Connecting Students’ Sensory And Neurological Functioning With Learning, Socialization, And Disabilities: A Primer On Vision, Hearing, And Respiratory/Nasal Functioning (Volume 3, Episode 8) Improving Education Today: The Deep Dive podcast

47:35

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Blog (Part III of a comprehensive Series) from Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. It begins by highlighting how important it is for school personnel to understand students who present with seizures—initially, through the lens of a recent Supreme Court case involving a student with severe epilepsy and the accommodations she was denied. This Podcast (and the Blog) proceeds with a discussion of a number of the most-common seizures along with their general characteristics, incidence levels, and impact on students in school. In addition, Davey and Angela describe (a) the neurological root causes for each of seizures discussed, along with the areas of the brain involved; and (b) the complex bidirectional relationship between seizures and stress and PTSD. Relative to this latter area, Angela and Davey note the existence of Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES), also called functional or pseudoseizures. They detail their symptoms, underlying causes and risk factors, treatment approaches, and the supports for affected students in school. Finally, the Podcast examines the link between Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and different classifications of post-traumatic seizures and epilepsy. It concludes with a section on management approaches for these conditions and the crucial role of schools in providing support and implementing strategies like Seizure Action Plans.…

1
The Impact of Headaches vs. Migraines on Students in School (Volume 3, Episode 9) 20:21

4 weeks ago20:21

20:21

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Blog (Part II of a comprehensive Series) from Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. This Podcast(and the Blog) explains the difference between common headaches and migraines, highlighting how migraines are a distinct neurological condition with more severe and complex symptoms. They then describe the significant academic, social, and emotional challenges students face due to migraines, including cognitive difficulties and inconsistent attendance. Davey and Angela then overview the brain structures, chemical systems, and neurological pathways involved generally in migraines. They then compare and contrast four specific types of migraines (ocular/retinal, vestibular, concussion-related, and stress/PTSD) in terms of their symptoms, underlying mechanisms, diagnosis, and management. While emphasizing that the differential diagnoses of these migraine types must be rendered by medical professionals, Angela and Davey note that—when interacting with studentsexhibiting headaches or migraines in school settings, MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Team members in schools should still understand their clinical similarities and differences. . . at the very least, so that they can ask informed questions when conferring with parents and—with permission—medical professionals. Check out this NEWEST Podcast. . . and “Follow” us so that you get notified when every new podcast is released.…

1
Connecting Students’ Sensory and Neurological Functioning with Learning, Socialization, and Disabilities: A Primer on Vision, Hearing, and Respiratory/Nasal Functioning (Volume 3, Episode 8) 20:16

6 weeks ago20:16

20:16

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Blog from Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. This Podcast (and the Blog) emphasizes the crucial connection between students' sensory and neurological functions and their educational experiences. As a school psychologist, Dr. Knoff asserts that educators must understand the biological underpinnings of how vision, hearing, and respiratory/nasal health impact learning and socialization. . . and how they may contribute to problems experienced by underachieving, unsuccessful, and students with disabilities. Angela and Davey detail how impairments in these sensory areas, often identified through school screenings, can significantly affect academic performance, behavior, and overall development. They describe the specific screenings results that indicate the need for formal medical evaluations, and the potential long-term medical, academic, and psychological consequences of uncorrected vision and hearing issues—as well as the often-overlooked impact of common respiratory illnesses. Finally, the Podcast highlights the serious, though less common, neurological risks associated with untreated infections of the eyes, ears, and nose, stressing the need for collaboration between educators, parents, and medical professionals to ensure timely intervention and support for vulnerable children. Check out this NEWEST Podcast. . . and “Follow” us so that you get notified when every new podcast is released.…

1
Future-Proofing the Academic and Social Success of Middle and High School Students: Five Essential Skill Sets (Volume 3, Episode 7) 25:26

