The MCIU Learns podcast is where education leaders, innovators, and experts share insights and best practices to elevate learning and empower schools. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with thought leaders, presenters, and program directors from Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) and beyond. Whether we’re discussing cutting-edge programs, professional development strategies, or the latest trends in education, our goal is to inspire and build capacity in educators, ...
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Beyond Behavior: The CLM Journey to Classroom Transformation
19:22
19:22
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19:22The Competent Learner Model (CLM) is revolutionizing autistic support classrooms by integrating behavioral analysis throughout the day instead of requiring separate intervention times. In this episode, teachers and behavior analysts from Pennsbury School District share their three-year implementation journey with MCIU Project Consultants Kari Kessl…
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Transforming Lives Through Essential for Living: A Conversation with Liz and Steve Maher
20:43
20:43
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20:43Essential for Living (EFL) provides function-based assessment and curriculum for learners with autism and developmental disabilities, tracking small increments of progress while continuing to develop communication skills. Steve and Liz Maher share their journey from creating the VB-MAP app to developing the EFL app, explaining how their technology …
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Dreaming Forward: Students Empowering Their Futures with Kate Yeager
25:42
25:42
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25:42In a world where the voices of youth are often unheard, this episode sheds light on how students in Montgomery County are stepping into leadership roles through the Dreaming Forward program. Join us as we engage with educational leaders and music artist Kate Yeager, who share their insights on the impact of storytelling and personal narratives in s…
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Transforming Math Education: Integrating Data Science with Dr. Tanya LaMar
29:00
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29:00Dr. Tanya Lamar joins us to discuss the transformative power of data science in mathematics education, emphasizing the need for students to see math as relevant and engaging. Join us as we learn how integrating data science into high school curricula can shift perceptions of math and empower students to embrace their mathematical capabilities while…
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A Conversation with ChangeEd's Patrice Semicek and Andrew Kuhn
18:42
18:42
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18:42Join us as we feature the dynamic duo, Patrice Semicek and Andrew Kuhn, who are working with their colleague Tony Mirabito (CLIU) to creatively drive the messaging and way we approach STEELS standards, gifted education, and the latest trends like AI. Through this engaging episode, you'll understand how a podcast was born out of the desire to share …
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Transforming Math Education Through Innovative Intervention with Juliana Tapper
26:42
26:42
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26:42Explore the secrets to transforming math education as we promise to shift your perspective from deficit-based thinking to asset-based empowerment. MCIU's Brandon Langer and Kirpa Chohan speak with Juliana Tapper, a dynamic math intervention teacher and author. Together, they discuss how fostering a belief in students' potential can dramatically enh…
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Innovating Pathways to Teacher Certification with Martin Luther School
29:16
29:16
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29:16Join us for an insightful conversation with MCIU project consultant Jesse Gluckman and the Martin Luther School, as they share how their innovative Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP) is reshaping teacher preparation. Learn how Martin Luther School integrates hands-on classroom experience with formal education, offering a competency-based learning…
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Conquering Math Myths with Ron Martiello and Jenna Rufo
33:01
33:01
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33:01Unlock the potential of every student in your classroom with insights from Ron Martiello and Jenna Rufo, the dynamic duo behind "Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design." With their combined expertise in math coaching and special education, Ron and Jenna share strategies that redefine what it means to be a "math person," helping students develo…
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Passion Meets Purpose at MCIU: Empowering Education with Jared Rohlfing and John Kikrilis
13:10
13:10
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13:10Discover the journey of two remarkable professionals in education as we explore the dynamic services at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Jared Rohlfing, our Marketing Communications Coordinator, brings his unique blend of media expertise and educational passion from Temple University to his current role, while John Kikrilis, a dedica…
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The Transformative Power of Inclusive Technology with Mike Marotta
22:40
22:40
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22:40Prepare to be inspired by the transformative power of inclusive technology in education. Inclusive technology evangelist Mike Marotta joins us to share his incredible journey, from starting as an assistive technology specialist to becoming a passionate advocate for tools that benefit every learner. Together with co-host Julie Ortlieb, we explore pr…
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Revolutionizing Math Education: Embracing Integrated Mathematics in Montgomery County
33:37
33:37
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33:37In this episode, we explore the integrated mathematics approach in school curricula. Join us alongside our distinguished guests, Dr. Jason Lilly from Lower Merion School District and Mr. Ed Merk from Colonial School District, as they share their pioneering efforts in blending algebra, geometry, and statistics into a seamless learning journey. Disco…
