The Crisis in Education Podcast

Send us a textIn this episode, Albert and Jessica explore how behavior analysts can connect with teachers by understanding and aligning with their core values through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This dynamic duo is passionate about integrating behavior analytic technologies—such as Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles—into educational settings. Their goal is to alleviate human suffering and foster collaborative relationships among stakeholders, including parents, educators, paraprofessionals, RBTs, BCBAs, and students, to achieve optimal outcomes for all involved.Listen as Albert and Jessica discuss practical strategies for building strong partnerships between behavior analysts and educators by focusing on shared values and goals. By leveraging ACT, they demonstrate how to create an educational environment where everyone thrives, supporting both teachers' and students' needs.Are you interested in developing innovative solutions and contributing to this shared vision? Albert and Jessica invite you to connect and create meaningful change with them. Reach out via email at 90a.valenzuela@gmail.com and Jessica.matus@asu.edu. Together, let's make a difference in the world of education!

Send us a textJoin Dr. Paulie as he takes a solo deep dive into the nuanced world of 'hands-off' policies in educational and care settings. In this compelling episode, Dr. Paulie shares firsthand experiences from the front lines of a struggling elementary school, revealing the real-life impacts and challenges of implementing 'hands-off' strategies. With decades of expertise in behavior analysis and crisis management, Dr. Paulie explores the clash between theory and practice, examining how these policies affect safety, learning, and community dynamics. Unfiltered and packed with insights, this episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone involved in shaping safe and effective learning environments. Tune in to "Beyond the Policy" as Dr. Paulie navigates the complex terrain of educational policies with candor and expertise. 

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Paulie has an insightful conversation with David Jenyns, a serial entrepreneur, systems devotee, and the mastermind behind SYSTEMology. David has dedicated his career to helping business owners worldwide scale and streamline their operations with his proven seven-step process. During conversation, David and Paulie dive into the challenges schools face with inefficiencies and inconsistent processes. David explains how SYSTEMology’s principles can transform educational institutions by:Defining Critical SystemsAssigning RolesExtracting KnowledgeOrganizing SystemsIntegrating SystemsScaling OperationsOptimizing PerformanceThey also discuss the importance of shifting from reactive to proactive management in education, ensuring that staff can focus on teaching and supporting students effectively. David’s insights provide a fresh perspective on how schools can leverage business systems to create a more organized, efficient, and productive environment.

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paulie sits down with former principal and national consultant Dr. Kisha Bellande-Francis to dive into the essentials of good instruction and instructional leadership. Together, they explore the critical components necessary for fostering an effective educational environment. Key topics include the importance of involving stakeholders, linking performance to set goals, establishing clear metrics and feedback loops, and maintaining a daily focus on growth and reflection of our practices. They also discuss the pivotal role of formative assessments and the challenges posed by high-stakes testing. Tune in to gain valuable insights on creating a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in education. About Dr. Bellande-FrancisDr. Bellande-Francis believes in a customized approach to education. She works closely with teaching professionals to understand their unique needs and challenges, and then develop tailored solutions to help them achieve their goals and reach a high level of student achievement in their schools. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality results for individuals and teams alike.ExpertiseAs a national consultant, Dr. Bellande-Francis is proud to have developed and conducted professional development regarding best instructional practices in 25 districts across 15 states. With over 17 years of experience in an educational setting, her background includes extensive management of personnel, parents, students, business partners, and all aspects of a school environment. She is well-versed in the most effective coaching and leadership techniques to lead teams to deliver high-quality results. She has a passion for developing schools to implement rigorous instruction and supporting professionals to reach their fullest potential.For more on Dr. Bellande-Francis and her services, check out her website DOTT Consulting

Send us a textIn this episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paulie sits down with behavior analyst and professor Dr. Guy Bruce, Ed. D, BCBA-D, from Appealing Solutions, LLC, to dig into the pressing issues facing educational institutions today. Dr. Bruce shares insights from his extensive experience in Organizational Performance Engineering, emphasizing pragmatic approaches to transforming educational environments to ensure every learner makes efficient progress.Tune in now and learn how to implement effective leadership and performance engineering in education!

Send us a textIn this enlightening podcast episode, Dr. Paulie and Clint Evans, known as the Behavior Chef, delve into effective strategies for promoting healthy eating habits among educators using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This discussion is timely, given the higher obesity rates among early care and education (ECE) teachers compared to the general U.S. population, influenced by factors such as tenure and diet habits. Addressing this issue from a health perspective, the conversation emphasizes fostering healthier lifestyles without body shaming, focusing on combating associated risks like diabetes rather than appearance. Practical, behaviorally informed methods are explored to integrate healthy choices into educators' routines, ultimately benefiting their well-being and setting a positive example for students. Read more about the study.Check out the Behavior Chef website here!

