The Value of Individualized Learning over Standardization with Dr. Rina Bliss

Our heads are spinning as we rapidly approach the end of the school year. Fresh off the first couple of post-COVID years, it is important to change things in education and revamp what’s not working well. Today’s guest helps us gain a fresh perspective on our kids as individuals, neurodiversity, and inclusive education. Join us!Dr. Rina Bliss is a genetics expert, sociologist, and the author of three books. She is also the mom of three kids under 7 years of age. A former teacher in the Oakland Unified School District, she also taught as a long-term substitute in San Francisco during her grad school years both in general ed and special ed classrooms. All of these experiences helped redefine for her what intelligence means with a more inclusive outlook. She currently teaches as an Associate Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University. Show Highlights:What “neurodivergent” means Why each student (and each person) should be treated as the individual they are and valued as the person they areWhy the numbers that indicate academic progress should NOT be the sole factor for elementary studentsWhy each student should have an individualized plan and not be grouped together and labeledWhat Rina sees in the treatment of neurodivergent childrenWhy standardization in education should be removed in favor of individualization all the way through the school yearsHow our educational system is set up on standardized education over individualized learningWhy we are ALL neuroplastic in our learning and intelligence Links/Resources:Connect with Dr. Bliss: Website, Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterGet Rethinking Intelligence: A Radical New Understanding of Our Human Potential by Dr. Rina Bliss. Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: [email protected]