Join us on this episode of Mosaic Days as Allison and Leonard have a discussion on the great math debate! What is the best way to instruct students in math? Do we need to focus on just direct explicit instruction, or could students successfully show growth through learning that is based on inquiry tasks and developing problem solving skills? Tune in to hear our thoughts.

Now that the meeting is over, Allison and Leonard discuss what should be done after the meeting, including post-meeting debrief to review strengths and concerns, creating a follow up list with who is responsible as well as Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Now that we have prepared for our meeting, it is the big day! Join us as we give teams tips on how to navigate those difficult IEP meetings, including managing paperwork, dealing with conflict and maintaining relationships with families.

Planning and preparation should always be at the forefront when teams are tasked with challenging meetings. Join us on Mosaic Days where we discuss how administrators can provide additional support and training to prepare for meetings so that we can meaningfully engage in informed decision making.

Join us on the next episode of Mosaic Days where we review the LAO report, debate the challenges of the current ADA model for funding, and discuss the overall impact that enrollment based funding would have on California schools.

On Episode 20, in celebration of the New Year, Allison and Leonard discuss staff mental health and the importance of identifying ways to recharge.

On Episode 19, Allison and Leonard discuss tips for keeping your cool, making data informed decisions and ensuring the conversation stays student-focused.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

“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.

“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.

“Every single class is different. I don’t know how they are going to be able to make such a statement….. it really depends on who is in that classroom , what the level of needs are, whether or not health and nursing is needed, whether or not there is behavioral support needed.”

In Episode 10, Allison and Leonard discuss the recently approved AB 560 and how it will affect Special Education classrooms as well as its potential fiscal impact.

Episode 9 is now available.

“If there is no oversight at the federal level, then we have to self monitor, we have to self regulate. With the potential lack of federal monitoring, it is a founded fear that districts are going to try to reduce costs by reducing services.”

In Episode 9, Allison and Leonard discuss the latest blow to education as the Office of Special Education Programs has been all but eliminated.

“Let’s be thoughtful. Let's be intentional. Let's make sure that we are putting systems in place that everyone is going to be involved in, and let’s implement this together”

In Episode 8, Allison and Leonard continue the discussion on how best to support student social emotional learning through an intentional three pronged structured support system focused on prevention, intervention and postvention strategies.

The affective domain can either severely impact or positively impact the learning process for our students in schools.

In episode 7, Allison and Leonard discuss the ways in which student emotions can impact student learning and achievement. They examine some of the causes and how teachers can transform student experiences into student gains to build community.

“This is what we’re here for right? Teaching, instruction. This is the primary purpose for our existence as educators. We’re here to teach content to a variety of learners with a variety of experiences and backgrounds.”

In episode 6, Allison and Leonard discuss the basics for creating lesson plans that engage all students.

“Funding for special education has never been what it should be.”

In episode 5, Allison and Leonard discuss the biggest challenges facing special education including rising costs related to higher rates of incidence to staffing shortages and everything in between.

In episode 4, Allison and Leonard talk about the struggles of a first year special education teacher and how leadership can provide critical support for teacher retention.

In episode 3, Allison and Leonard talk about building community and promoting positive behaviors by implementing consistent practices throughout the school as well as into the classroom.

In episode 2, Allison and Leonard talk about developing relationships on campus during the first weeks of school.

In the first episode of Mosaic Days, Allison Smith and Leonard Martinez discuss Back to School tips for teachers and administrators.