About the Guest(s):

Guy Stevens is a nationally recognized expert and advocate for ending restraint and seclusion in schools. He is the founder of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR), a nonprofit organization focused on reforming punitive discipline practices in educational settings. Guy is also a board member of the ARC of Maryland and PDA North America. His advocacy is dedicated to promoting trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches that prioritize inclusive and safe educational environments for all students.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas is joined by Guy Stevens, a leading advocate for more humane behavior support strategies in schools. Through a riveting conversation, they explore the profound harms of traditional punitive practices, like restraint and seclusion, and the importance of trauma-informed educational frameworks. They delve into Guy's personal journey from a conventional understanding of behavior support to becoming a passionate advocate for transformative discipline practices.

The discussion highlights the systemic challenges and widespread use of outdated behaviorist strategies such as PBIS, emphasizing the need for approaches that recognize the neuroscience of behavior. Guy shares his insights on the negative impacts of punitive measures on both students and educators, urging a shift towards more supportive and effective methodologies. Packed with educational insights and practical tips, this episode is a deep dive into creating more inclusive and empathetic learning environments.

Complete show notes and transcript: (coming soon)

Key Takeaways:

-Understanding Behavior: Traditional behaviorist strategies often fail to address the real underlying causes of behavior, which are frequently rooted in stress and trauma.

-Shift to Trauma-Informed Practices: Schools should move towards trauma-informed and neuroscience-aligned practices to promote better educational environments.

-Restraint and Seclusion: These practices still present a significant problem in schools, resulting in safety risks and potential trauma for both students and educators.

-PBIS and Behaviorist Strategies: While well-intentioned, these frameworks often lack the necessary depth to address individual student needs and may perpetuate exclusion.

-Transformative Advocacy: By fostering curiosity and understanding the brain's role in behavior, educators can fundamentally change how they respond to and support students' needs.

Resources:

Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR)

Books Mentioned:

Brain-Body Parenting

Beyond Behaviors

Self-Reg

Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About the Guest(s):

Toni Barton is a leader in education innovation and the founder of Speligent. She is a recognized authority on transforming schools through inclusive, equity-driven, and tech-enabled learning models, having gained vast experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Toni initiated the Inclusive Schools Leadership Institute at Relay Graduate School of Education, training leaders to construct anti-ableist, student-centered environments. Her insights have been featured in major publications including Forbes and The Hechinger Report. Toni is also known for her book, "Six Principles for Building a Truly Inclusive School," which is a resource for forward-thinking educators.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas engages with Toni Barton in a deep dive into reshaping the educational landscape for inclusivity and equity. Toni shares her journey from a professional in law to an advocate in education, driven by her own son's experience with special education. This insightful discussion emphasizes the importance of actively implementing inclusive practices beyond mere acknowledgment, and how educators can cultivate environments where every student thrives.

The conversation unpacks Toni’s book, "Six Principles for Building a Truly Inclusive School," detailing strategies for initiating inclusive leadership in educational institutions. Emphasizing anti-exclusionary program designs, building person-first cultures, and understanding the critical role of special education teachers in leadership roles, the episode provides practical steps for systemic change. Listeners walk away with a clear understanding of how urgent and strategic data use can drive student success and create schools that meet every student's needs.

Complete show notes and transcript.

Key Takeaways:

-Inclusive Leadership: Special education teachers and leaders should aim for leadership roles to enact systemic change in education systems.

-Truly Inclusive Schools: Emphasizes both academic progress and a genuine sense of belonging for students, as defined from the students' perspectives.

-Anti-Exclusionary Program Design: Encourages creating systems that intentionally support historically marginalized students, promoting inclusive environments beyond just integrated placements.

-Data Urgency: Stresses the importance of real-time data-driven decision-making to close performance gaps and enhance instructional effectiveness.

-Person-First Culture: Advocates rethinking discipline and behavior systems as social-emotional frameworks that prioritize student-centered support.

Resources:

Spelligent

Six Principles for Building a Truly Inclusive School

Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain

Toni’s Website

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About the Guest(s):

Riley Mulcahy is the founder and Executive Director of The Riley Project, a nonprofit organization focused on storytelling and community building for individuals with learning differences. A graduate of St. Mary's College of California with a background in English and Creative Writing, Riley is also the Marketing and Admissions Associate at Compass High School, where he champions inclusive, strengths-based education. He is an advocate for neurodiversity, dedicating his efforts to initiatives like the Neurodiversity Education Series, aimed at creating supportive systems for neurodivergent individuals.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas chats with Riley Mulcahy, a prominent advocate for individuals with learning differences. Riley discusses his journey with dyslexia and his commitment to creating inclusive environments through storytelling and advocacy. As the founder of the Riley Project, Riley sheds light on challenges and triumphs within the landscape of neurodivergent education. The episode gives listeners a deep dive into the concepts of multisensory instruction, the implications of the "Wait to Fail" model in schools, and the pivotal role of early intervention in supporting students with learning differences.

Listeners will gain insights as Riley emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in social change, drawing parallels between historical movements and current advocacy for neurodiversity. With a focus on practical strategies and technologies aiding learning differences, the discussion encompasses everything from reading interventions to the potential of AI-driven education tools. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate, this episode is packed with valuable information on fostering inclusive, supportive educational environments where all students can excel.

Complete show notes and transcript.

Key Takeaways:

• Power of Storytelling: Riley highlights how storytelling has been central to social justice movements, emphasizing its potential to drive change in the education system for those with learning differences.
• Multisensory Reading Instructions: Discussing the effectiveness of multisensory instruction methods, Riley underscores its importance for students struggling with traditional learning approaches.
• Early Intervention and Support: The episode stresses the necessity of early intervention and the creation of strength-based IEPs to help neurodivergent students thrive.
• Future of Education Technology: A spotlight on assistive technologies, text-to-speech, and AI as tools to help students with learning differences achieve better outcomes.
• Inclusion and Advocacy: The Riley Project aims to create safe spaces for individuals to share experiences, thus fostering a community of support and awareness.

Resources:

The Riley Project

Educating All Learners Alliance

Dyslexic Advantage

Proust and the Squid

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.