8 weeks ago25:26

25:26

In this new Podcast, Angela and Davey address the concerning trend of declining independence and engagement among middle and high school students since the pandemic. Using Dr. Howie Knoff’s concurrently-released Blog, they discuss five essential "meta-skill" sets that are the foundation to students’ academic success. These Skill Sets focus on: Goal-Setting and Active Learning, Time Management and Study Skills, Interpersonal and Collaborative Learning Skills, Stress Management and Emotional Self-Care, and Self-Awareness and Self-Efficacy skills. These skills are crucial for future-proofing students' success in uncertain times by equipping them with the ability to navigate challenges and take ownership of their learning. Dr. Knoff emphasizes that these skills are most effective when integrated school-wide and consistently reinforced by educators and peers. Angela and Davey discuss and apply the Skill Sets to the challenges of adolescence, reinforcing their ability to empower students to become more responsible, responsive, and self-reliant learners. Check out this NEWEST Podcast. . . and “Follow” us so that you get notified when every new podcast is released.…

1
Essential Strategies for Educational Leaders During Uncertain Times: Future-Proofing Your School(s) for Today’s Sweeping Changes (Volume 3, Episode 6) 23:53

10 weeks ago23:53

23:53

In this newest podcast, hosts Davey Johnson and Angela Jones discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's recent Blog that addresses the significant shifts in education policy under the Trump administration over its first two months in office. These changes include staff reductions and reallocations at the U.S. Department of Education, and relate to school choice prioritization, alterations to DEI and civil rights enforcement, the cancellation of many grants nationwide to states, universities, and school districts. Knoff advises educational leaders to implement eight "future-proofing" strategies to navigate these uncertainties. These strategies encompass revisitingmission statements, streamlining operations, strengthening governance, investing in evidence-based practices, prioritizing professional development, enhancing community engagement, building local partnerships, and diversifyingfunding. Angela and Davey discuss these strategies and emphasize the importance of a clear and adaptable mission statement. They also provide a framework for developing a strategic Public Relations Plan to communicate school strengths. Ultimately, this Plan helps educational leaders ensure that their institutions not only survive but thrive amidst a changing educational landscape. Angela and Davey conclude by stating that schools and other educational settings need to take active steps now to be in the strongest and most advantageous position to not just respond to today’s unprecedented shifts in policies and resources, but to stay ahead of them.…

1
Charlie Brown and Education: DEI, Fear, and Trump's Tactics (Volume 3, Episode 5) 14:28

12 weeks ago14:28

14:28

Hosts Davey Johnson and Angela Jones discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's March 8th Blog post that uses the "Peanuts" comic strip saga of Lucy pulling away the football from Charlie Brown to illustrate the current political climate's impact on education. Knoff argues that the Trump administration is employing"Ready-Fire-Aim" tactics, particularly concerning DEI initiatives, creating fear and confusion. This approach is leading some schools and districts to make hasty policy changes based on fears that they will be investigated and potentially lose federal funding. Knoff highlights a recent Department of Education guidance that initially took a “hard line” position relative to race-based discrimination, only to soften its position twoweeks later. Davey and Angela discuss the educational and psychological implications of all of this, and advise educators to avoid knee-jerk reactions, understand the limitations of the administration's power, and maintain focus on quality instruction. They also urge action to respond to the potential dismantling of the Department of Education, and to bring students’ voices “to the table.” Finally, Knoff, Davey, and Angela urge readers to contacttheir representatives to advocate for better education and suggest local actions to improve schools while recognizing that threats come and go. They also encourage educators to remain grounded in effective practices and to not be unduly swayed by political maneuvering.…

1
Protecting Disability Rights: Section 504, the ADA, and Chance Events (Volume 3, Episode 4) 12:44

14 weeks ago12:44

12:44

In this newest “Improving Education Today: The Deep Dive” podcast, hosts Davey Johnson and Angela Jones discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's recent Blog post focusing on the importance of the recently-updated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to better align it with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Blog highlights how Section 504 protects individualsfrom discrimination based on disability, emphasizing that disabilities often arise from chance events. Hence, anyone could potentially need 504’s legal protections. The Blog also provides examples of the disabilities covered, and the accommodations required to ensure equal access to education and other services. Davey and Angela share their concerns regarding a currentlawsuit, Texas v. Becerra, which appears to focus on questioning the inclusion of “gender dysphoria” as a disability in the 2024 update of Section 504. But the lawsuit may really be about an additional request to eliminate Section 504 as unconstitutional. If successful, the civil rights, access to education and the workplace, and accommodations protected by Section 504 would be stripped from millions of students and adults with disabilities. Echoing Dr. Knoff, Davey and Angela urge listeners tocontact their state officials to oppose the lawsuit and safeguard these critical protections. Davey and Angela share Dr. Knoff’s advocacy for maintaining Section 504, even if its "gender dysphoria" inclusion is deleted. They note that anyone could become disabled—needing Section 504’s protections—due to life's sometimes unpredictable events.…

