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In this episode of Practical Access, Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines reunite to kick off a new season focused on filling important gaps in the field of education. They introduce their collaborative work on the FLITE STEM Coaching project, a national initiative designed to support math and science coaches working alongside special education teachers. The conversation emphasizes the need for practical tools, collaborative strategies, and innovative coaching methods to bridge the divide between general education and special education. This season promises to offer insights that help educators strengthen support systems and improve student outcomes.

Key insights include:

Bridging Coaching and Special Education: Effective STEM coaching requires understanding the unique needs of special education teachers and students. Coaches should build relationships and communicate clearly across roles to better align goals.

Filling Practical Gaps: Many teachers are left without real classroom strategies to connect math and science content with student support needs. The FLITE STEM Coaching project is designed to fill this gap with tools and approaches that are both actionable and realistic.

Coaching as Collaboration: Coaching should be a two way conversation. The most successful outcomes happen when coaches and teachers learn from each other and adapt strategies together, rather than rely on one size fits all models.

Emphasizing the Why: STEM coaches are encouraged to focus not just on what to teach but why it matters. Helping teachers understand the reasoning behind instructional choices can improve student understanding and motivation.

Celebrating Teacher Strengths: Instead of correcting mistakes or prescribing fixes, coaches should highlight what teachers are doing well and build from there. This strength based approach promotes trust and growth.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@KUFLITECenter), Facebook (@Center for Flexible Learning through Innovations in Technology & education), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

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In this episode of Practical Access, hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines welcome Dr. Honora Wall, an expert on dyscalculia, a math-related learning disability. Dr. Wall, founder of the Dyscalculia Training Research Institute (DTRI), sheds light on the unique challenges faced by individuals with dyscalculia, offering practical strategies for teachers and families to better support students struggling with math.

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding Dyscalculia: Dr. Wall explains how dyscalculia differs from dyslexia and other neurodivergent traits, emphasizing that it's not a deficiency but a difference in brain wiring.
• Practical Classroom Strategies: Tips for identifying early signs, using real-time feedback, and incorporating supportive tools like visual aids and step-by-step guides to make math less intimidating.
• Reducing Math Anxiety: Families can focus on fun, low-pressure math activities like puzzles, card games, or discussions about tempo in music to create positive associations with math.
• Empowering Students: Dr. Wall highlights the importance of fostering a supportive, judgment-free environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth.

Whether you're an educator or a parent, this episode offers valuable advice to help students overcome barriers and thrive.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@Accesspractical) or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

Resources:

The Dyscalculia Training Research Institute (DTRI) Website: https://www.thedtri.org/

Teaching Students with Dyscalculia: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Students-Dyscalculia-Honora-Wall/dp/1732760160

Honora Wall’s Podcast, What in the World is Dyscalculia: https://rss.com/podcasts/dyscalculia/

Honora Wall’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqXKkHFgVlACI_NqM2J34pg

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In this episode of Practical Access, hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines welcome Dr. Sarah Bush, Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar at the University of Central Florida and co-author of The Math Pact series. The conversation dives into strategies for making math education engaging for all students, including those with disabilities.

Dr. Bush discusses the synergy between high-leverage practices (HLPs), mathematics, and effective teaching practices (ETPs), emphasizing the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in both general and special education. She advocates for asset-based approaches to teaching, highlighting the need to leverage students’ strengths and avoid harmful deficit labels.

Key insights include:

• Avoiding Deficit Labels: Shift focuses to students’ strengths and build on them to support areas of growth.
• Value in Math Education: Replace rigid teaching rules with flexible, meaningful practices, like emphasizing the true meaning of the equal sign and avoiding ineffective keyword strategies in problem-solving.
• Creating Positive Math Experiences: Teachers should cultivate an open, contextual approach to math, encouraging engagement and reducing negative associations. Dr. Bush stresses the importance of never framing oneself as “not a math person” in front of students.

Dr. Bush also reflects on what makes an inclusive math classroom truly exceptional—empowered, confident teachers who foster a caring and nurturing environment, set high expectations, and provide tools for students to succeed.

This episode is packed with practical strategies for educators looking to create inclusive, effective math classrooms that inspire confidence and success in all learners.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@Accesspractical) or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

Resources:

Sarah Bush's Bio: https://ccie.ucf.edu/person/sarah-bush/

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: https://www.nctm.org/

Math Pact Series: https://www.corwin.com/landing-pages/the-math-pact?srsltid=AfmBOorx3GL6RwftuSyi3uY6dwF96tn9h_QvrDpPNwoNrO9Da0RpG366

NCTM and CEC Position Statement on Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities: https://www.nctm.org/uploadedFiles/Standards_and_Positions/Position_Statements/NCTM-CEC-Disabilities-Position-Statement-December2024.pdf