defunding of the Depart
We're Thankful for YOU....and so is NASET!
Last week Robin, Abby and Angela were live on NASET (National Association of Special Education Teachers)'s monthly webinar for a mini pod and Q&A. Here is the recording of that episode- enjoy! Check out their website and all of the resouces that come with membership.https://www.naset.com/Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us
Rethinking Time Out
Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss the new Massachusetts regulations redefining Time Out and Seclusion. For documents related to the discussion see the link here.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Team Meetings Gone Wild!!!
Sometimes, people lose their cool in Team meetings!! Listen in while Angela, Robin and Abby discuss strategies you can use to manage these moments in real time, intervene beforehand so they don't happen at all and follow up if they do. Teachers and Parents are human beings and stress and anxiety can take over during heated moments - listen in for a conversation about approaches, responses and
Throw Back episode!
Sorry! We couldn't record this week, so please enjoy a repeat episode in which Robin and Angela discuss steps that can be taken when a student case starts to get litigous. We'll be back next week! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Out of District Monitoring
Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss Massachusetts' new Out of District Placement monitoring process and form. Here is a link to the newly shared form (September 2025) from the MADESE if you want to follow along.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Thinking About Behavior
XListen in as Robin and Abby discuss common misconceptions about classroom management and behavioral support. These great ideas are based on a recent Eduptopia article "7 Classroom management mistakes and the research on how to fix them" which can be found HERE.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcas
That's a Big Adjustment!
Starting this September, Massachusetts has changed how it calculates the required days for the provision of an IEP. Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss the recent changes to the 30/45 and annual IEP timelines. Special Education Policy Memo SY2024-2025 — 6Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Students Earn More Than Money With Class Jobs
Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they discuss the importance of Class Jobs! Here are some traditional and unique ideas from this Edutopia Article.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Math Matters
The IDEA requires that specially designed instruction be informed by research based methodologies. (E) supporting high-quality, intensive preservice preparation and professional development for all personnel who work with children with disabilities in order to ensure that such personnel have the skills and knowledge necessary to improve the academic achievement and functional performance of childr
Angela Loves a Good Handbook
Join Robin and Angela as they discuss the importance of the school handbook! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Happy 50th Birthday IDEA
Welcome to Season 6! Join Abby, Angela and Robin as they kick off season 6 by celebrating the upcoming 50th birthday of the IDEA (Nov. 2025!) Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Pop-up! The Summer Scoop: IEPs and the Road to Graduation
Happy summer and best wishes to those teachers/families who are currently returning to school! Robin, Abby and Angela come together for a summer episode focusing on graduation guidance for students in MA on IEPs. MA DESE Graduation and Transition Memo- July 2025Rethinking Graduation: What It Means for Students on IEPs- Kelley ChallenAge of Majority info. (CMR 603.28.07 #5)Lots to discuss on this i
It's the end of Season 5!
29 episodes later, this is the last episode of Season 5! Listen up as we preview some topics we're thinking about and share some summer updates. Thanks for being such loyal listeners. Have a wonderful wrap up to your school year and we'll be back in the fall for Season 6.Robin, Abby and AngelaPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollo
Where did OSEP go?
Listen in as Robin and Abby discuss the recent appointment of the new OSEP Director.Here is the company that designs products to help feel more grounded and in control (Calmware).Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
47 Seconds of Bullshit
Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the recent wildly inaccurate, incendiary and harmful statements from US Health and Human Services (HHS) Director, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about people with Autism.Click here to review the growing list of disability advocacy organizations that responded to his comments.The Autism Society summary of group statementSignatory Organizations:Autistic Self Advoc
Why do People Stim??
