Show Notes

Episode Description: In this powerful crossover episode, the Getting to the Core team joins forces with Wayne RESA's Special Education Department to mark the 50th anniversary of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Hosts Nekeya Irby, Marvin Franklin, and Vonetta Clark-Tooles sit down with Dr. Terrance Scott, Beth Santer (Executive Director of Special Education), Theresa Franklin, and Celeste Johnson for an honest conversation about where we are—and where we need to go.

From the promise of access to the reality of belonging, this episode tackles the hard questions: Why do silos still exist between general and special education? How do we move from compliance to meaningful inclusion? What would it take to truly reimagine teacher preparation and school culture?

The team explores practical strategies like Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the power of relationships over curriculum, and why every educator needs to embrace that all students are gen ed students first. With personal stories, passionate advocacy, and a bold 50-year vision for the future, this conversation is a rallying cry for educators ready to do the hard work of making "all means all" more than just a slogan.

Guests: Hosts sit down with Dr. Terrance Scott, Beth Santer (Executive Director of Special Education), Theresa Franklin, and Celeste Johnson

Hosts: Nekeya Irby, Marvin Franklin, and Vonetta Clark-Tooles

Length: 47 minutes, 47 seconds


Transcript

The Getting to the Core S1.E7 - 50 Years of IDEA: From Promise to Practice" Special Education's Past, Present, and Future