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Unraveling the Intersection of Speech Pathology and Behavior Analysis with Dr. Barbara Esch
23:26
23:26
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23:26Dr. Barbara Esch, a trailblazer in the fields of speech pathology and behavior analysis, joins us to unravel her unique journey to becoming a distinguished expert in her field. Our discussion delves into the synergy between speech pathology and behavior analysis, highlighting her contributions alongside pioneers like Dr. Richard Sheffelbush and ins…
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A Journey of Healing: Building Communities to Support Youth Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention
30:50
30:50
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30:50What does it take to build a supportive community that genuinely prioritizes mental wellness and suicide prevention among its youth? Join us as Todd and Nancy Solomon share the heartbreaking story of losing their son, Craig, to suicide and their mission to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. Listen as we highlight how student…
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Mastering Math Retention and Comprehension with Dr. Paul Riccomini
23:40
23:40
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23:40Join the MCIU on October 30th, December 4th, and December 5th as we unlock the keys to effective math education and retention with insights from Dr. Paul Riccomini, a leading expert in high-intensive education techniques. Discover how understanding cognitive processes—specifically the front end and back end of learning—can revolutionize your teachi…
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Partnering to Foster Belonging and Inclusivity Across Montgomery County Libraries
18:47
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18:47Discover how Montgomery County libraries and the MCIU are championing inclusivity, universal design, and a sense of belonging. Learn about innovative programs and partnerships that are transforming libraries into welcoming spaces for all community members.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Literacy and Students with Complex Needs: The Dos and Don'ts
12:11
12:11
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12:11Fresh off her return from an amazing conference, we sit down with Julie Ortlieb to explore her learning around the essential strategies for addressing literacy among students with complex needs. Julie shares her expertise on what works and what doesn't in the complex needs classroom, offering practical tips for educators. Visit our MCIU Learning Ne…
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Empathy in Education: Transforming Classrooms with Understanding
12:52
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12:52In this episode, we explore the impact of empathy in classroom management with MCIU Project Consultant, Marisa Crapella. Learn how empathy can help manage challenging behaviors, build strong connections with students, and create a more inclusive learning environment! Read Marisa's Blog Posts on the MCIU Learning Network: 5 Effective Ways to Create …
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Explore the innovative world of Ludia, your AI-powered partner in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Created to serve as a foundational tool and scaffold, Ludia assists in cultivating a UDL mindset and acts as a collaborative thought partner in intentionally designing educational experiences to minimize barriers. Join us as we delve into discussi…
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Examples and Strategies for Designing Accessible Digital Content
12:45
12:45
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12:45In this episode, join Cassie Brusch, Julie Ortlieb, and Brandon Langer as they delve deeper into the heart of accessibility in education, spotlighting innovative strategies and technologies that pave the way for inclusive learning environments. While the primary focus remains on ensuring every student has access to the resources and support they ne…
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Removing Barriers: Designing Accessible Digital Content in Education
10:50
10:50
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10:50Join us in this episode as we explore the role of technology in making learning more accessible. Cassie Brusch and Julie Ortlieb share insights on how digital tools are transforming education, offering flexibility and a variety of learning methods. They discuss the significance accessibility features like speech-to-text in enhancing learning experi…
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Shaping Futures: The Power of Project AWARE in Schools
10:20
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10:20Join us in this insightful episode of the OPL Podcast as we continue our conversation with Pia Houseal to discuss the three pivotal goals of MCIU's Project AWARE. Learn how we're enhancing student well-being through Suicide Prevention Training, Mental Health Screening, and Electronic Referral System Development. Tune in to understand how these goal…
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Beyond Awareness: How MCIU is Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education
9:10
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9:10Join us for a deep dive into Project Aware with Pia Houseal and Brandon Langer. In this episode, we uncover how Project Aware is: Empowering Through Awareness: Increasing suicide prevention training for students (K-12) to raise awareness and reduce suicidal tendencies and feelings of depression. Fostering Mental Health Support: Ensuring school dist…
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Unlocking Educational Excellence: Navigating MTSS and Data Platforms in Schools
21:56
21:56
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21:56Dr. Donna Gaffney, Dr. Rebecca Millspaugh, and Brandon Langer from the MCIU are joined by Ryan Winter from LinkIt! to discuss navigating MTSS and data platforms in schools. Listen as they explore the practical side of MTSS implementation and the impact of data-driven decisions on student success.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Shaping Student Experiences with Environmental Literacy and Sustainability
