In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Lainey Sandberg sits down with Jeffrey Lee, K-12 Special Education Coordinator at PBEC, to discuss a powerful mindset shift in special education: Are we testing the student, or are we testing the supports?

Together, they unpack how starting with the assumption that students can succeed—when the right supports are in place—can change the conversation around interventions and placement decisions. Jeffrey shares how educators can move from focusing on student deficits to critically evaluating the effectiveness of supports and interventions.

Key takeaways include:

• Why the default assumption should be that students can succeed in general education with proper supports.
• How to reframe team discussions around data and interventions.
• Practical steps teams can take to assess and adjust supports before making placement decisions.

Tune in to learn how testing supports, not students, leads to better outcomes and empowers educators to continually refine their practice.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee is joined by Morty Morton-Aldous, the Low Incidence Coordinator of Physical Impairment, Other Health Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Assistive Technology at PBEC. Morty takes us through the essential role of assistive technology (AT) in special education and how it enhances the learning experience for students with disabilities.

During the conversation, Morty explains the distinction between assistive technology, accommodations, and modifications, and highlights how AT can empower students by targeting their specific needs. The episode also explores the key components of an effective assistive technology plan, including the evaluation process, choosing the right tools, and integrating AT into everyday teaching practices.

This episode is essential for any special education teacher looking to better understand how assistive technology can create meaningful change in their students' education.

In this episode of Conversations with the Co-op, host Jeffrey Lee sits down with Tessa Capelle, a physical therapist with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, to explore physical therapy's critical role in schools. Tessa explains how mobility and independence are foundational to a student’s ability to access their education and engage meaningfully in the school environment.

Together, they unpack the indirect service model, where physical therapists empower teachers, case managers, and paraprofessionals to support students' physical and educational needs effectively. From understanding individualized strategies to fostering inclusion, this conversation provides educators, parents, and support staff with a clear roadmap for collaboration in ensuring every child thrives.

Tune in to discover how physical therapy in schools is much more than movement—it’s about building pathways to independence and success.