Get ready to get deep into the realm of Special Education. As a general ed teacher, I've had a love-hate relationship with how best to work with special education students and the teachers who support them. While I understand the necessity, the implementation in a general education classroom often felt awkward and overwhelming. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. I'm also sure our special education teachers have similar grievances when dealing with general ed teachers.So I decided to do a deep dive to better understand the history of our SPED programs, how they are supposed to work, and whether they are really benefiting the students they serve. This deep dive was too big to fit into a single episode, so Jen and I decided to create several episodes to give this topic the time it deserves. Welcome to Episode one:The History of Special Education (SPED)In this episode of Transparency in Teaching, Jen and I dive deep into the history of special education (SPED) in the United States. We start with a light-hearted conversation about Jen's rigorous walking routine, but quickly transition into the main topic: the evolution of special education. In this episode we discuss:Early Days of Special Education:Initially, children with disabilities were often institutionalized or kept at home with no formal education.Wealthier families could afford private tutors or specialized schools, but most families had limited options.Legislative Milestones:A series of laws from 1958 to 1968 began addressing the needs of children with disabilities, but these were piecemeal efforts.Notable acts included the Captioned Films Act (1958), the Training of Professional Personnel Act (1959), and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965).Major Legal Cases:Brown vs. Board of Education (1954): Although primarily about racial desegregation, it laid the groundwork for arguments against segregating children with disabilities.PARC vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1971): This case established that children with intellectual disabilities had the right to public education.Mills vs. Board of Education of D.C. (1972): Extended the right to free public education to all children with disabilities, regardless of the cost.The IDEA Act:The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975), later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities.This act has been reauthorized multiple times but has not been updated since 2004.Current Challenges:The IDEA Act is outdated and needs reauthorization and updates to address current educational needs and funding issues.The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) further ensured accessibility in public spaces, including schools.Jen's Perspective: She is struck by how long it took for meaningful changes to occur and empathizes with the struggles of parents both past and present.Anne's Perspective: She is concerned about the IDEA Act's outdatedness and the lack of recent updates to address current educational challenges.We wrap up by encouraging listeners to reflect on the history of special education and its impact on today's educational landscape. We also tease the next episode, which will delve into the current state of special education, including enrollment numbers and costs.Listeners are invited to share their thoughts and experiences related to special education on our website, TransparencyInTeaching.com, where they can also find past episodes and blog posts.Key Points Discussed: Reflections and Takeaways:Conclusion:Call to Action:

Anne and Jen talk about where they've been and preview this season's upcoming educational topics. Jen had quite the school year, buried in new administration and navigating how to stay afloat. Now that summer vacay has arrived, Jen took lots of naps and has now found time to catch her breath and sit down for a preview of the episodes to come! Join us for all the banter you've missed!

In today's episode, Jen and I solve the problem with schools, and spoiler alert! It's not the schools! It's the people who attend them. More specifically, the economic status of the neighborhoods and the people who have to live in them. It's just a plain fact that students from lower-income and impoverished communities have worse educational outcomes than their more economically stable counterparts. If you want schools to improve, stop blaming the schools and start working to improve the lives of the people who attend them!Here's how we break this all down in this episode:Literacy Rates and Historical Comparisons:We explored the misconception that literacy rates were higher in the past, noting that past statistics were often self-reported and not as rigorous as today's assessments.Current literacy rates show that 79% of adults have basic literacy, but half read below a sixth-grade level.Impact of Poverty on Education:We discussed how poverty significantly impacts literacy and overall educational outcomes.Comparing states like New Hampshire and New Mexico, we highlighted how environmental factors, funding, and socio-economic conditions contribute to educational disparities.School Funding Disparities:The episode delved into how school funding is largely dependent on local property taxes, leading to significant inequities between wealthy and impoverished districts.Examples from New York and Idaho illustrated the vast differences in per-pupil spending.Systemic Issues and Policy Failures:We examined how systemic and legal frameworks in different states either support or hinder educational success.The lack of robust policies in states like New Mexico contrasts sharply with the strong legal obligations in New Hampshire to provide equitable education.The Cost of Illiteracy:Illiteracy costs the U.S. economy up to $2.2 trillion annually in lost productivity and increased public assistance needs.Improving literacy rates could significantly boost the GDP and reduce public costs.Potential Solutions and Innovations:We discussed the potential of AI in education, suggesting that AI could handle basic learning while teachers focus on social skills and higher-order thinking.However, we acknowledged the importance of human connection and the role of teachers as mentors and role models.Challenges with Technology and Social Media:The pervasive use of smartphones and social media among students poses significant challenges to their focus and learning.We noted the resistance from parents when schools attempt to limit phone usage, highlighting another external factor beyond teachers' control.In conclusion, this episode emphasized that while schools and teachers play a crucial role in education, many factors affecting student success lie outside the classroom. Addressing issues like poverty, funding inequities, and systemic barriers is essential for meaningful improvement in education. We called for a broader focus on these external factors to create a more equitable and effective educational system.