16:55
16:55
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16:55Stephanie Schwab, Erin McCool, and Brandon Langer dive into Environmental Literacy and Sustainability. What does it mean, where is headed in schools, and what will the impact be on students?!? Erin and Steph also share the details about a brand new offering from the Office of Organizational and Professional Learning, the Environmental Mobile Unit. …
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Invigorating High School Math with Steve Leinwand and Eric Milou
20:56
20:56
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20:56Kicking off season 5, we delve into the challenges faced by high school math teachers, from the constraints of standardized tests to the limited scope of current curricular structures. Discover why the status quo is no longer acceptable and why it's crucial to revamp course organization, teaching methods, and assessments to meet the demands of toda…
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Advancing the Personalization of Online Learning Through Storytelling and Connection
28:10
28:10
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28:10Season 4 of the MCIU podcast wraps with a conversation between MVP (MCIU23) and our friends from IU8 with the World of Learning Institute. In this episode, we explore the intersection of storytelling and executive functioning in online learning. Storytelling has the power to engage learners and enhance their executive functioning skills, leading to…
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Literacy and Complex Needs (#3): Shifting the Literacy Landscape for Students with Complex Needs
16:14
16:14
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16:14Julie Ortlieb and Brandon Langer continue their conversation about students with complex needs and literacy instruction. Read Julie's full post on the MCIU Learning Network.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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UDL Journeys: A Systemic UDL Investment (with Inglewood Elementary School)
20:08
20:08
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20:08Erin, Jesse and Brandon meet with the Inglewood Elementary team to hear their journey with Universal Design for Learning and the UDL team at Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. For more information and resources, visit the MCIU Learning Network at https://Learn.MCIU.org.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Pennsylvania Department of Education's Science Content Advisor, Dave Bauman, joins Andrew Kuhn and Brandon Langer to discuss the upcoming MCIU Science Expo and the statewide launch of the STEELS standards. Register to attend the MCIU Science Expo on May 16, 2023: https://mciu.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3804 For more information ab…
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Partnership Highlight: Leading Computer Science with Code.org
8:41
8:41
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8:41Ben DeSantis and Brandon Langer discuss MCIU's new role as the eastern Pennsylvania regional partner for Code.org. Learn more on the MCIU Learning Network at: https://Learn.MCIU.org/codeBy MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Literacy and Complex Needs (#2): Laying the Foundation for a Literate Life
15:00
15:00
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15:00Julie Ortlieb and Brandon Langer jump into round 2 of the mini-series dedicated to learning about "Teaching Literacy for Students with Complex Needs."By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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We Math! Mathing with Deborah Peart and MCIU
15:49
15:49
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15:49Deborah Peart joins Steph Schwab and Brandon Langer to talk "mathing," "mathers," and how she believes in building a math community where it is safe to take risks and share ideas. All of which provides an incredible preview for her upcoming MCIU session "Making Math Invitational."By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Teaching Students with Complex Needs (#1): What is More Functional than Literacy?
14:00
14:00
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14:00In the first episode of a new mini-series, Julie Ortlieb and Brandon Langer discuss how it may be tempting to focus solely on “functional skills” in a complex needs classroom and why literacy is the most important functional skill that our students can acquire.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Andrew Kuhn sits down to discuss the booming esports landscape and how you can learn more with MCIU. Register for the upcoming Introduction to esports with MCIU!By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Upcoming Text Talk Series: UDL with Loui Lord Nelson
4:49
4:49
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4:49Lauren Benfield and Erin Barry share a unique UDL offering with MCIU and Loui Lord Nelson. Learn more on the MCIU Learning Network!
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Creating Excitement in the Mathematics Classroom with Robert Kaplinsky
22:44
22:44
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22:44MCIU kicks off the new season of the OPL Podcast with special guest, Robert Kaplinsky. Robert shares his background, interests, and steps educators are taking with the open-middle and #observeme movements. Robert comes to MCIU later in the fall of 2022, more information can be found on the MCIU Learning Network here: https://learn.mciu.org/robert-k…
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Conversations with the Creator: An Introduction to PEAK Relational Training
22:14
22:14
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22:14Lead Project Consultant Kari Kessler meets with Dr. Mark Dixon to discuss the background and structure of the PEAK Relational Training System. Stay tuned to the MCIU Learning network at LEARN.mciu.org for details about our upcoming PEAK event in October! PEAK ABA YouTube ChannelBy MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Graham Fletcher (Round 2): The Five Practices in Practice
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9:00Teachers and school leaders join a conversation with Graham Fletcher as he returns to the OPL Podcast to discuss The Five [Mathematics] Practices in Practice.
