In this episode, I’m answering FAQs from the School of Clinical Leadership members about supporting students’ executive functioning. I answer the following questions: What is frontloading, and why is it useful for students experiencing executive dysfunction and anxiety? When is it best to use structured, explicit instruction, and when is it best to let students…
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EP 202: Public perception of education, positive role models, and keeping good leaders in schools (featuring Dan Kelley, Dr. Joseph Williams, and Danny Bauer)
A good school leader knows how to protect their staff from initiatives and fires they may need to put out on a regular basis. In many cases if you’re unaware of everything your school administrator is dealing with, it means they’re doing their job well. This lack of awareness of what happens behind-the-scenes may mean…
EP 201: Swallowing and feeding intervention in the schools (with Carolyn Dolby)
Many people classify swallowing and feeding intervention as a “medical” service that shouldn’t be addressed in the schools. This is a very black and white (and inaccurate) way of thinking. Children with complex medical needs have a right to FAPE. Measuring whether or not students are accessing their curriculum can’t be solely based on grades;…
EP 200: Supporting underrepresented families with “Families and Educators Together” Teams (with Ari Gerzon-Kessler)
Helping families feel involved in their child’s school experience is a challenge; and underrepresented populations may often feel like their voices aren’t being heard. While it can help if school staff buy in to the idea of family engagement, it’s difficult for schools to make it happen without the right systems in place. That’s why…
EP 199: How to run a high-value, no-drama PTO (with Christina Hidek)
Finding the resources and funding for learning tools and enriching events is a consistent challenge for many districts. The PTO is often a largely underutilized resource, but most people cringe at the thought of having to attend one more committee meeting, especially in the evenings. Yet a well-run PTO can help take some of the…
EP 198: Empowering educators to support mental health at the Tier 1 level (with Dr. Hayley Watson)
Teachers and school leaders often feel like they have to be “everything to everyone”. Not only are educators expected to deliver high-quality instruction in traditional academic areas, they’re also expected to provide social-emotional support, vocational training, and everything in between. When it comes to supporting mental health, this can be a tricky ethical line to…
EP 197: Scaffolding, fading prompts, and the importance of parent and teacher coaching (with Rebecca Robbins)
“Scaffolding” has become a buzzword when it comes to helping kids become more independent with academic and functional tasks, but it’s only useful if people know what it means. Watching students or your own children struggle to transition or complete daily tasks can be uncomfortable for both the adults and children. As a result, it…
EP 196: FAQs: Language therapy goals and “observable behaviors” vs “strategy goals”.
For episode 196 of De Facto Leaders, I share a Q & A session where I talk through how to write language therapy goals that are both trackable and functional. This is just one of many Q & A sessions I’m planning on sharing where I talk through how to find the balance between focusing…
EP 195: FAQs: Language evaluations, data, doctoral programs and expanding clinical career options.
For episode 195 of De Facto Leaders, I share a Q & A session where I talk through ways to navigate evaluations; including considering a test’s psychometric properties, how detailed it gets, and how to supplement with non-standardized protocols. In the second half, I talked about SLP career transitions and things to think about if…
EP 194: Salary and caseload negotiations and expanding your career opportunities (with Rachel Archambault)
Many therapists feel as though they have limited upward mobility in their careers. Graduate programs understandably focus on direct clinical practice and understanding evidence-based practices. Unfortunately, this leaves many clinicians unprepared to navigate policy work, salary negotiations, or running a business. This makes many therapists less confident in advocating for reasonable caseloads or better compensation…