Tag: Special Education

When the Dream Costs More Than Money: VEqual, ReadEase, and the AI IEP Assistant

Over the past three years, I have invested one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars of my own money into building educational technology solutions designed to close gaps that harm students with disabilities. From VEqual, an immersive virtual school that began as a science lab, to ReadEase, an AI-powered reading tutor, to the AI IEP Assistant that helps teachers focus on delivering services rather than just writing plans, these tools were built to create real change. This is not a story of failure. This is a call for partners who believe in equity, inclusion, and innovation in special education.

Preparing for the Impact on Special Education Funding in Washington State and Nationwide

The potential defunding of the U.S. Department of Education threatens special education nationwide. Cuts to IDEA and Title I funding could reduce resources, undermining Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Culturally Responsive Teaching. States like Washington may rely on agencies like DSHS to fill gaps, but advocacy and alternative funding are crucial to protecting equitable education access.

Four Years of Thoughts Cost: A Journey from One Student to Statewide Impact

Tomorrow marks four years since Thoughts Cost began with one student and a mission to create meaningful change during the uncertainty of the pandemic. From humble beginnings with no plan or income, we have grown into a movement that builds programs, develops EdTech tools, and secures state-level contracts to empower students, families, and educators. This journey has been defined by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

The State of Special Education in Washington: A 2024 Overview

Culturally responsive practices are often integrated only at a surface level in special education. Brief professional development sessions leave educators with an incomplete understanding, which is insufficient to address the complex needs of students from marginalized communities. Without deeper systemic changes, these efforts risk being more performative than impactful.

Spotlight on Excellence – Celebrating Ibijoke Idowu-Holiday’s Impactful Journey in Education

Ibijoke Idowu-Holiday's journey from a young tutor to a special education teacher in Seattle Public Schools showcases her unwavering dedication to equitable education. Her innovative use of assistive technology and commitment to family and community involvement highlight her approach to inclusive learning. Ibijoke's advocacy for high expectations and equitable opportunities for all students, especially those marginalized, underlines the transformative power of education. Her story is a beacon of inspiration, urging us to support and celebrate the profound impact of dedicated educators.

Revolutionizing Education: Bridging the Divide with Virtual Science Labs

Many special education students are pushed out of science classes, which can have dire consequences for their future success. With virtual science labs, we can provide a safe and accessible environment for these students to engage in science experiments, just like their peers. This not only helps to improve their academic performance but also provides a sense of inclusion and belonging, which is essential for their overall well-being.

I don’t want a pat on the back! We need to be upset!

While I enjoy acknowledgment and I strive to be the very best educator that I can be. I wanted people to read these words and be upset. I know that a lot of what I said did not fit the overall theme of the article, and what is written is real but a little sugar-coated. That is not a knock against writer Jamie Swenson, with who I had some very positive conversations. This is an article highlighting the fact that UW helped put me in a position to fight inequity that our Black and Brown students experience.