In this episode of The School Collective, we sit down with retired principal and author Martin Silverman to explore why the earliest years of education can shape a child’s entire academic future. We discuss building a strong school culture, supporting teachers before burnout occurs, and shifting from a deficit mindset to a strengths-based view of young learners, especially in Pre-K and kindergarten.

Martin shares lessons from his decades of leadership experience, including what school leaders can do right now to build trust, empower teachers, and foster environments where children thrive through curiosity and connection. We even wrap up with a festive holiday roundtable featuring very important topics such as when to hang Christmas lights and the ethics of regifting.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Martin Silverman

• Instagram -@the5silvermans

Music by: J. Andrew Collins

In this powerhouse episode, Christopher sits down with two icons in school psychology—Dr. John Kelly, former NASP President and lifelong advocate for equitable practice, and Dr. Jack Naglieri, renowned cognitive assessment researcher and co-developer of the KABC and CAS.

Together, they take listeners on a journey through the history and evolution of intelligence testing, unpacking how assessment practices have both shaped and been shaped by systemic inequities. From the origins of cognitive theory to the modern-day implications of PASS theory and test fairness, Jack and John bring decades of insight and candor to the conversation.

They also share reflections on their own careers—balancing science, advocacy, and humanity—and offer advice for early-career practitioners seeking to expand their roles beyond testing. Expect wisdom, humor, and a few sailing and guitar stories along the way.

Topics include:

• The difference between test bias and test fairness
• Why subtest interpretation may be scientifically unsound
• How systemic inequities impact identification of gifted and diverse learners
• The role of school psychologists as advocates for equity and comprehensive services

In this episode, Christopher, Amy, and Brooke sit down with Dr. Eric Rossen, Executive Director of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), for an inside look at how the largest school psychology organization in the world operates. Dr. Rossen breaks down NASP’s structure, decision-making, and advocacy strategy—offering candid insight into how policies are shaped, how the organization decides when to speak out, and what “DRIP” (Discipline, Restraint, Intentionality, Prioritization) means for meaningful advocacy.

From balancing science and leadership to a sneak peek into NASP’s new youth mental health documentary featuring Andy Garcia, this conversation sheds light on what it really takes to lead a national professional association. The episode closes on a lighter note, with favorite road trips, celebrity crushes, and a hilarious debate about why umbrellas are overrated.

Social Handles:

Christopher Ponce

• Instagram - @theschoolpsychguy
• LinkedIn - Christopher Ponce

Music by: J. Andrew Collins