Can we talk learning disabilities for a second? Because SLD evaluations live right at that messy intersection of data, instruction, and real human experience, and it’s one of my favorite areas to nerd out on.

In this episode I’m sharing three quick tips that can make your evaluations clearer, more accurate, and way more connected to actual educational impact.

We’ll hit the practical stuff, like really understanding what your academic subtests are truly measuring (even if you’re not the one administering them), then zoom out to how those standard scores do or don’t match classroom demands.

And finally, my favorite part, connecting the dots so your team and families walk away thinking, “Oh, now I get it.”

Highlights:

(01:35) - Why SLD evaluations sit at the intersection of data, instruction, and lived experience

(02:05) - Tip 1: Know your academic tools, even if you’re not the one giving the test

(03:30) - Reading comprehension isn’t one thing, how different tests measure it in totally different ways

(05:40) - Tip 2: Standardised tests vs classroom learning, naming the disconnect without losing the plot

(07:25) - Tip 3: “Connect the dots”, making cognitive and processing scores mean something real

(08:55) - Bringing it home: translating results into educational impact

The Prepared School Psych Community - https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies.

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In this episode, I’m talking teacher consultation with Michelle Valdivieso, and she brings the kind of calm, seasoned clarity that makes you instantly rethink how you walk into a classroom.

We get into what consultation is really for, how it’s changed with rising behavior needs, and why being “the testing person” is the fastest way to stay invisible.

We also talk about the tricky stuff, like consulting when you don’t have a teaching background, getting real buy in (especially pre referral), and how to support teachers without accidentally insulting them.

If you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, well that went… badly, this one’s for you.

Highlights:

(02:25) - The real point of consultation, getting ahead of referrals and building Gen Ed bridges

(03:40) - Why behavior concerns are up, and what’s really underneath them

(04:52) - Collaborative vs directive, visibility is not optional

(06:13) - “You weren’t a teacher”, how Michelle built credibility anyway

(08:31) - What to do when a teacher says “I’m not doing that”

(14:22) - The simplest next step, go watch teaching before you try to consult

To learn more about the Prepared School Psych community: https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies.

Connect with Jenny:

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This episode is a reminder that present levels are not just for students. They matter for you too. Our work changes constantly, and so do we, which means taking a moment to assess where we are right now can bring clarity, calm and direction.

Today I walk you through a quick reflection you can use any time of year to check in on how you are doing and what might need adjusting.

We look at your relationships at work, how your time is spent and the thoughts that shape your experience each day. With small shifts in awareness, you can improve communication, reclaim pockets of focus and change the tone of your self talk.

This little reset is simple, grounding and helps you step into the school building with more intention tomorrow than you had today.

Highlights:

(01:32) Why school psychs need their own present levels check

(02:05) How to assess the health of your team relationships

(03:10) A simple way to evaluate how your time is really being used

(04:15) The internal thoughts that help or hinder your work

(05:22) A Carl Rogers reminder about self acceptance and change

(05:55) Creating a mini self IEP to guide your next steps

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies.

Connect with Jenny:

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

WEBSITE