Beyond the Obvious: Looking at students’ strengths and needs from all angles

In this episode, Heather and school psychologist Chris Zielinski dig into what it really means to build a complete picture of a student’s strengths and needs. Chris explains why relying on a single assessment—or even a single perspective—can lead to decisions that miss the mark. Instead, he makes the case for using multiple data sources and a team-based approach to create more accurate, fair, and useful profiles of students.They talk through common traps like plug-and-chug evaluation practices, the risks of over-testing, and what it looks like when professionals truly collaborate across domains to answer real questions about students, not just fill out forms. Chris shares practical ways to keep evaluations efficient, student-centered, and culturally responsive—so teams can focus on what matters most: making smart, informed decisions that actually help kids.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!