DiveIn: A Podcast about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Special Education

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Podcast by Federico R. Waitoller

DiveIn: A Podcast about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Special Education

Join Dr. Federico Waitoller for DiveIn, the podcast that explores Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Special Education. Sponsored by the Division of Research of the Council for Exceptional Children, this series tackles critical and timely topics, including culturally responsive teaching, disciplinary disparities, school choice, workforce diversity, funding challenges, and special education policy. DiveIn does not shy away from tough conversations. Through thought-provoking discussions with experts and changemakers, DiveIn will challenge your current perspectives and deepen your understanding, offering actionable insights to drive equity in special education teaching, research, and policy. Tune in and be part of the movement to transform special education through an equity-driven lens.

Latest episodes

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13 February 2025

Dismantling de Department of Education: Implications for Students with Disabilities

This is a clip from episode four in which Mitch Yell and David Bateman talk about the implications of dismantling the Department of Education.

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06:52

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29 January 2025

School Vouchers and Students with Disabilities: A Conversation with Kevin Welner

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Welner to unpack the complexities of school voucher programs and their impact on special education. We explore the different types of voucher systems, their legal implications under IDEA, ADA, and Section 504, and what research reveals about their financial effects, educational outcomes, and who benefits most. We also examine how vouchers intersect with issues of race, class, language, and gender, shedding light on their consequences for historically marginalized students. The episode wraps up with key policy recommendations for a more equitable education system.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Listen also to the following related episodes.

What Does a Trump Administration Mean for Special Education? A Conversation with Mitchell Yell and David Bateman

Navigating the Landscape of Anti-Woke Culture in Special Education Research

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56:13

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20 December 2024

What does a Trump Administration Mean for Special Education? A Conversation with Mitchell Yell and David Bateman

In this episode of DiveIn we discuss with Mitchell Yell and David Bateman what a Trump administration means for special education. Is the IDEA or the Department of Education going away? Will special education experience severe budget cuts? What do expanding voucher programs and charter schools mean for students with disabilities? And How other policies, such as Title IX, can also affect the educational experiences of students with disabilities? We discuss this and much more in this timely episode.

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54:19

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01 December 2024

What Are Technical Assistance Centers? A Conversation with Seena Skelton

Do you know that there are various federally funded technical assistance (TA) centers around the US that offer free services to states, districts, and schools? In this episode, you will learn about these technical assistance centers and the free services you can receive from them. We will discuss the work of TA centers with Seena Skelton, director of the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistant Center.

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41:55

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16 October 2024

The Unique Experience of Black Students with Autism and their Families: A Conversation with Jamie Pearson

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jamie Pearson to explore the unique experiences of Black students with autism and their families. We discuss the systemic inequities these students face, the barriers they encounter in accessing services, and how they navigate life within their communities. Additionally, we delve into the complexities and tensions surrounding ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) practices, particularly when applied to Black children and youth. This conversation offers valuable insights and recommendations for school administrators and researchers.

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31:56

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20 September 2024

Tackling the Special Education Teacher Shortage: A conversation with Elizabeth Bettini

In this episode of DiveIn, I talked to Dr. Elizabeth Bettini about the persistent challenges in special education teacher recruitment and retention. Dr. Bettini details the longstanding issues since the 1970s, addresses the implications of the teaching shortage for BIPOC communities, and provides recommendations for administrators and researchers.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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40:47