We are in the middle of the start of another school year across the country, whether your students have already returned or have a later start date. One of the most important events from last school year was the Supreme Court decision to withhold $65M in federal funding for education, and we are seeing those impacts across the board. Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez is here to unpack the decision and the far-reaching effects. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez is the CEO at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, an organization that is almost 50 years old. Their mission is to serve ALL students, their families, their educators, and their future employers. Dr. Rodriguez has a background steeped in education, from teaching special education at all levels to being an administrator. Her passion for advocacy and equity for all students is the central theme of her work, always focused on a more inclusive and equitable education system.

Show Highlights:

• The story of the $65M earmarked for DEI efforts—now withheld by the Supreme Court decision
• Who will feel the impacts? Every single student!
• The uproar from multiple states about the withholding of grant money, most of which was to combat the nationwide teacher shortage
• Specific examples of what these grants were doing in teacher retention and residency programs
• The politicization of teacher preparation is a dangerous precedent.
• The average layperson is unaware of what’s happening and what the effects of this decision are.
• The need for awareness and the dangers of staying silent
• Action steps you can take today
• Dr. Rodriguez’s admonition to school leaders, superintendents, and any concerned person who wants to take action

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Rodriguez and the NCLD: Website (Click the “Take Action” tab at the top!)

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org.

Thank you for listening!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.