Ever wonder why people stim? Or what you can do to support students if they are stigmatized by a particular stim? Robin, Angela and Abby break it down. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
The A. I. Dilemma
Listen in as Robin and Abby discuss the weird and wonderful (potentially) world of A. I. adoption in public schools. Everything from the politics at the State level to individual teacher and student decision making is being impacted by this new development.MADESE web resources on AILots of Resources on AIPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFol
Interview with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns
Join us while we speak with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns about their book Connecting Through Conversation A playbooks for Talking with Students.Leveraging over forty years of combined experience, Erika and Tiffany are on a mission to empower every educator to transform student behavior and build a culture of connection in their school communities.Listeners get a coupon code for $50 off their cours
Pros & Cons of Prompting
Prompting is a key component of specially designed instruction and is often misunderstood. Listen in as Robin, Angela and Abby discuss the pros and cons of prompting and the many nuances of the most commonly understood prompting hierarchy.For more resources on this topic check out:https://www.unr.edu/ndsip/services/resources/tips/using-the-system-of-least-to-most-promptshttps://thinkpsych.com/blog
What Are Some Steps to Take If Things Are Starting to Head South (and we don't mean to Florida!)
There are always signs before a student case goes south...here are some tips from Angela and Robin your team can take to get things back on track.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
World Down Syndrome Awareness Day 2025
Happy International Down Syndrome Awareness Day (3/21/25). Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they talk about the 2025 campaign presented by CoorDown .No Decision Without Me- videoWorld Down Syndrome Day- websiteSecondary Transition Docs- DESE/MAPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
What's Happening With Section 504??
Link to the original complaint in Texas v. BecerraLink to the link to the Status Report updating the case.Plain Language Explainer from multiple disability advocacy groupsPlain Language Explainer of Status Report from multiple disability advocacy groups.Link to mechanism to contact your Attorney GeneralPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollo
What's Keeping Us Up at 3am
Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Beyond the Science of Reading
For more information about the articles Robin and Abby discuss in this episode check out:EdWeek February 13th - What Educators Need to Know About Dyslexia—and Why It’s Not Something to ‘Fix’ASCD blog February 2nd - Redefining the Science of ReadingAnd Natalie Wexler's new book published by ASCD:Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of LearningPlease tel
Pop Culture Pod- Who's Watching Baylen Out Loud?
Join Robin and Angela as they discuss the TLC show Baylen Out Loud, which follows a young adult with Tourette's Syndrome and her quest for independence. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Listener Question: Programming for Students w/Intensive Behavioral Needs AKA Inclusion is a Philosophy AND a Location
Tonight Abby, Angela and Robin answer a listener question from a Principal who is struggling with 1 or a few but mightygroup of students who are using up all the school resources. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
REPOST: Due Process in Special Education with Angela Buchanan Smagula.
Angela was asked to be a guest on Marisha Mets Podcast: Special Ed Leaders: Unplugged. to speak about Due Process. The full guide on the website is also up here and the YouTube video is here. In the world of special education, due process is a cornerstone for protecting the rights of students with disabilities. At its core, it ensures fairness and accountability, offering a legal pathway for par
We aren't done talking about the MCAS yet!
In the next months, each individual School District in Massachusetts will have to formally adopt requirements that confer a diploma. Listen in as the girls discuss the considerations inherent in this process and check out your local District's School Committee to find out more about what the local requirements in your town will be.Join Abby, Robin and Angela while they review the DESE Guidanc
The Hingham Case
Join Robin while she listens to Angela review the Hingham decision:DALE and JENNIFER HARRIS, as parents and next friend of their minor son, RNH vs. Hingham Schools (defendents named specifically, Town of Hingham and School Committee)Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Welcome back to Part 2 of Season 5!
Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they run through hot topics for 2025 and potential podcast topics. If you have an idea or a question, please reach out to them via email at astalpodcast@gmail.comPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Gratitude on the Menu: Thanksgiving Reflections
In this Thanksgiving episode, Abby, Robin, and Angela take a moment to pause, reflect, and share what they’re most thankful for in their professional and personal lives. We are on a break until Jan. 2025- have a great holiday season! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
How Have We Never Recorded A Pod About Transitions??
After multiple requests, Robin and Abby begin the transition convo. It's too expansive to cover in 1 episode so this is just the beginning! Do you want to be a transition specialist?Autism goes to collegeIntelligent LivesMA DESE Secondary TransitionPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
It Passed...What's Next for MCAS?