1
Minimizing Classroom Distractions to Maximize Student Learning: Building Walls to Buffer Politics, Phones, Prejudice, and Preferential Treatment (Volume 3, Episode 3) 18:37

16 weeks ago18:37

18:37

Angela and Davey discuss a new Blog by Dr. Howie Knoff about the impact of various external political and internal classroom distractions on education, and how they undermine good instruction and student learning. They review recent studies showing that students proficient in reading and math in eighth grade, and who takeadvanced courses in high school are better employed and more financially secured in their later lives. They then reference the dreadful recent NAEP reading and math results, and emphasize the need to prioritize effectiveteaching and learning, and supportive environments free from unnecessary disruptions. Relative to the external distractions, studies are reviewed to demonstrate that the premises underlying recent Executive Orders targeting schools teaching “discriminatory equity ideologies” are unfounded. The Orders targeting trans and nonbinary students are being challenged or were quickly withdrawn. Relative to internal distractions, cellphone use in the classroom is highlighted along with recent studies showing the positive effects of cellphone bans on student engagement and behavior. The Blog emphasizes that teachers are not politically indoctrinating students, students feel comfortable discussing controversial topics, and that cellphone bans are positively affecting classroom learning. Educators are encouraged to “build a figurative wall” to discourage and keep distractions out of our schools and classrooms. Teachers need to teach, and students need to learn. Check out this NEWEST Podcast. . . and “Follow” us so that you get notified when every new podcast is released.…

1
Improving Classroom Management: Lessons from the Detroit Lions (Volume 3, Episode 2) 18:47

18 weeks ago18:47

18:47

Angela and Davey describe a recent nationally-representative Education Week Research Center survey of educators across the country that found that student discipline and classroom management continues to get worse post-pandemic. They then assert, using Dr. Howie Knoff's recent Blog, that students are not going to fix themselves, that there truly are no quick fixes, and that everyone in an affected school—especially teachers and administrators—needs to be part of the problem analysis and strategic solutions. Angela and Davey use Dr. Howie Knoff's blog to draw a parallel between the recent improvement of the National Football League's Detroit Lions--under Coach Dan Campbell-- and the potential for positive change in school and classroom discipline. They note that addressing this problem requires a team effort from all school staff, implementing evidence-based strategies, and fostering a positive school climate. This Podcast (and the Blog) describes the evidence-based component of effective school and classroom discipline, the related need for teacher training and support--especially for new teachers, and how to consistently implement proven practice. Continuing the parallel with Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions throughout, Angela and Davey highlight the importance of strong leadership and a shared commitment to creating positive learning environments--even when there are unexpected losses. They close by encouraging schools to start now on the road to school and classroom discipline improvement. . . noting that "you’ve got to put in the work to earn the rewards."…

1
While You Can Write a Student’s Individualized Education Plan. . . It (Legally) Needs to be Acceptable, Actionable, and Appropriate (Volume 3, Episode 1) 17:31

20 weeks ago17:31

17:31

In the first Podcast of the new year and new volume (2025; Volume 3), Davey and Angela summarize the January 11, 2025 blog by Dr. Howie Knoff. He reminds educators that--even though the current school year is half over, NEXT year's activities and budget are already being prepared. In this context, as Students with Disabilities (SWD) comprise 14% of the entire student population in the average district, it is important to determine the staffing, resources, and funding that these students need next year also. This is best done by analyzing each SWD's IEP. Davey and Angela emphasize the importance of creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that are Acceptable, Actionable , and Appropriate for SWDs. They describe three federal court cases— Chris D. , Cory M. , and Endrew F. —to illustrate the legal ramifications of failing to meet these criteria. Your Hosts also explain that IEPs must be collaboratively developed, implemented with fidelity, and result in meaningful student progress. They provide practical recommendations for school districts to assess their current IEP practices and prepare for the upcoming school year's budget. Ultimately, the goal is to improve student outcomes, parental partnerships, and reduce potential legal challenges.…

