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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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