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In this episode, hosts Amanda Werner and Trina English discuss the complexities of special education, exploring its oppressive nature and the civil rights journey that has shaped it. They delve into various terms and acronyms such as IEP (Individualized Education Plans), 504 Plans, and disabilities categories including Intellectual Disability, Emotional Disturbance, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Amanda shares her first-hand experience being an intervention teacher and subbing in special day classes. They underline the systemic issues like teacher shortages, the lack of nuanced care, and the correlation between special education and broader educational problems. The conversation also touches on the importance of relationship building in intervention, and the need for supporting neurodivergent students more effectively.

00:00 Introduction to Special Education

00:24 Unpacking Special Education Terms

01:27 Categories of Disabilities

02:41 Intellectual Disability Explained

05:19 Emotional Disturbance and Special Day Classes

06:02 Personal Experiences with Special Day Classes

14:31 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Misdiagnosis

18:55 Challenges in Identifying and Supporting Neurodivergent Students

20:36 Specific Learning Disabilities and Accommodations

26:58 ADHD and Overlapping Diagnoses

30:45 Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

31:40 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and RTI

32:57 Understanding Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

33:20 Introduction to RTI and Tiered Interventions

33:51 Behavioral Interventions and Tier 3 Supports

34:52 General Education and Special Education Collaboration

36:18 Implementing Tier 2 Interventions

38:30 Challenges in Special Education

42:10 The Role of Intervention Teachers

52:12 Least Restrictive Environment and Full Inclusion

01:00:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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