Question 2: Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement passed in Massachusetts- so what does that mean for students? Listen to Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the DRAFT Q&A provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
What's up with the H&H form?
Ever wonder how to support students who are home or hospital bound? Join Abby, Robin and Angela as they discuss how to provide educational services to students who are confined to the home or a hospital setting.MA DESE Q&A (603 CMR 28.03(3)(c)Physician's Affirmation of Need for Temporary Home or Hospital Education for Medically Necessary ReasonsPlease tell us how you found us by completin
All Things Manifestation Determination Related....
Listen in while Angela, Robin and Abby discuss a complicated and emotionally challenging part of the special education legal landscape - when a Handbook/Code of Conduct infraction IS or IS NOT a manifestation of a student's disability. Legal reference: 34 CFR §§300.530-300-536For the flowchart mentioned in the podcast click here.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail u
Calling All General Ed Teachers...
Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the importance of the role of the general education teacher in IEP meetings. Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Integrated Preschools Rock!
In this episode Abby, Angela and Robin interview Kathleen Browning, a former SLP and current Early Childhood Program Director to learn more about the amazing world of Integrated Preschool.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Meeting Bombshells
Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss what they are thinking and how they respond when someone in a meeting makes an unexpected statement or decision. Check out the resource for developing comprehensive evaluations from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction here.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpo
All Things ESY
Listen in as the girls debate key concepts of Extended School Year from how the determination of eligibility gets made, to the goals and mission of ESY services, all the way to the nuts and bolts of what kinds of programs for how many days and hours. We're referencing the MADESE ESY Q and A in its most recent form and don't all agree on everything it says or what it all means. BUCKLE UP
Help!! What is an H.L.P.!?!?!?!?!?
Join Robin and Abby as they geek out on our field's research base (and sometimes, lack thereof). Listen in to a discussion of High Leverage Practices (HLP's); the 22 skills that we (sort of) have all agreed a special education teacher must consolidate to be effective in the role.For more information and to read the Official HLPs click here:https://highleveragepractices.org/ Check out
MCAS Ballot Initiative and Unified Sports
This November Massachusetts voters will determine the fate of keeping the MCAS exam as a high school graduation requirement. We had a longer debate last year when it was on the ballot as a citizen petition (Oct. 13, 2023 episode). This week we revisit the topic.We also plug Unified Sports as people begin thinking about budget season (as well as starting fall athletics) because this initiative i
Welcome to Season 5
We're just getting back into the swing of things so join us as we preview some upcoming topics and catch up. Hope everyone's school year is off to a great start! Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
The "T-Shirt" Case
We're interrupting our summer to record our response to a June 2024, 1st Circuit court decision regarding the case: L.M. v. Town of Middleborough that affirms a Massachusetts school’s decision to forbid a middle school student from wearing two T-shirts to school that say, “There are only two genders” and “There are [censored] genders." We hope you enjoy it! Here is a link to the full ca
100th episode! (and can anyone help Angela turn off her notifications?!)
Can you believe we've uploaded 100 episodes?! We're ending Season 4 celebrating our 100th episode and choosing our favs from each season. Please go back and listen to those if you started mid-way through our show. Here is a list of the top 20 downloads if you want listener favorites. We've already planning for season 5- be back soon! Thank you listening- Robin/Abby/Angela S1 Ep. 1.
Interview with Jim Lange, CPA/Attorney
James Lange is a CPA/Attorney and the author of 10 best selling financial books that help IRA and retirement plan owners get the most of what they've got. The Wall Street Journal has endorsed Jim's tax and estate planning strategies 36 times!Jim's daughter, Erica, has a disability. Jim's expertise with Roth IRA conversions and the impact of the SECURE Act on IRAs, disability pl
IQ Test Debate
Listen in on the debate about the uses and misuses of IQ testing for students with disabilities and students of color. Robin, Angela and Abby dissect a recent article from the Hechinger report which can be found HERE titled: How flawed IQ tests prevent kids from getting help in schoolSchool psychologists are relying less on testing — but the change is too slow for some"by Sarah Carr and publi
World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Many of you have seen the ad #Assume I Can (and Maybe I Will) created by the organization CoorDown. Robin, Abby and Angela talk about the power of this campaign on the social inclusion movement. Check out some of the previous campaigns created by this organization (Esp. The Hiring Chain). Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Inst
What's the research on ABA?
