Building Schools Where Every Learner Matters

What does the future of special education look like in New York State, and how can we ensure every learner is seen, valued, and empowered to thrive?In this episode of Whole Brain Whole Child, Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at Ulster BOCES, sits down with special education leader and advocate Meg Braren, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services at Rondout Valley Central School District, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about the opportunities and challenges ahead as New York State advances the NY Inspires initiative and the Portrait of a Graduate vision.Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in special education, Braren shares insights on student voice, belonging, inclusion, systems change, and the importance of designing learning environments that recognize the strengths and potential of every child. Together, Dr. Berardi and her guest explore how emerging educational shifts can create more equitable pathways for students with disabilities while honoring the diverse ways children learn, grow, and contribute.This conversation reflects Ulster BOCES’ commitment to the North Star Educational Commitments: creating learner-centered experiences, fostering belonging, elevating student voice, and preparing all students for a future where curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and purpose matter as much as academic achievement.Topics include:New York Inspires and the Portrait of a GraduateThe future of special education in New York StateStudent voice, agency, and belongingUniversal Design for Learning (UDL)Neurodiversity and strengths-based approachesWhole Brain Whole Child practicesReimagining learning environments for all learnersAt Ulster BOCES, we believe every child deserves learning experiences that nurture both academic growth and human potential. This episode invites educators, families, and community members to imagine what is possible when we design schools that truly work for all learners.Episode Details:00:00 — NY Inspires & The Future of Special EducationDr. Jillaine Berardi welcomes Meg Braren and explores how NY Inspires and the Portrait of a Graduate are creating opportunities to reimagine special education through learner-centered, strengths-based practices.04:45 — Why Student Voice Changes Everything The speakers reflect on the importance of listening to students and ensuring their experiences, perspectives, and aspirations shape educational decisions at every level.10:00 — How Special Education Has Evolved in New YorkA look back at the progress made in special education over the past several decades, including shifts in policy, practice, inclusion, and advocacy.18:00 — Belonging, Inclusion, and School CultureThe conversation explores what true belonging means for students with disabilities and why inclusive school cultures must go beyond compliance to foster dignity, connection, and community.25:00 — The Biggest Barriers to Educational ChangeSystemic challenges that can slow innovation in schools and what leaders can do to create conditions that support meaningful and lasting transformation is explored.31:00 — Portrait of a Graduate: Rethinking Student SuccessHow New York's Portrait of a Graduate initiative encourages educators to broaden definitions of achievement and focus on the skills, dispositions, and competencies students need for life beyond school.42:00 — Accountability, Testing, and What We MeasureA thoughtful discussion about standardized assessments, accountability systems, and the need to measure outcomes that truly reflect student growth, engagement, and readiness.53:00 — A Vision for the Future of LearningBraren shares her hopes for the future of education, highlighting the power of collaboration, inclusion, and learner-centered design to create schools where every child can thrive.