1
Education’s 2024 Year in Review: The Themes that Captured Our Time, Attention, Concern, and Consternation (Volume 2, Episode 24) 21:31

22 weeks ago21:31

21:31

In this podcast, Davey Johnson and Angela Jones analyze Dr. Howie's end-of-year Blog that revisited the 24 blogs he published in 2024. Listen to Davey and Angela as they discuss how the Blog's four themes were critical to the "state of education" this past year, and how education needs to address them in the new year relative to student, staff, school, and systems-level improvement and success.…

1
Improving Special Education Services on this 20th Anniversary of IDEA 2004: What the New Administration Must Do (Volume 2, Episode 23) 18:54

25 weeks ago18:54

18:54

Davey and Angela use the 20th anniversary of the signing of the last reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), and the coming second Trump administration to analyze, critique, and make recommendations on how to improve special education services in our country’s K-12 schools. Using the December 7, 2024 blog post by Dr. Howie Knoff, your Hosts critique the state of special education in the United States. They highlight the persistent problems that continue to hinder effective services for students with disabilities, such as inadequate funding and a lack of qualified professionals. And they suggest that part of the problem is the Office of Special Education Programs' (OSEP) flawed, sometimes politically-motivated agenda. Much of the discussion focuses on their proposals for a new agenda dedicated to improving student outcomes. Here, they outline the characteristics needed in the next OSEP Director to facilitate the needed systemic changes.…

1
“Moneyball Thinking” in Education: School Improvement Requires First Changing Thinking, Not Programs (Volume 2, Episode 22) 16:36

27 weeks ago16:36

16:36

Davey and Angela discuss the fact that many districts or schools are budget-restricted and/or have a current curriculum or program that is not working, and they are looking for a change. Using Dr. Howie Knoff's November 23, 2024 blog post as a guide, they suggest the need for school leaders in these situations to--first--apply a "Moneyball" approach to the school improvement needs. Using the movie “Moneyball” as a metaphor, they suggest that many districts and schools are locked into antiquated data analysis and school improvement thinking. Similar to how data analytics revolutionize baseball, they advocate that districts and schools use “Moneyball Thinking” to rethink and revolutionize their decision-making practices, especially to link Needs Assessment results to more successful strategic planning and action. The discussion analyzes a recent U.S. Department of Education grant program focusing on school mental health, highlighting how some districts did not need more money or staff; they needed to analyze and reallocate how existing staff were deployed and the tasks they were doing. In the end, Davey and Angela emphasize the need for comprehensive needs assessments, incorporating historical data, SWOT analysis, and gap analysis to identify and address areas needing improvement. They believe that a data-driven approach can revolutionize educational practices, leading to more efficient resource allocation and improved student outcomes. This will ultimately promote a shift from haphazard data usage to a strategic, analytical approach.…

1
Shared Leadership in Schools: Structure, Decision-Making, Delegation, and Avoiding Staff Resentment (Volume 2, Episode 21) 22:40

29 weeks ago22:40

22:40

Angela and Davey do a "Deep Dive" discussing shared leadership in schools, and how to avoid staff resentment when they are asked to participate on committees and in school improvement decisions. Based on Dr. Howie Knoff's November 9, 2024 blog post, your Hosts outline a shared leadership school model that involves seven components--each supported by six school-level committees--all to improve student, staff, and school outcomes. A key to this model is the effective delegation of duties and decisions, and Angela and Davey draw on research by Blunden and Steffel which emphasizes the importance of fair and relevant task assignment to avoid staff resentment. The discussion details various decision-making processes, from command to consensus, and when to selectively use them to encourage and sustain staff buy-in. Ultimately, the goal is to create a collaborative environment where staff feel empowered, contributing to enhanced school success. The discussion concludes with practical recommendations for administrators to successfully implement shared leadership in their districts, schools, or educational settings.…

1
Speed Counts When Making Successful Changes in Your District or School: When to Go Fast or Slow (Volume 2, Episode 20) 17:27

32 weeks ago17:27