In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Advocating for your special ed child

Apr 11, 2024

Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal, discusses advocating for special ed children, emphasizing communication, collaboration, and effective advocacy strategies. Topics include fostering collaboration between teachers, effective advocacy steps for parents, and utilizing valuable resources for supporting special education needs.

24:28

Creator website

Episode guests

Julian Saavedra

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Teacher training in special education is inadequate, leading to challenges in supporting students with learning differences.

Collaboration between special education and general education teachers is essential for effective support in schools.

Deep dives

Teacher Training and Education

Teacher training in special education can be lacking, with educators receiving minimal instruction on laws and specific supports like IEPs. This lack of preparation leaves many teachers unprepared to handle the legal and instructional aspects necessary for supporting students with learning and thinking differences.

Introduction

2min

Challenges and Evolution of Teacher Training in Special Education

3min

Fostering Collaboration Between Special Education and General Education Teachers

4min

Effective Advocacy for Special Education Children

13min

Supporting Special Education Needs with Valuable Resources and Connections

3min

If you think your child is struggling at school, what’s the best way to make sure they’re getting the support they need? Who should you talk to first? Should you call a meeting, send an email, or do something else?

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Julian Saavedra. Julian is an assistant principal in Philadelphia and the host of another Understood podcast, The Opportunity Gap.

Julian shares tips and strategies about what to do if your child needs more — or different — support in the classroom. He also provides a road map of where to start advocating for your child, plus how to work as a team with your child’s teachers and school.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.

Related resources

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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