The Role of AI Assistants in Special Education: Richard Capone, CEO Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ with guest host John Williams

Episode P1E7, Aug 7, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com

Summary

In this episode of Accelerating Education, John Williams and Richard Capone discuss the integration of AI into special education through Let's Go Learn. They explore the maturity of AI technology, the introduction of AI assistants for teachers, and the importance of data-driven approaches in writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Richard emphasizes the significance of context engineering in AI applications, the management of documents, and the support provided to educators. The conversation also touches on future developments in AI for education and how to get started with Let's Go Learn.

Takeaways

—AI is becoming more mature and integrated into education. —Special education leaders need guidance on AI policies. —AI assistants can help with writing IEPs and PLAFs. —Data privacy is crucial when using AI in education. —Context engineering is essential for effective AI use. —Teachers need good data to write effective IEPs. —AI can automate tasks that teachers normally do. —Let's Go Learn provides a document management system. —Professional development and support are available for users. —Future developments will enhance AI capabilities in education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 01:53 AI Assistants in Special Education 04:41 The Role of Data in AI Implementation 08:04 Context Engineering and AI Writing 09:35 Validating AI-written PLAAFPs 10:13 Training and Support for Educators 16:27 Future Developments in AI for Education 19:58 Getting Started with Let's Go Learn 22:02 Accelerating Education Outro v03.mp4

#Specialeducation, #LetsGoLearn, #AI, #AIAssistants, #IEPs, #ContextEngineering, #EdTech, #Education, #Teachers

Transforming Special Education Through Urban Agriculture: Teacher Michael Craig Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ with host Richard Capone

Episode P1E6, June 5, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com

Contacting Michael about his horticulture program kids in special education: Michael Craig Director, Drew Horticulture Program Charles R. Drew Transition Center Detroit Public Schools michael.craig@detroitk12.org

Summary

In this episode of the Accelerating Education podcast, host Richard Capone interviews Michael Craig, a special education teacher and also the 2025 CEC Teacher of the Year. Michael is the Director of the Drew Horticulture Program at the Charles R. Drew Transition Center. In this podcast, he shares his unique journey from general education to special education, detailing the evolution of his horticulture program that teaches vocational skills to special needs students. The conversation highlights the daily operations of the program, success stories of student engagement with fresh produce, and the challenges faced in securing employment opportunities for these students. Michael offers valuable advice for educators looking to start similar programs and discusses the importance of community involvement and support.

Takeaways

—Michael Craig transitioned from general education to special education for job security. —The horticulture program focuses on teaching vocational skills to special needs students. —Daily operations involve planning tasks based on students' abilities. —The program has successfully introduced hydroponics to accommodate all students. —Monthly tastings help students appreciate fresh produce and culinary skills. —Collaboration with local restaurants has created unique opportunities for students. —Curriculum development is tailored to meet diverse student needs. —Community support is crucial for program sustainability and growth. —Finding employment opportunities for special needs students remains a significant challenge. —Policymakers need to clarify SSI benefits to encourage employment for special needs individuals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michael Craig and His Journey 07:55 The Horticulture Program's Evolution and Daily Operations 17:06 Success Stories and Community Impact 23:57 Advice for Educators and Future Aspirations 30:11 Challenges and Policy Recommendations

#specialeducation, #horticulture, #vocationaleducation, #FarmToTable, #inclusion, #teacheroftheyear, #detroitpublicschools, #disabilityemployment, #TransitionEducation, #LifeSkills

Revolutionizing Transition Education: Dr. Stacie Dojonovic on Life-Centered Learning 2.0 —Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ with host Richard Capone

Revolutionizing Transition Education: Dr. Stacie Dojonovic on Life-Centered Learning 2.0 | Accelerating Education Podcast Episode P1E5, May 29, 2025 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com

Summary

In this conversation, Richard Capone interviews Dr. Stacie Dojanovic, the executive director of DCDT, about the evolution and importance of transition education for students with disabilities. They discuss the significance of early transition planning, the changes in societal expectations, and the need for explicit teaching of skills that lead to successful post-secondary outcomes. The conversation also highlights the development of Life-Centered Education 2.0 and the integration of technology to enhance teaching practices.