In this (almost) solo episode, Abby analyzes a new article that was published on March 6, 2024: America’s Most Popular Autism Therapy May Not Work — and May Seriously Harm Patients’ Mental HealthA Perspective From Today's ABA- Dr. HanleyBCBA Ethics codePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Review of Love On The Spectrum S2 (SPOILERS!)
Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they review the TV show Love On the Spectrum (Season 2 - Netflix)Tait's Take (youtube)The Color of Autism Foundation (mentioned on Tait's Take) Important because people of color tend to be diagnosed later in life due to stigma, biased testing protocols, medical racism etc.) Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gm
7 Steps to College Success: Interv. w/author Elizabeth C. Hamblet
Listen in on the discussion with Elizabeth C. Hamblet the author of 7 Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities.7 Steps is a well regarded book in its third edition that provides important common sense advice for adult students and their family supporters as they navigate through the college application and admission process. Once they are at college, the fun really begin
Call Out the National Guard!?!?!
Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby discuss a recent request from several members of the Brockton School Committee for the Governor of Massachusetts to send the National Guard to Brockton High School. As you can imagine this has attracted a LOT of attention. Here are some articles related to the request and how the Governor responded:Here is an article about the original request from the Business
The Future of FAPE
You asked for it......this episode is alllllllllll Angela! Join us as we break down Endrew v. Douglas and what it means for FAPE. Endrew v DouglasThe USDOE considers Endrew to be such an important case they have devoted significant resources to unpacking the decision - you can find the whole discussion here:USDOE summary of the case. If you are interested in a brief summary, here is what USDOE ha
PTO v School Sponsored activities
Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby sort through the similarities and differences between PTO and School Sponsored activities. Learn more about what needs to be accommodated and what does not based on the ADA and special education compliance requirements.Here is a sample letter to notify your PTO of their responsibilities under the ADA.Here is a link to the American Diabetes Association ADA Q and
Top 10 list: Hot Topics for 2024
The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of ReadingPlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Choosing a Functional Curriculum
The decision to move to a "functional curriculum" is fraught - for teachers, specialists, administrators and especially, for parents. During this episode, Robin, Abby and Angela consider ways to help teams discuss moving from an academic track to a functional academic track. Pros and Cons abound and communication can make or break a Team's trust in the process and have a major imp
How to handle Rejection
Welcome to the back end of season 4! Join Abby, Angela and Robin as they review how to handle the most common IEP rejections. The editing program was a little wonky this week- sorry! Also Angela's ending was too good to edit :) Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
20 Questions
It's time for our mid-season break! But first, who loves those fun Facebook polls? We do- so get to know us a little better. Be back in 2024!Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
Working WITH Advocates
Tune in this week to hear Robin, Angela and Abby respond to a listener question about how to work with professional advocates. The discussion ranges from the logistics and details of how to incorporate an advocate into the dialogue to the emotions and feelings that advocacy can raise in school staff.Please tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow
Oh Nuts!
During this episode, Robin and Angela talk about how to manage severe food allergies in school.MA DESE guidanceFAACT- 504 guidancePlease tell us how you found us by completing this surveyEmail us at ASTALPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @astalpodcast
A Shout Out To OSEP
Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they discuss emergency removals and the latest discipline stats from the Discipline and Behavior Blog Series from the OSEP website.Discipline and Behavior -Blog SeriesDiscipline Dear Colleague Letter (2022)5 Action Steps To Reduce exclusionary disciplineResources (keep digging through the links!)Valerie C WilliamsPlease tell us how you found us by completing this sur
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