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

In this podcast, sponsored by the Division of Research of the Council for Exceptional Children, we will discuss Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion issues in Special Education. We will delve into issues such as the disproportional representation of minority students in special education, how to expand a diverse special education teaching force, how to center equity in research design, how to do research WITH rather than ON underserved communities, and many other topics that focus on expanding and improving special education so that it acts as a catalyst for racial, gender, class, and of course, disability justice in education.

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Latest episodes

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.

Transcript

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54:19

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.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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41:55

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.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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31:56

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

04 July 2024

Dismantling the School Discipline Gap: A Conversation with Dan Losen

In this episode, I interview Dan Losen, the senior director of the education team at the National Center for Youth Law. We discuss pressing issues regarding disciplinary disparities in special education. Losen emphasizes the lack of adequate support and quality services for students with disabilities and the profound consequences this has on educational outcomes. We also delve into how the discipline gap and achievement gap are interconnected, highlighting how lost instructional time from suspensions severely impacts students, particularly those of color and those with disabilities.

TRANSCRIPT OF EPISODE

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49:05

14 May 2024

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

This episode explores the challenges, perspectives, and implications of scholars engaging with the evolving issue of anti-woke culture in special education research. We interviewed Erica McCray, Associate Dean at the University of Florida College of Education, who sheds light on her experiences and provides guidance for working in an anti-woke environment. McCrae discusses the need to confront inequities and foster conversations within the field while emphasizing the importance of self-care and rest

TRANSCRIPT OF EPISODE

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37:50