{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Beyond the Box","title":"Inclusive Curriculum, Co-Teaching, and High Expectations Beyond the Box with Kristen Hardy","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1423,"description":"On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Kristen Hardy, Executive Director of Special Education / SELPA at Vallejo City Unified School District. With more than 20 years of experience, Kristen leads efforts to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities while ensuring special education remains aligned with the district's broader instructional vision.\nIn this conversation, Kristen discusses the post-pandemic shift in special education, the importance of exposing every student to high-quality core curriculum, and how thoughtful assessment creates individualized learning pathways. She also shares how Vallejo City Unified School District dramatically increased graduation rates for students with IEPs through co-teaching, curriculum alignment, and a renewed belief that all students can succeed with the right supports.\nKey Moments\n01:36 Post-pandemic challenges in special education\n03:45 Connecting special education to core curriculum\n06:20 Ensuring every student accesses grade-level instruction\n08:21 Supporting students through inclusive classrooms\n09:19 Master scheduling for twice-exceptional learners\n12:22 Assessment as the foundation for student success\n15:12 Building individualized learning roadmaps through IEPs\n17:08 Increasing graduation rates through curriculum access\n18:10 Expanding diploma pathways for students with disabilities\n19:55 Co-teaching as a model for student success\n21:15 Building strong teacher partnerships through co-planning\n23:02 Raising expectations through inclusive instruction\nWhy You'll Love This Episode\nThis episode offers an inspiring look at how district leaders can transform special education by focusing on access instead of limitations. Kristen shares practical strategies for aligning curriculum, strengthening assessment practices, and ensuring every student has meaningful opportunities to engage with rigorous, grade-level learning.\nYou'll also hear how co-teaching, thoughtful accommodations, and...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/6F5INjP28d1joK7ccr19ewduLyMSv8aIwuVtglKc25Q/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81OTc2/N2ZkOThhNmY2NmFk/ZDhkMjMxZGUwMTEy/NzU4OC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}