In this episode of Transparency in Teaching, I had the pleasure of speaking with Madeline, a former student teacher of mine who is now an adjunct faculty member at Chaffey College. Madeline shared her unique journey into the field of education, highlighting her initial struggles with dyslexia and how overcoming these challenges inspired her to help others learn to read.Madeline discussed her current role as a part-time professor, teaching English to a diverse group of community college students, including high schoolers in dual enrollment programs. We delved into her preparation for becoming a teacher, including her experience with the rigorous CalTPA (California Teaching Performance Assessment) and the importance of student teaching. Madeline emphasized the value of having a supportive cohort and mentor during her training.Madeline also shared practical advice for new teachers, including the importance of not lowering expectations, allowing students to learn from failure, and utilizing apps and online tools to create engaging lessons. Although Madeline struggled with feeling some first-year burnout, she expressed her continued passion for teaching and her commitment to making a positive impact on her students.I hope this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring educators. If you found our conversation helpful, please share the Transparency in Teaching podcast with your friends and family. Visit our new website, transparencyinteaching.com, for more episodes and blog posts. Thank you for listening!

As of 2025, 32 states, along with Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, have some form of school voucher or voucher-like program (such as education savings accounts or tax-credit scholarships). Seems that voucher programs are spreading across the US like hot TikTok influencer video, captivating, but ya better check your facts first! And I, unfortunately, don't think voucher programs will be retreating back into the Pandora's box of alternate education any time soon. So public school teachers and the folks that love and support them better take notice, because it's coming to a district near you. I fly solo in this quickie episode and bring you the latest on the biggest voucher program in the US so far. Texas, of course! Everything's bigger in Texas! I talk about how the program will run, how oversight will happen and the pros and cons of how this program may affect public schools. Does Texas get it right? Gotta hold for applause, for now.For a deeper dive into this topic, listen to episode 58 Public Money for Private School Choice: Who Benefits and Who Pays the Price (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KplvYMJgMVy4wjaLnUyKw?si=dWYxKPsjTYqvqy0xw0w27w). Jen and I get in deep on the details of these programs and their consequences. Glad you stopped by for a "quickie" I hope it was as good for you as it was for me! Thanks for listening and thanks a bunch more for your support!

In this episode of Transparency in Teaching, host Anne sits down with Zach, a recent intern turned full-time educator, who opens up about the highs and lows of his first year in the classroom—all while adjusting to life as a new parent.Zach shares the realities of teaching, emphasizing that it's far more than a nine-to-five job. From building meaningful relationships with students to navigating the demanding workload beyond school hours, he offers an honest look at what it takes to thrive in education.Whether you're an aspiring teacher, a seasoned educator, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this conversation provides valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of the teaching profession—especially in those pivotal early years.Tune in for an authentic, eye-opening discussion on the true nature of teaching!Leave us a comment! How did you like today's show? What were your first years in the classroom like? Share your advice for new teachers.Check out our nifty website at https://transparencyinteaching.com

