In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Tessa Capelle, a physical therapist with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, to explore physical therapy's critical role in schools. Tessa explains how mobility and independence are foundational to a student’s ability to access their education and engage meaningfully in the school environment.

Together, they unpack the indirect service model, where physical therapists empower teachers, case managers, and paraprofessionals to support students' physical and educational needs effectively. From understanding individualized strategies to fostering inclusion, this conversation provides educators, parents, and support staff with a clear roadmap for collaboration in ensuring every child thrives.

Tune in to discover how physical therapy in schools is much more than movement—it’s about building pathways to independence and success.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeff Lee welcomes Emily Museus, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator at PBEC, to discuss early intervention and its transformative effects on children with developmental delays.

Emily shares her expertise on early intervention's pivotal role in a child’s development and how it sets the stage for future success. They discuss the importance of identifying and addressing delays early, collaborating with families, and building strong support systems within schools and communities.

From practical strategies to heartwarming success stories, this episode offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about helping young learners thrive.

Tune in to learn how early intervention creates brighter futures—one milestone at a time.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator, is joined by school psychologist Natalia Lynch to break down the essentials of effective interventions in education. Together, they explore the difference between interventions, accommodations, and modifications, outline the key components of successful intervention strategies, and discuss how progress monitoring and fidelity can transform student outcomes. Perfect for educators looking to incorporate evidence-based practices into their daily routines.

In this episode of "Conversations with the Co-op," we delve into the essential aspects of Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) services and behavior in educational settings. Join host Jeffrey Lee and special guests Laura Lind and Diane Schiffler-Dobe, Teachers and Coordinators for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as they provide valuable insights into the qualifying criteria for DHH services and their primary purposes. From discussing the intricacies of educationally intrusive behaviors commonly associated with DHH needs to navigate the steps to address behavioral challenges in DHH students, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the unique considerations involved in supporting DHH students' educational journey. Tune in for enlightening discussions and practical strategies to enhance support for DHH students in educational settings.

In this episode of "Conversations with the Co-op," join your host, Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, for an enlightening discussion with Jim Kath, Behavior Coordinator. Together, they unravel the complexities of behavior management in special education, focusing on the delicate balance between general and emergency interventions.

Exploring the Gray Areas: General vs. Emergency Behavior Management

Navigating the spectrum of behavior management in special education requires a keen understanding of when to implement general strategies and transition into emergency interventions swiftly. With his wealth of experience, Jim Kath shares insights into the nuanced differences, emphasizing the critical role of individual discretion in determining the threshold for what constitutes an emergency.

Key Highlights:

• Individual Discretion: Jim sheds light on the importance of empowering case managers with the tools to exercise individual discretion in discerning behaviors that disrupt the learning environment from those that pose an immediate risk of harm.

• Resuming the Plan: Discover how emergency behavior management, while interrupting the general process, integrates with the resumption of established behavior plans and strategies once the crisis is effectively handled.

• Consequence Perception: Addressing concerns around the perceived lack of consequences, Jim provides strategies to ensure that appropriate consequences are delivered effectively, fostering a conducive learning environment for all.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the intricacies of behavior management in special education, equipping our dedicated case managers with the knowledge to navigate these critical distinctions effectively.

In today's episode, we tackle the art and science of creating effective IEP goals and objectives. Host Lainey Sandberg is joined by Jeffrey Lee as they explore the intricacies of IEP goal setting, unraveling common misconceptions, and providing valuable insights for educators.

Discover why IEP goals don't need to mirror interventions precisely, but instead should align with a broader vision for a student's progress. Uncover the critical role of objectives, the key milestones on the path to achievement, and why they shouldn't be 'mini goals.' Dive into the fascinating world of setting goals that are tailored to the educational environment and consider how a student's disability affects their skill development.

In the first episode of the 2023-2024 school year, join us on "Conversations with the Co-op" as we peek behind the scenes in the realm of special education. Host Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, sits down with Jen Johnson, Director of Special Education for six public school districts, three charter schools, and the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative.

Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of Directors of Special Education, shedding light on their multifaceted roles. Gain insights into the distinctive responsibilities and strategies Directors employ in both cooperative and single-district settings. Discover how these behind-the-scenes efforts are essential to the success of special education programs and ultimately benefit the students, even if they often go unnoticed.

If you've ever wondered about the varying approaches and unseen work that drive special education forward, this episode provides the answers you seek. Join us for a revealing conversation that demystifies the world of Directors of Special Education.

Welcome to another engaging episode of "Conversations with the Co-op." In this captivating discussion, Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, engages in a conversation with Eric Storbakken, an experienced occupational therapist. Delve into the world of occupational therapy as Eric shares his invaluable insights, drawing from years of expertise in the field. Gain a deeper understanding of occupational therapy in educational settings, exploring the distinctions between clinical and educational approaches. Discover how teachers can identify key behaviors and indicators that suggest a student may benefit from an occupational therapy screening or assessment, and explore the collaborative strategies that bridge the gap between teachers and occupational therapists. Furthermore, Eric sheds light on the challenge of distinguishing sensory needs from other behaviors, providing practical advice for teachers navigating these complexities.