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The MCIU Special Educators Network kicked off in February of 2022. Hear more about this unique opportunity for special educators to convene and connect in support of each other and learning for all. Register for the next event on April 5th, 2022By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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SDIs in Virtual Learning Environments: Executive Functioning and Series Wrap-Up (Post #6)
14:18
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14:18OPL Project Consultant Cassie Brusch finishes her series about SDIs in Virtual Environments. Brandon Langer and Cassie Brusch discuss the importance of developing executive functioning skills in virtual learning environments. The sixth and final post of this series can be accessed on the MCIU Learning Network.…
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SDIs in Virtual Learning Environments: Student Work SDIs (Post #5)
9:12
9:12
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9:12OPL Project Consultant Cassie Brusch continues her series about SDIs in Virtual Environments. Brandon Langer and Cassie Brusch discuss accommodations and modifications and we can approach Student Work SDIs in virtual learning environments. The fifth post of this series can be accessed on the MCIU Learning Network.…
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SDIs in Virtual Learning Environments: Instructional SDIs (Post #4)
10:47
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10:47OPL Project Consultant Cassie Brusch continues her series about SDIs in Virtual Environments. Brandon Langer and Cassie Brusch discuss accommodations and modifications and we can approach Instructional SDIs in virtual learning environments. The fourth post of this series can be accessed on the MCIU Learning Network.…
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Introduction to the MCIU Special Educator's Network
8:24
8:24
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8:24Join project consultants Cassie Brusch and Julie Ortlieb in a conversation about our Special Educator’s Network. The MCIU Special Educator’s Network provides a space and forum to build connections, share ideas, explore resources, and problem solve as a community of educators. We discuss the origin of this network and our vision for its progression.…
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SDIs in Virtual Learning Environments: Social/Behavioral SDIs (Post #3)
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9:04In the latest post from Cassie's series around SDIs in Virtual Environments, Brandon Langer and Cassie Brusch discuss accommodations and modifications and we can approach common SDIs in virtual learning environments. The third post of this series can be accessed on the MCIU Learning Network.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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We are hoping this podcast leaves you feeling pleasantly underwhelmed. @DaileySuzanne from the Teach Happier Podcast sat down with us to share how small shifts provide big gifts to increase our happiness!By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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SDIs in Virtual Environments: Part 2 (Common SDIs)
8:06
8:06
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8:06In the latest post from Cassie's series around SDIs in Virtual Environments, Brandon Langer and Cassie Brusch discuss accommodations and modifications and we can approach common SDIs in virtual learning environments. The second post of this series can be accessed on the MCIU Learning Network.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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One Team’s Journey with UDL: Inglewood Elementary School
11:42
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11:42In this episode, you will hear from members of the Inglewood Elementary School UDL team debrief about their learning as part of the Introduction to UDL Professional Learning Community (PLC) run by the MCIU. This team talks about the experience of participating in the PLC, the learning that they acquired, and their future plans to continue the work.…
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SDIs in Virtual Environments: Part I (Intro to SSDVE)
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6:23
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6:23OPL Project Consultant, Cassie Brusch, discusses her upcoming post series "SDIs in Virtual Environments" and how modern educational toolkits can support everyone in the education system. The first post of this series can be accessed on the MCIU Learning Network.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Dr. Ron Whitaker - SEL: What's Love Got To Do With It?
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25:07Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker speaks with members of MCIU's Office of Professional Learning about the role of love in his HELP Framework and how to build a sense of love in your spaces despite pandemic and social media barriers.By MCIU Learns - The Office of Professional Learning
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Task-Based Mathematics with Graham Fletcher
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23:03Season 3 of the OPL podcast kicks off with Graham Fletcher, a mathematics teacher and clinician who will visit the MCIU in early 2022. Click to listen to our conversation about problem-based learning, 3-act Tasks, and how to build procedural fluency and conceptual understanding in the elementary math classroom. Graham's background in the areas of m…
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