Send us a textIn a recent enlightening discussion on the podcast, Dr. Paulie spoke with CEO of Futures Forge, Nat Green,  about the transformative shifts in education and workforce preparation. During their conversation, Nat compellingly argued that the traditional college path might not be necessary for many individuals. Instead, the key to success lies in acquiring the right knowledge and skills that align with actual market demands. The dialogue delved into how the future of hiring will focus less on degrees and formal credentials and more on a candidate’s abilities and practical achievements.The discussion also highlighted that a select set of skills and personal attributes significantly influence career success, yet these are not typically developed through conventional schooling. For more about Nat's program check out http://www.futuresforge.org.

Send us a textIn our recent podcast, Dr. Clarence Cooper, a doctoral-level certified behavior analyst, joined Dr. Paulie to delve into the complex world of behavior analysis consulting in classrooms. Dr. Cooper discussed the significant challenges behavior analysts face when working in educational settings. Key among these is the difficulty of applying ABA strategies within existing classroom management frameworks, often exacerbated by educators' varying levels of familiarity and comfort with ABA methods.Dr. Cooper emphasized the critical importance of involving all stakeholders—teachers, administrators, parents, and students—in the consulting process. Building strong relationships with these groups is essential for success, as it fosters a collaborative environment where ABA techniques can be more effectively integrated and accepted. This collaborative approach not only enhances the implementation of ABA strategies but also ensures that interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each classroom and student, ultimately leading to more positive outcomes.The conversation with Dr. Cooper highlighted that while the path to effective classroom consulting as a behavior analyst is fraught with challenges, the potential rewards—improved student behavior and learning outcomes—are well worth the effort. By focusing on stakeholder involvement and relationship building, behavior analysts can navigate these hurdles and make a meaningful impact in educational settings.Dr. Cooper's email:  cooperclarence@yahoo.com

Send us a textFeedback is universally recognized as a cornerstone of growth and development, yet its delivery often falls short, missing the mark on fostering the intended positive impact. But, by recalibrating our approach to providing feedback, we can transform it into a catalyst for genuine improvement.  In this episode, assistant executive director and principal of alternative schools Jillian Bucciero, explores the critical art and science of delivering feedback effectively. She reveals invaluable insights into crafting feedback that enhances performance and fortifies the culture and learning environment; moreover, she walks listeners through the essential conditions necessary for impactful feedback and shares strategies to ensure that feedback becomes a powerful tool for growth and improvement.Books Recommended by Jillian:Dare to Lead Let's Talk, Making Effective Feedback Your Superpower Positional Authority Ain't Leadership

Send us a textIn today's episode, we're diving deep into the heart of educational transformation with our esteemed guest,  Dr. Jim Van Allen, a renowned speaker who travels across the country to share his insights on creating a thriving school and classroom environment. Jim, alongside co-author Jon Gordon, has penned the game-changing book, "The Energy Bus for Schools: 7 Ways to Improve Your School Culture, Remove Negativity, Energize Your Teachers, and Empower Your Students," set to captivate audiences worldwide on March 6th.What You'll Learn:The Blueprint for Positive School Culture: Jim shares the foundational principles outlined in their latest book and how these strategies can revolutionize the educational experience.Strategies for Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Discover the transformative power of positivity in educational settings, and learn practical tips for fostering this among students and staff.Combatting Negativity: Explore effective methods to identify, address, and neutralize negative influences within the school environment.Enhancing Communication: Uncover the art of positive communication strategies that can strengthen the bond between educators, students, and the broader school community.Boosting Engagement: Gain insights into innovative approaches for engaging both staff and students, ensuring a vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive educational experience.Guest Spotlight:Jim's dynamic energy and expertise make him a sought-after speaker on the national stage. Known for his engaging and 'off the cuff' interview style, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion. Today, he's here to share valuable insights and actionable strategies to help educators and administrators alike transform their schools into bastions of positivity, growth, and empowerment.Why You Should Listen:Whether you're an educator, administrator, or someone passionate about making a difference in the educational landscape, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and innovative strategies to uplift your school culture. Join us as Jim navigates the journey to a more positive, energized, and empowered educational environment.Bio:Dr. Jim Van Allan is President of The Energy Bus for Schools. He runs The Energy Bus for Schools program which gives schools the blueprint and framework to create a positive school culture. He coaches school leaders and superintendents on mindset, teamwork, communication, and culture-building. Additionally, Jim speaks to schools and districts across the country with keynotes, trainings, workshops, and student assemblies. He is the co-author of the book, The Energy Bus for Schools, with Jon Gordon.Jim is also a Professor of Communication Studies and Lead Speech Instructor with Keiser University, which is based in Florida. He teaches Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Business Communication.He also earned his Ph.D in Education Leadership from Keiser University. Much of his research centered around the impact of sustainable professional development for schools.He lives in Palm City, Florida, with his wife and three children, Brady, Brenden, and Brinley.Web site: EnergyBusForSchools.com