“Communication is the key to trust. Once it erodes, conflict quickly replaces it.”

Our parents should be our partners in education until they feel like they’re not. On Episode 18, Allison and Leonard discuss the basis for potential conflict with staff in part two of dealing with school - parent conflict.

As Educational Partners, parents play a vital role in education but what happens when there is disagreement between staff and parents? How do we navigate those discussions? How do we listen with an open mind, with an open heart in order to support our families?

On Episode 17, Allison and Leonard discuss their own personal challenges as parents with the educational system in part one of dealing with school - parent conflict.

The California School Dashboard was rolled out during the 2017-2018 school year to provide parents and school districts meaningful information on schools and district progress so they can make decisions that improve and impact student learning.

On Episode 16, Leonard and Allison discuss the purpose of the California School Dashboard, its intricacies and whether or not it effectively measures student achievement and outcomes. Join us for Episode 16!

IDEA was a landmark law that enabled all students to access public education and introduced the concept of Least Restrictive Environment and FAPE, Free Appropriate Public Education, which are the hallmarks of special education today.

In Episode 15, Allison and Leonard look back at the creation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as they celebrate its 50th Anniversary on November 29th. While the impact that this law has had on all students in our country is cause for celebration, there is still so much more work to be done for students with disabilities!

Episode #14 has officially dropped! Have a listen!

Episode 14 was recorded at UCLA for the Autism Speaks Empower 5K Run/ Walk as Allison and Leonard discuss their educational experiences as it relates to serving students with Autism and their families over the past twenty years.

Episode #13 has officially dropped! Have a listen!

“Sometimes our emotions get the best of us. We are advocates for students, we are advocates for our community, and sometimes the ways in which we advocate clash with one another.”

In Episode 13, Allison and Leonard discuss ways in which leaders can successfully navigate disagreements with staff members in a supportive way that prevents damage to the school community and continues to ensure positive learning outcomes for all students.

In Episode 12, Allison and Leonard discuss the top 7 mental puddles to avoid if you want to be a successful leader. Put on those rainboots if you want to traverse the path to student achievement!

HOT TOPIC ALERT! Listen to Episode #11

“The science of reading has changed from decade to decade…when you look at the history of it, we have vacillated between the two camps - phonics vs whole language instruction- I think this new bill is trying to bring it all together.”

In Episode 11, Allison and Leonard discuss the recently approved AB 1454 that focuses on student literacy and how it will affect instruction throughout the state of California.