Takeaways —Transition has been a lifelong passion for Dr. Dojanovic. —Transition planning should start as early as possible, ideally at age 14 or 16. —The focus of transition services has evolved from just employment to a broader set of skills. —Explicit teaching of skills is crucial for improving post-school outcomes. —All students, not just those with disabilities, benefit from transition education. —Life-Centered Education 2.0 aims to provide relevant skills for today's society. —Technology integration is essential for effective transition education. —High leverage practices can significantly improve instructional delivery. —Collaboration between educators and researchers is vital for curriculum development. —Continuous adaptation of educational practices is necessary to meet changing societal needs.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DCDT and Transition Education 00:22 Dr. Stacie Dojonovic 00:30 How did you get into transition curriculum? 00:44 Growing up as a sibling of someone with a disability 02:30 Tell us about yourself? 03:56 Understanding Transition Planning in Education 06:18 Evolution of Transition Services and Expectations 11:06 The Importance of Explicit Teaching in Transition Education 12:22 Relevance of Life Skills for All Students 13:27 Adapting Life-Centered Education for Modern Needs 16:28 Overhauling the LCE Curriculum 19:08 Integrating Technology and AI in Education

Keywords

transition education, DCDT, special education, life-centered education, high leverage practices, post-secondary outcomes, independent living, evidence-based practices, curriculum development, technology in education

Hashtags #TransitionEducation, #SpecialEducation, #DCDT, #LifeCenteredEducation, #PostSecondarySuccess, #DisabilityAwareness, #EducationTechnology, #EdTech, #CurriculumDevelopment, #InclusiveEducation

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Angela Bost, a former Deputy Superintendent of a large school district, discusses the critical intersection of behavior management and academic performance in schools. She emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to student behavior, integrating it with academic support systems to improve overall student outcomes. Dr. Bost shares insights on the challenges faced by educators in addressing behavior issues, the importance of a strong behavior framework, and the role of technology in assessing and monitoring student behavior. The discussion highlights the necessity for districts to develop a comprehensive behavior core and the support needed to operationalize it effectively.

Takeaways —Dr. Bost has extensive experience in education, from teaching to administration. —Behavior management is as crucial as academic support in schools. —A proactive approach to behavior can prevent issues before they escalate. —Schools often react to behavior problems instead of addressing them proactively. —Discipline policies can sometimes exacerbate behavior issues rather than resolve them. —A strong behavior core framework can improve student outcomes significantly. —Data is essential in identifying and addressing behavior problems in schools. —Training and support are necessary for districts to develop their behavior core. —Technology can aid in assessing and monitoring student behavior effectively. —Collaboration between academic and behavioral support teams is vital for success.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Angela BosT 02:09 Challenges in Student Behavior Management 04:42 Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches to Behavior 06:37 Discipline Policies and Their Impact 09:05 The Importance of a Strong Behavior Framework 11:43 Training and Support for Behavior Core Development 14:45 Technology Tools for Behavior Assessment 17:37 Conclusion

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Sponsored by Let's Go Learn, https://www.letsgolearn.com

In this episode of Accelerating Education, Richard Capone interviews Cassie Dodson, the EC Department Chair at Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School. They discuss the challenges faced in special education, the integration of technology to enhance learning, and the importance of data in IEP meetings. Cassie shares her experiences with Let's Go Learn, a platform that helps assess, track, and instruct students, while facilitating communication with parents and regular education teachers. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI in education and the ongoing efforts to improve educational tools for teachers and students.

In this conversation, Richard Capone interviews Dr. Lynn Ryan, a professor at Providence College, about her research on the use of AI in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Dr. Ryan discusses her background in special education, the importance of IEPs, and her recent study comparing AI-generated IEPs with those created by experienced educators and teacher candidates. The discussion highlights the potential of AI as a tool in education, the need for teacher training in AI usage, and the importance of parental perspectives in the IEP process. The conversation concludes with thoughts on operationalizing AI in educational settings and the future of IEP development.

Takeaways

• Dr. Ryan has a long-standing interest in IEPs and special education.
• AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in educational settings.
• The study compared AI-generated IEPs with those created by educators and teacher candidates.
• There was no significant difference in quality between AI and human-generated IEPs.
• AI can be a valuable resource but cannot replace educators' expertise.
• Teacher training is essential for effective AI integration in education.
• Parental perspectives on AI in IEPs are crucial for transparency.
• AI-generated content often requires human revision and oversight.
• The IEP process may need to adapt to incorporate AI tools effectively.
• Future research should focus on the implications of AI for families and students.

Titles

• Harnessing AI in Special Education • The Future of IEPs: AI vs. Human Insight

Sound Bites

• "AI is just all over the place." • "AI is a resource, not a replacement." • "AI can generate a C-level paper."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lynn Ryan 02:49 Exploring AI's Impact on IEPs 05:20 Research Methodology and Findings 09:12 AI vs. Human Generated IEPs 12:09 The Future of AI in Education 14:37 Parental Perspectives on AI in IEPs 18:09 Operationalizing AI in IEP Processes 21:22 Final Credits