In this episode of "Transparency in Teaching," we tackle the hot topic of school choice and its potential impact on public education. On the surface, letting families decide where to spend their educational tax dollars on the school of their choice seems to make sense. But once we pull back the curtain on the consequences of this financial diversion of public funds, the idea seems more like nonsense. Are the potentially devastating effects school choice can wreak on public school resources and the people they serve worth it?We get into:00:06:16 - Understanding Different Types of Vouchers 00:08:01 - Arguments For and Against Vouchers 00:10:17 - Demographics of Private School Students00:12:24 - Access and Limitations of Voucher Programs00:13:39 - Financial Instability of Voucher Schools00:15:10 - Teacher Qualifications and Regulations00:16:02 - Impact on Resources and Facilities00:17:27 - Concerns About Accountability in Private Schools00:19:28 - Jen’s Anecdote on Her Private School Experience00:24:28 - Racial and Economic Segregation in Private Schools00:26:20 - Research Findings on Voucher Effectiveness00:30:33 - Potential Benefits of Competition00:32:41 - Quality Concerns in Private Education00:34:41 - Impact of Vouchers on Public School Funding00:37:07 - Vicious Cycle of Underfunding Public Schools00:39:29 - The Business Model vs. Education00:40:54 - Concerns from Private School Administrators00:43:05 - Need for Accountability in Voucher Programs00:44:19 - Alternative Solutions to Vouchers00:46:04 - Investing in Public School Improvements00:49:17 - Community Schools and Support Services00:50:33 - Addressing Systemic Inequalities in EducationWhat do you think? Is it time to “defund” public education?Tune in for a thought-provoking look at the future of education. 

🎙️ Welcome to Transparency in Teaching! In this episode, Anne reconnects with her first-ever student teacher, Steven Arredondo, now a first-year educator navigating the world of online teaching. Steven shares insights on managing virtual classrooms, acing the CalTPA, and balancing workload, offering fresh perspectives for teachers curious about the digital side of education. Tune in for stories, tips, and laughs, and explore more at TransparencyinTeaching.com. Perfect for educators, from classroom veterans to online teaching newcomers! 🎧

In this episode of the new series The Rookie Report, Transparency in Teaching, host Anne interviews Mark Garcia, a passionate music educator currently teaching at a high school in Rialto. Mark shares his journey from his master's program at the University of Redlands to his current role, where he teaches a diverse range of music subjects, including music education, theory, marching band, jazz band, mariachi, and concert band. The episode aims to provide insights for aspiring educators by highlighting Mark's experiences and the realities of teaching music in a high school setting. Tune in to discover valuable perspectives from a new teacher dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Welcome to Transparency in Teaching! In this special episode, Anne introduces an exciting new series that dives into the real-life journeys of brand-new teachers. From navigating the certification process to stepping into their first classrooms, these fresh educators share candid stories, practical tips, and lessons they wish they’d known before starting.Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll hear in this series: Mark’s Advice: Choosing between the student teaching or internship route. Stephan’s Tips: Timing your video submissions for CalTPAs and making them shine. Zachery’s Insights: The most valuable preparation for the realities of teaching.Whether you’re considering a career in education, currently in a credential program, or just curious about the challenges and triumphs faced by our newest educators, this series offers invaluable wisdom and inspiration.Key Takeaways in This Episode: Honest reflections on the transition from training to teaching. Actionable advice for future educators, straight from those who’ve just been there. A hopeful glimpse into the future of education through the eyes of passionate new teachers.Who This Episode Is For: Aspiring teachers weighing their certification options. Credential program participants looking for real-world advice. Anyone interested in the personal journeys of the educators shaping the next generation.Call to Action:Grab a notebook, pour a cup of coffee, and get ready to feel inspired by the voices of tomorrow’s teachers. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might find it helpful!Follow Us: Instagram: @TransparencyInTeaching Twitter: @TransparencyPod Website: www.transparencyinteaching.comNext Episode Preview:Get ready to hear Mark’s in-depth take on choosing between the student teaching and intern paths—what he learned, what he’d do differently, and what he wishes someone had told him!Thank you, Sunny, for the background music! Find Sunny and more at:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/sunnyLicense code: NC6ZMUSGOTQIPWQL