In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee is joined by Jim Kath, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Coordinator at PBEC, for a powerful conversation about how student behavior communicates unmet needs. Rather than viewing behavior through a lens of compliance or disruption, Jim and Jeffrey explore how educators can shift toward curiosity, empathy, and proactive support.

Whether you're a case manager, classroom teacher, or administrator, this episode will help you:

• Understand behavior as a form of communication

• Recognize how unmet needs show up through actions

• Consider strategies for supporting students more effectively

Tune in to reflect on how listening to behavior, not just managing it, can strengthen student and team outcomes.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Lainey Sandberg sits down with Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at PBEC, to discuss a powerful mindset shift in special education: Are we testing the student, or are we testing the supports?

Together, they unpack how starting with the assumption that students can succeed—when the right supports are in place—can change the conversation around interventions and placement decisions. Jeffrey shares how educators can move from focusing on student deficits to critically evaluating the effectiveness of supports and interventions.

Key takeaways include:

• Why the default assumption should be that students can succeed in general education with proper supports.
• How to reframe team discussions around data and interventions.
• Practical steps teams can take to assess and adjust supports before making placement decisions.

Tune in to learn how testing supports, not students, leads to better outcomes and empowers educators to continually refine their practice.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee is joined by Morty Morton-Aldous, the Low Incidence Coordinator of Physical Impairment, Other Health Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Assistive Technology at PBEC. Morty takes us through the essential role of assistive technology (AT) in special education and how it enhances the learning experience for students with disabilities.

During the conversation, Morty explains the distinction between assistive technology, accommodations, and modifications, and highlights how AT can empower students by targeting their specific needs. The episode also explores the key components of an effective assistive technology plan, including the evaluation process, choosing the right tools, and integrating AT into everyday teaching practices.

This episode is essential for any special education teacher looking to better understand how assistive technology can create meaningful change in their students' education.