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.
In 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.
Key Moments
01:36 Post-pandemic challenges in special education
03:45 Connecting special education to core curriculum
06:20 Ensuring every student accesses grade-level instruction
08:21 Supporting students through inclusive classrooms
09:19 Master scheduling for twice-exceptional learners
12:22 Assessment as the foundation for student success
15:12 Building individualized learning roadmaps through IEPs
17:08 Increasing graduation rates through curriculum access
18:10 Expanding diploma pathways for students with disabilities
19:55 Co-teaching as a model for student success
21:15 Building strong teacher partnerships through co-planning
23:02 Raising expectations through inclusive instruction
Why You'll Love This Episode
This 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.
You'll also hear how co-teaching, thoughtful accommodations, and collaborative planning can change outcomes for students, teachers, and families alike. It's a powerful conversation about creating inclusive systems where high expectations and individualized support work together.
Connect with Kristen Hardy | Executive Director of Special Education/SELPA
Vallejo City Unified School District
Website: https://www.vcusd.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hardy-98478051
Connect with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/
NovoDia
Website: https://www.novodia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/
About Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.
What is Beyond the Box?
Beyond the Box is a next-generation educational publisher that empowers school districts to take control of their curriculum like never before. Unlike traditional publishers, which offer one-size-fits-all solutions, NovoDia custom-builds state-aligned curricula tailored to your district’s unique needs and preferences.