Inclusive Education: IEP Assessment for Functional Academics, and Work-Based Learning with Lisa Huffmaster
03/01/24 • 15 min
🙏 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, Specially Designed Education Services, publishers of The Functional Academics Program.
🎙️ Episode Highlights: Breaking Barriers in Special Education
Hey there, educators! Welcome to another inspiring episode of The FAST 15. Today, we're diving into an uplifting conversation with Lisa Huffmaster, an incredible advocate and specialist in inclusive education. Lisa's journey began over two decades ago as a special educator, and her passion for creating meaningful opportunities for students with diverse needs shines through.
✨The Spark of Inspiration
Lisa shares her personal inspiration for entering the world of special education—her twin sister with Down syndrome. This heartfelt connection fueled her commitment to transforming the educational experience for students with unique abilities.
🔍 The Missing Piece: Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Lisa emphasizes the importance of assessments and progress monitoring in creating effective specially designed instruction. Without understanding a student's unique needs, it's like trying to teach algebra without knowing what the number eight is. Let's drill down, find the missing pieces, and empower our students with tailored support.
🤝 Bridging the Gap in General Ed Settings
Discover how functional academics are making waves in general education settings. Lisa shares insights into collaboration, communication, and creating inclusive learning environments. It's about identifying strengths, addressing needs, and ensuring every student's voice is heard at the IEP table.
🌟 Work-Based Learning: Real-World Success Stories
Lisa's involvement in work-based learning programs, like the PEAK (Panther, Employment, Action, and Knowledge) program, showcases the power of hands-on experiences. From running a student-owned coffee business to designing T-shirts, these initiatives provide real-world skills, community inclusion, and job opportunities for young adults.
🚀 Encouragement for New Educators
Lisa's advice for new educators? Take a tour through the entire educational journey, from kindergarten to transition. Witnessing the progress and celebrating small victories can be incredibly motivating. Remember, it's about taking baby steps and making a lasting impact on students' lives.
🌐 Community Connection: Church-Based Initiatives
Explore Lisa's con
Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.
Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.
For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers
🙏 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, Specially Designed Education Services, publishers of The Functional Academics Program.
🎙️ Episode Highlights: Breaking Barriers in Special Education
Hey there, educators! Welcome to another inspiring episode of The FAST 15. Today, we're diving into an uplifting conversation with Lisa Huffmaster, an incredible advocate and specialist in inclusive education. Lisa's journey began over two decades ago as a special educator, and her passion for creating meaningful opportunities for students with diverse needs shines through.
✨The Spark of Inspiration
Lisa shares her personal inspiration for entering the world of special education—her twin sister with Down syndrome. This heartfelt connection fueled her commitment to transforming the educational experience for students with unique abilities.
🔍 The Missing Piece: Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Lisa emphasizes the importance of assessments and progress monitoring in creating effective specially designed instruction. Without understanding a student's unique needs, it's like trying to teach algebra without knowing what the number eight is. Let's drill down, find the missing pieces, and empower our students with tailored support.
🤝 Bridging the Gap in General Ed Settings
Discover how functional academics are making waves in general education settings. Lisa shares insights into collaboration, communication, and creating inclusive learning environments. It's about identifying strengths, addressing needs, and ensuring every student's voice is heard at the IEP table.
🌟 Work-Based Learning: Real-World Success Stories
Lisa's involvement in work-based learning programs, like the PEAK (Panther, Employment, Action, and Knowledge) program, showcases the power of hands-on experiences. From running a student-owned coffee business to designing T-shirts, these initiatives provide real-world skills, community inclusion, and job opportunities for young adults.
🚀 Encouragement for New Educators
Lisa's advice for new educators? Take a tour through the entire educational journey, from kindergarten to transition. Witnessing the progress and celebrating small victories can be incredibly motivating. Remember, it's about taking baby steps and making a lasting impact on students' lives.
🌐 Community Connection: Church-Based Initiatives
Explore Lisa's con
Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.
Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.
For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers
Previous Episode
Behavioral Intervention (BCBA): From ABA to District Partner - Tucker Mueck's Story
In this episode of The FAST 15, Barb Beck interviews Tucker Mueck, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with extensive experience in special education settings. Tucker's journey began in high school, where he participated in a mentoring program for students with special needs. He is now the Director of District Partnerships for Specially Designed Education Services (SDES).
Key Points Discussed:
1. Early Mentoring Experience:
- Tucker shares his involvement in a high school mentoring program, emphasizing the power of personal connections and mentorship.
- Mentoring was focused on building relationships with students who needed extra support or a friend.
2. Transition to Special Education:
- After high school, Tucker pursued a degree in education but eventually switched to special education.
- He obtained his Master's in Special Education from Texas Tech University and developed a passion for working with students with autism and behavioral challenges.
3. Insights into Behavioral Analysis:
- Tucker worked in various settings, including private A.B.A. clinics, public schools, and in-home therapy.
- Describes a unique farm-like environment where movement and physical activities were integrated into learning, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience.
- Emphasizes the significance of understanding and analyzing behavior, providing insights into strategies like movement breaks and consistent communication.
4. Role as Director of District Partnerships:
- Currently serves as the Director of District Partnerships for S.D.E.S. and The Functional Academics Program.
- Travels the country, assisting teachers in implementing Functional Academic resources for students.
5. Encouraging Resilience and Consistency:
- Discusses the challenge of maintaining consistency, especially when fatigued, and encourages educators not to take behavioral challenges personally.
- Recommends having a bank of activities for days when energy is low and emphasizes the importance of releasing oneself from personalizing student behavior.
6. Functional Academics Program:
- Tucker shares his role in introducing teachers to the Functional Academics Program, describing it as a structured toolset that empowers teachers while providing flexibility.
- Highlights the upcoming tools to simplify data collect
Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.
Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.
For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers
Next Episode
EdTech: (Pt. 1) Navigating the Intersection of Accessibility, Technology, Innovation and Special Education with Joe Brazier
Discover how a former coach turned his playbook towards revolutionizing special education with technology. Joe Brazier from Microsoft's K-12 education team joins us to share his inspirational journey from the sidelines to the forefront of educational innovation. His story is one of unexpected turns, leading to a profound impact on how educators utilize tech tools to empower students with disabilities. Listen to Joe's insights on data-driven decision-making, and how it's changing the educational landscape for the better, ensuring clear communication and consistent outcomes across the board.
In an education system where one size rarely fits all, Joe walks us through his experience in the trenches of special education, evolving from analog tapes to the magic of iPads and HoloLens devices. His collaboration with Microsoft Education has not only dismantled barriers but has also played a crucial role in destigmatizing assistive technology. This chat is packed with compelling examples of how Microsoft initiatives are crafting personalized learning experiences and fostering an inclusive environment where every student can excel.
Wrapping up, Joe leaves us with powerful insights on the future of educational technology. From leveraging universal design principles to advocating for gradual adoption of new tech, Joe's perspective highlights the transformative potential of accessibility tools. His voice is a rallying cry for a future where every learner, regardless of ability, can navigate their educational journey with independence and success. Don't miss our next episode where Joe Frazier will take us through selecting the right technological aids to enrich the lives of students with disabilities.
Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.
Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.
For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers
"Fast 15" with Champions of Special Education - Inclusive Education: IEP Assessment for Functional Academics, and Work-Based Learning with Lisa Huffmaster
Transcript
So that's been a missing piece . If you don't have an assessment and you don't have what's missing , you can't teach me algebra if I still don't know what the number eight is . Right , right , okay , so we've got to drill down , we've got to drill down , and so having a tool , an assessment tool and progress monitoring and those type of things are what you need to show up with
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