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Artwork for Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Understood.org, Julian Saavedra
ADHD
Special Education
Learning Differences
School Year Preparation
Dyslexia
Daily Affirmations
Growth Mindset
Parenting
Time Management
Parental Support
Community Support
Families
Child Development
Ieps
Preschool Services
Budgeting
Conflict Resolution
Fun Afternoon Friday
Educational Support
Parent-Teacher Conferences

Navigating the education system can be overwhelming for families whose children have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning and thinking differences. Opportunity Gap is a podcast that sheds light on the real challenges families face when trying to get the right support for their kids. On this show, we explore how identity, race, disability, and access to resources can make the education journey more ch... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes92Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Kids & FamilyEducation for KidsParenting

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Artwork for Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Julian breaks down “chronic absenteeism.” What is that, you ask?

As parents, you’re probably familiar with kids avoiding school. But when does a feeling turn into a pattern? And what can that tell us about a child’s school experienc... more

Many kids with ADHD also deal with anxiety. Together, this can end up looking like defiance, avoidance, or just acting out at school. 

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on behind these behaviors. And we share practical ways th... more

YouTube

We know the headlines around special education these days are hard to take in.

Federal layoffs in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) could affect oversight of $15 billion in IDEA funding, putting some services your child may be receivin... more

Sometimes parent-teacher relationships don’t go as smoothly as we hope. And when conflicts happen, it can make school harder for both students and adults.

In this episode, Julian shares practical advice for dealing with parent-teacher tension. Learn... more

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Recent Guests

Meghan Whittaker
Former Chief of Staff in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Episode: Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained
Ray Jacobson
Journalist and host of Understood's Hyperfocus podcast
Understood.org
Episode: Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained
Shira Moskowitz
Reading specialist and special education teacher
Episode: Trouble with reading? Is it dyslexia?
Brendan Hodnett
Math educator and expert on learning disabilities
understood.org
Episode: Kids struggling with math? It could be dyscalculia
Dr. Karen Wilson
Clinical neuropsychologist and expert on learning and mental health
understood.org
Episode: What to do when kids are feeling depressed or anxious
Dr. Monica Johnson
Clinical psychologist and owner of Kind Mind Psychology
Kind Mind Psychology
Episode: Navigating your child’s diagnosis: Self-care tips for parents
Malhar Shah
Education attorney specializing in special education law.
Episode: The hard truth about racism in special education: Part 2
Chris Cola
Proud dad of a son with learning and thinking differences
Episode: The hard truth about racism in special education: Part 1
Afrika Mills
Education consultant and published author with extensive experience as an educator since 1999.
Episode: The power of culturally responsive teaching

Host

Julian Saavedra
Host and assistant principal with a keen focus on educational advocacy, particularly for children with learning differences like ADHD and dyslexia.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 38 ratings
  • Great topics, great tips, great host!

    Julian is a great host—I love this show! Great topics, great guests, great tips, and did I mention I love the host?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ice-wings🐾🐲🌌
    United States3 years ago
  • Thoughtful podcast on important issues

    This podcast is one of a kind — specifically focusing on the intersection of race and learning disabilities/ADHD, which often gets overlooked in schools. The host is honest, relatable, and informative. The guests always add great perspective. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to become more knowledgable on these issues.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nyrkim
    United States3 years ago
  • Really great show

    Love the hosts and how candid they are. I really appreciate the perspective they bring. Required listening for all teachers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BK77534
    United States3 years ago
  • Bold and exciting

    Hearing someone finally asking the tough questions families face when it comes to differences like race and school choice is refreshing. Knowing the gap exists is common, reckoning with what this means for parents and their kids with disabilities — is bold!! Bravo!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JS44419
    United States4 years ago
  • Honest and thought-provoking

    Julian and Marissa engage in thoughtful conversations and use their own experiences as teachers and parents to discuss some of the joys and challenges of raising kids of color with learning differences. This is a great resource for families and teachers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Beth5750
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Feedback indicates that episodes often feature practical strategies, which listeners find valuable for navigating the education system.
Listeners appreciate the insightful discussions that tackle complex issues in special education, often highlighting the unique challenges faced by families of children with learning differences.
The host, Julian, is praised for creating a candid and relatable atmosphere, making difficult topics more accessible and urging parents to advocate for their children more effectively.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD
Q: What are some specific strategies that a parent can do to start managing some of this anxiety and ADHD together when it's impacting behavior?
Parents should ask specific questions about their child's day and feelings, focusing on behaviors rather than using terms like anxiety or trigger, to elicit responses and understanding.
How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD
Q: What kinds of behaviors might be misinterpreted in students with ADHD and anxiety?
Acting out behaviors like talking back, leaving the classroom, and refusing to work may be misinterpreted as defiance, while they might actually be driven by anxiety.
How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD
Q: Can you help us break down how do ADHD and anxiety often occur together?
ADHD and anxiety tend to co-occur, but the research is not very clear on their coexistence. Many people who struggle with ADHD also experience underlying symptoms of anxiety, which can be masked by more prominent ADHD symptoms.
Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained
Q: How can parents navigate special education under these new circumstances?
Parents should document everything, maintain communication with schools, and work as a community to advocate for their child's needs.
Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained
Q: What impact do federal layoffs have on special education oversight?
Federal layoffs could severely limit the capacity to oversee the fair distribution of funds and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast addresses the complexities and challenges faced by families navigating the education system, particularly those with children experiencing learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia. Through insightful discussions, the show emphasizes the interplay of identity, race, and access to resources in shaping educational outcomes, offering both expert advice and personal anecdotes to illustrate the experiences of parents and children alike. Listeners can expect a blend of actionable strategies, real-life stories, and the opportunity to engage with pressing issues in special education, making it a valuable resource for parents seeking to advocate for their children effectively.

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this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 92 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Meghan Whittaker
2. Ray Jacobson
3. Shira Moskowitz
4. Brendan Hodnett
5. Dr. Karen Wilson
6. Dr. Monica Johnson
7. Malhar Shah
8. Chris Cola

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