113. Navigating An IEP Or 504 Plan
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
Release Date: 07/31/2020
188. How SAT and ACT Scores Highlight Educational Inequity
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
Pronounced differences in standardized test scores often manifest across racial and socioeconomic segments of districts, states, and the U.S. as a whole. Does this mean the tests are biased, or can the bias be found elsewhere? Amy and Mike invited educator Eva Addae to explain how SAT and ACT scores highlight educational inequity.
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187. What Is Scholarship Displacement?
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
We all know how valuable scholarship awards can be in defraying the high cost of education. But how many applicants recognize how often colleges subtract from their own aid packages the exact amounts students report in external scholarship funds? Amy and Mike invited scholarship expert Ken Downs to shed light on the mysterious phenomenon of scholarship displacement.
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186. Getting Into Business School
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
When more selective schools open doors to more substantial opportunities--and compensation-- gaining admission to the right MBA programs can be serious business! Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Brett Ethridge to share the most current guidance on getting into business school.
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185. Incorporating Test Prep Into The High School Classroom
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
While teachers generally want students to be ready for the quizzes, exams, and finals associated with their curriculum, most shy away from focusing on state or national assessments. Too bad, really, when school is the perfect place to prepare for any test. Amy and Mike invited educator Laura Link to extol the virtues of incorporating test prep into the high school classroom.
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184. Demonstrating Leadership In College Applications
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
Leaders inspire others to make things happen. Colleges want students who make things happen. Seems like a natural fit, right? Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Lt. Col. Lisa Hillhouse to discuss how and why to demonstrate leadership in college applications.
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183. The Role Of Parents In The College Process
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
The road to college ideally ends when a student arrives at a school that aligns perfectly with both fit and ambition. So why do so many parents take the wheel? Amy and Mike invited educational planner Kristina L. Dooley to explore the role of parents in the college process.
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182. Test Prep Tik Tok
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
Keeping track of the newest social media platforms can be exhausting for many adults. Taking the time to figure out where teens focus their attention, though, offers a rare opportunity to deliver education they’ll actually engage with. Amy and Mike invited educators Jackie Pollina and Josh Kariyev to open a window into the surprising world of test prep TikTok.
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181. Clarity In Educational Relationships
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
Every relationship depends on clear communication for success, including and especially those involving educators, students, and, when relevant, parents. Amy and Mike invited educational coach Michael Gibben to explore the concept of clarity in educational relationships.
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180. The Heightened Need For Testing In 2021
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
The global pandemic made standardized testing impractical for much of 2020. Before we get used to life without high-stakes exams--as lovely as that might sound--let’s consider what we lose when we abandon objective academic assessments. Amy and Mike invited author and researcher Mike Petrilli to explicate the heightened need for testing in 2021.
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179. Using And Creating Educational Websites
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry Podcast
Civilization has never before known the wealth of inexpensive and accessible educational resources that we find on the modern web. However, finding a great site is only the first step in learning from it. Amy and Mike invited programmer Don Sevcik to clarify both using and creating educational websites.
info_outlineIndividualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans provide paths to procure formal help for K-12 students who struggle in school. However, pursuing these plans can be an education in themselves. Amy and Mike invited parent advocate Mary Jo O’Neill to explain the intricacies of navigating an IEP or 504 plan.
What are five things you will learn in this episode?
- What is the role of a parent advocate?
- What is the difference between a 504 and an IEP?
- How do you start the process to apply for a 504 and an IEP?
- Who qualifies and who doesn't for a 504 or an IEP?
- What happens if a student is denied a 504 or IEP?
MEET OUR GUEST
Special Education Advocate Mary Jo O’Neill, M.Ed., has a broad background in education. She began her career as a teacher in public and private schools, including Julie Billiart School. She was also an Advocate with Lawrence School. In addition to her time in the classroom, Mary Jo created a division within the Academic Support Center at Notre Dame College to provide quality educational opportunities and support services to students. Mary Jo most recently created her own consulting practice, in which she served as an Intervention Specialist and Parent Advocate for over ten years. She joined Hickman & Lowder in 2018.
Mary Jo serves on the national board of the International Dyslexia Association and is an advisor for the local branch and is also a member of the Julie Billiart Network Board. She authored the Forward of Expect a Miracle by Sandy and David Petrovic, Infinity Publishing (2014). Mary Jo graduated cum laude from Vermont College of Norwich University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She received her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University. She is a Licensed Intervention Specialist: Mild to Moderate Learning Disabilities.
Find Mary Jo at Hickman & Lowder at 216-861-0360.
LINKS
The Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans
What do all these special education acronyms mean?
Using an ETR When Drafting an IEP
How do I apply for testing accommodations?
RELATED EPISODES
TRANSITIONING YOUR IEP OR 504 PLAN TO COLLEGE
TEST PREP FOR STUDENTS WITH ACCOMMODATIONS
INCREASED COLLEGE COSTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.