In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Lainey Sandberg sits down with Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at PBEC, to discuss a powerful mindset shift in special education: Are we testing the student, or are we testing the supports?

Together, they unpack how starting with the assumption that students can succeed—when the right supports are in place—can change the conversation around interventions and placement decisions. Jeffrey shares how educators can move from focusing on student deficits to critically evaluating the effectiveness of supports and interventions.

Key takeaways include:

• Why the default assumption should be that students can succeed in general education with proper supports.
• How to reframe team discussions around data and interventions.
• Practical steps teams can take to assess and adjust supports before making placement decisions.

Tune in to learn how testing supports, not students, leads to better outcomes and empowers educators to continually refine their practice.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee is joined by Morty Morton-Aldous, the Low Incidence Coordinator of Physical Impairment, Other Health Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Assistive Technology at PBEC. Morty takes us through the essential role of assistive technology (AT) in special education and how it enhances the learning experience for students with disabilities.

During the conversation, Morty explains the distinction between assistive technology, accommodations, and modifications, and highlights how AT can empower students by targeting their specific needs. The episode also explores the key components of an effective assistive technology plan, including the evaluation process, choosing the right tools, and integrating AT into everyday teaching practices.

This episode is essential for any special education teacher looking to better understand how assistive technology can create meaningful change in their students' education.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Tessa Capelle, a physical therapist with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, to explore physical therapy's critical role in schools. Tessa explains how mobility and independence are foundational to a student’s ability to access their education and engage meaningfully in the school environment.

Together, they unpack the indirect service model, where physical therapists empower teachers, case managers, and paraprofessionals to support students' physical and educational needs effectively. From understanding individualized strategies to fostering inclusion, this conversation provides educators, parents, and support staff with a clear roadmap for collaboration in ensuring every child thrives.

Tune in to discover how physical therapy in schools is much more than movement—it’s about building pathways to independence and success.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeff Lee welcomes Emily Museus, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator at PBEC, to discuss early intervention and its transformative effects on children with developmental delays.

Emily shares her expertise on early intervention's pivotal role in a child’s development and how it sets the stage for future success. They discuss the importance of identifying and addressing delays early, collaborating with families, and building strong support systems within schools and communities.

From practical strategies to heartwarming success stories, this episode offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about helping young learners thrive.

Tune in to learn how early intervention creates brighter futures—one milestone at a time.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator, is joined by school psychologist Natalia Lynch to break down the essentials of effective interventions in education. Together, they explore the difference between interventions, accommodations, and modifications, outline the key components of successful intervention strategies, and discuss how progress monitoring and fidelity can transform student outcomes. Perfect for educators looking to incorporate evidence-based practices into their daily routines.

In this episode of "Conversations with the Co-op," we delve into the essential aspects of Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) services and behavior in educational settings. Join host Jeffrey Lee and special guests Laura Lind and Diane Schiffler-Dobe, Teachers and Coordinators for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as they provide valuable insights into the qualifying criteria for DHH services and their primary purposes. From discussing the intricacies of educationally intrusive behaviors commonly associated with DHH needs to navigate the steps to address behavioral challenges in DHH students, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the unique considerations involved in supporting DHH students' educational journey. Tune in for enlightening discussions and practical strategies to enhance support for DHH students in educational settings.

In this episode of "Conversations with the Co-op," join your host, Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, for an enlightening discussion with Jim Kath, Behavior Coordinator. Together, they unravel the complexities of behavior management in special education, focusing on the delicate balance between general and emergency interventions.

Exploring the Gray Areas: General vs. Emergency Behavior Management

Navigating the spectrum of behavior management in special education requires a keen understanding of when to implement general strategies and transition into emergency interventions swiftly. With his wealth of experience, Jim Kath shares insights into the nuanced differences, emphasizing the critical role of individual discretion in determining the threshold for what constitutes an emergency.

Key Highlights:

• Individual Discretion: Jim sheds light on the importance of empowering case managers with the tools to exercise individual discretion in discerning behaviors that disrupt the learning environment from those that pose an immediate risk of harm.

• Resuming the Plan: Discover how emergency behavior management, while interrupting the general process, integrates with the resumption of established behavior plans and strategies once the crisis is effectively handled.

• Consequence Perception: Addressing concerns around the perceived lack of consequences, Jim provides strategies to ensure that appropriate consequences are delivered effectively, fostering a conducive learning environment for all.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the intricacies of behavior management in special education, equipping our dedicated case managers with the knowledge to navigate these critical distinctions effectively.

In today's episode, we tackle the art and science of creating effective IEP goals and objectives. Host Lainey Sandberg is joined by Jeffrey Lee as they explore the intricacies of IEP goal setting, unraveling common misconceptions, and providing valuable insights for educators.

Discover why IEP goals don't need to mirror interventions precisely, but instead should align with a broader vision for a student's progress. Uncover the critical role of objectives, the key milestones on the path to achievement, and why they shouldn't be 'mini goals.' Dive into the fascinating world of setting goals that are tailored to the educational environment and consider how a student's disability affects their skill development.