
Building Assent, Fun, and Trust: Supporting Teachers and Students in Special Education with Steve Ward
01/03/25 • 68 min
Episode Description:
In this episode of The Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paulie sits down with behavior analyst and education expert Steve Ward to discuss practical strategies for supporting teachers and students—especially those with special needs—while highlighting lessons that apply to all classrooms.
They dive into the critical role of assent and assent withdrawal, exploring how these concepts can be observed, measured, and taught to both teachers and parents. Steve emphasizes the importance of respecting a learner's right to say "no" and, more importantly, how to reintroduce expectations in ways that build trust, confidence, and engagement.
The conversation also challenges traditional approaches to learning by making a compelling case for expanding fun—particularly social fun—as a primary goal. By prioritizing enjoyment and meaningful interactions, educators can create positive ripple effects that go far beyond preparing students to complete tasks.
Tune in to learn actionable strategies, from fluency-building formats to incorporating games and routines, that help turn novelty and unpredictability into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or school leader, this episode offers insights you can apply right away to make learning more effective and enjoyable for all students.
More on Steve
Website
Facebook
Articles
https://www.archivesofpsychology.org/index.php/aop/article/view/82
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5352626/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03393050
Webinars
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cabs-autism-and-behavior-specialists-34162179949
Podcasts
Trauma-Informed Care, Assent, and Compassion - A Call for Nuance in ABA
Trauma Informed Care: Some ThingsYou Should Know
Punishment on Trial in Behavior Analysis
Assent and Compliance: When to Use Which
How to Help Individuals with Anxiety: Session 187 with Steve Ward
The Case for Humor in Behavioral Interventions: Session 111 with Steve Ward
Teaching Kids with Autism Games and Leisure Activities: Interview with Steve Ward
Book links
Teaching Good Learner Repertoires
What You Need to Know about Motivation and Teaching Games: An in
Episode Description:
In this episode of The Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paulie sits down with behavior analyst and education expert Steve Ward to discuss practical strategies for supporting teachers and students—especially those with special needs—while highlighting lessons that apply to all classrooms.
They dive into the critical role of assent and assent withdrawal, exploring how these concepts can be observed, measured, and taught to both teachers and parents. Steve emphasizes the importance of respecting a learner's right to say "no" and, more importantly, how to reintroduce expectations in ways that build trust, confidence, and engagement.
The conversation also challenges traditional approaches to learning by making a compelling case for expanding fun—particularly social fun—as a primary goal. By prioritizing enjoyment and meaningful interactions, educators can create positive ripple effects that go far beyond preparing students to complete tasks.
Tune in to learn actionable strategies, from fluency-building formats to incorporating games and routines, that help turn novelty and unpredictability into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or school leader, this episode offers insights you can apply right away to make learning more effective and enjoyable for all students.
More on Steve
Website
Facebook
Articles
https://www.archivesofpsychology.org/index.php/aop/article/view/82
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5352626/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03393050
Webinars
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cabs-autism-and-behavior-specialists-34162179949
Podcasts
Trauma-Informed Care, Assent, and Compassion - A Call for Nuance in ABA
Trauma Informed Care: Some ThingsYou Should Know
Punishment on Trial in Behavior Analysis
Assent and Compliance: When to Use Which
How to Help Individuals with Anxiety: Session 187 with Steve Ward
The Case for Humor in Behavioral Interventions: Session 111 with Steve Ward
Teaching Kids with Autism Games and Leisure Activities: Interview with Steve Ward
Book links
Teaching Good Learner Repertoires
What You Need to Know about Motivation and Teaching Games: An in
Previous Episode

Teacher Turnover May Be a Threat to National Security: A Chat with Dr. Greg Rockhold
In this eye-opening episode of Crisis in Education, Dr. Paulie sits down with Dr. Greg Rockhold to explore a bold and urgent topic: the growing teacher turnover crisis and its potential implications for national security. Drawing from decades of experience in education and leadership, Dr. Rockhold offers a compelling analysis of how the exodus of teachers from the profession threatens not only the quality of education but also the stability of communities and the nation's future workforce.
The conversation lifts up the hood on the systemic challenges driving teacher burnout, the lack of preparation and support for educators, and how these issues ripple out to impact society on a broader scale. Together, they discuss actionable solutions grounded in behavioral science, leadership principles, and policy reform to address this alarming trend.
Tune in for a powerful discussion that reframes the teacher turnover crisis as more than just an educational issue—it's a national security concern that demands immediate attention.
About Dr. Rockhold
Dr. Greg Rockhold, in his 28th. year as an educational leader, served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). He has served in a variety of roles, including:
- NASSP No Child Left Behind National Task Force,
- Testified in US Senate Sub-Committee Hearings on Education and New Mexico Legislature many times on behalf of public education,
- Presenter at NASSP Convention regarding NCLB in San Francisco and Reno,
- President - New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators (NMCSA),
- Executive Director - New Mexico Association of Secondary School Principals (NMASSP),
- Secretary - New Mexico Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (NMASCD),
- Colorado Rural Caucus Steering Committee,
- NCATE - Educational Leadership Constituent Council Reviewer,
- Considered for a White House Appointment,
- McDonald’s/NASSP New Mexico Assistant Principal of the Year,
- Adjunct Professor with Trinity Southwest University, and
- USMC veteran and Eagle Scout.
Greg is a professionally skilled problem solver and highly organized team builder who leads a focus on increasing student performance via targeted professional development for all staff using student data to make informed decisions.
Greg is a highly effective change agent and consummate student of transformational leadership, organizational management, organizational efficiency, organizational effectiveness, organizational health, and organizational motivation.
As a change agent, Greg presents a clear vision that enables communication to be a give-and-take arena; he is patient yet persistent as people are moving forward; asking the tough questions; character and credibility as Greg is knowledgeable in what he is speaking about as he builds strong relationships on a foundation of trust. He is highly approachable and reliable. While a change agent, Greg creates conditions for sustainable change that permeates the organization.
People rejecting indifference – demanding excellence – PRIDE. - Greg Rockhold
Next Episode

Leadership, Behavior Science, and Change in Education with Pierre Louis
In this episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast, host Dr. Paulie welcomes his good friend and former colleague, Pierre Louis. As a long-time leader and one of the founders of Ovation Behavior Group, Pierre brings deep insights into the intersection of behavior science, leadership, and education.
Dr. Paulie and Pierre discuss:
✅ How behavior science drives effective leadership in education
✅ Challenges and successes in implementing behavior-based strategies
✅ The power of mentorship and leadership in fostering meaningful change
This engaging conversation is packed with practical takeaways for educators, behavior analysts, and leaders committed to improving systems through evidence-based practices. Don't miss it!
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