Whole Brain, Whole Child at Ulster BOCES

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.

In this episode of Whole Brain Whole Child, Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) holds space for voices from CITL at Mount Marion Middle School for a powerful, student-centered conversation about learning, belonging, and the systems that shape their experiences.Joined by Assistant Principal Shelbi Hamilton, middle school students Kestrel and Isaac share their perspectives with honesty and courage, offering insights into what helps them feel supported, what challenges them, and what they envision for the future of education. Their reflections highlight the importance of connection, identity, and creating spaces where every learner is seen, heard, and valued.At Ulster BOCES, we believe in elevating student voice as a cornerstone of deeper learning. This conversation reflects our North Star Educational Commitments: fostering inclusive environments, nurturing the whole child, and designing learning experiences that empower students to think critically, advocate for themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.This episode invites educators, families, and community members to listen closely, because when students speak, we learn.🔹 What does it mean to truly support the whole child?🔹 How can schools better respond to student needs and strengths?🔹 What happens when we center student voice in educational design?Join us as we explore these questions and continue the journey toward more responsive, human-centered education.Episode Details:00:00 – Introduction: Whole Brain Whole Child PodcastDr. Jillaine Berardi opens the conversation, setting the stage for a student-centered discussion on learning, belonging, and the future of education.00:48 – Meet the Students: Kestrel & Isaac Share Their StoriesKestrel and Isaac introduce themselves, sharing early insights into their experiences and what matters most to them as learners.03:07 – Student Experiences: What School Feels LikeStudents reflect on their educational journeys, highlighting the supports, challenges, and moments that have shaped their growth.07:36 – Belonging, Identity & Inclusive School CommunitiesA powerful conversation about inclusivity, representation, and the importance of feeling seen, valued, and supported in school.08:43 – What Students Want: Designing the Ideal School DayKestrel reimagines the school day—emphasizing choice, creativity, outdoor time, and more personalized learning experiences. 17:43 – Rethinking School: Equity, Testing & Student VoiceA critical look at grading, testing, and equity—through the lens of student experience and the need for more responsive systems.24:03 – Future of Education: Creativity, Labs & Real-World LearningStudents envision hands-on learning environments, innovation labs, and opportunities to create, build, and explore real-world applications.34:00 – Student Voice in Action: Curiosity, Projects & InnovationStudent-driven learning comes to life through projects, field trips, and inquiry-based experiences grounded in curiosity.44:12 – Skills for Life: What Students Really Need to SucceedThe episode closes with reflections on essential life skills—highlighting creativity, critical thinking, and real-world readiness.

Join Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Ulster BOCES, as she chats with three engaged students from CITL at Port Ewen - Ian, Sean, and Adam - about their educational experience, which is guided by the Ulster BOCES Whole Brain, Whole Child philosophy.These students share their unique perspectives on what makes their school community so special, from the supportive staff and small class sizes to the exciting project-based learning opportunities. Learn how they're using their creativity and interests to shape their education and plan for the future. With ideas like redesigning classroom spaces, creating school sports teams, and expanding hands-on learning, these students paint a vivid picture of their ideal school experience.Listeners will also get a strong sense of the sense of community and support the students feel at Ulster BOCES, with teachers and staff who deeply care about their well-being and success. They share insightful ideas for creating more opportunities for interaction and collaboration across the different student communities within Ulster BOCES CITL programs and talk about their project-based learning experience and how they would like to see more specialized learning paths and opportunities for hands-on skill development.This conversation is sure to inspire listeners to think deeply about how the school experience can be shaped by listening to student voices and showcases the thoughtful, passionate ideas of Ulster BOCES students. Tune in today at https://youtu.be/kLb_pCkcgVA or on all major podcast platforms.

Welcome to the first episode of the Whole Brain, Whole Child podcast — an inspiring series from Ulster BOCES spotlighting transformative practices that are reshaping education for neurodiverse students who need a different way of learning. In Episode 1, our host, Dr. Jill Berardi, Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Design, and her guests Principal Christina Rutella, Social Worker Eric Cruz, and Teacher Rosie Pagana introduce listeners to a groundbreaking initiative at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) that is reframing how all work together to support every aspect of a student’s development — academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Gone are the days of working in silos. At CITL, the entire educational community — from teachers, related services providers, and social workers, to support staff and instructional assistants — co-design to create learning experiences collaboratively. Principles from neuroscience, child development, and educational psychology are integrated to create a learning environment that nurtures all aspects of every child's growth— with their whole brain and whole self at the center.Classrooms look and feel different here. Students are encouraged to move, find their passion, co-regulate, and contribute to decisions about their learning. From choosing how they engage to influencing the layout of their environment, student voice is deeply embedded in the daily routine. And a stable of caring educational professionals are available to support them at every step of their learning journey.Listeners will get a glimpse of the successful approach for integrating occupational therapists, physical therapists, social worker services, and other related services directly into classroom activities. They'll also learn about project-based learning initiatives like the Level Up Cafe and workplace learning challenges that are igniting student creativity and engagement at the high school site. These ventures foster a strong sense of belonging and allow students to develop meaningful life and job skills within a supportive environment.Tune in to Whole Brain, Whole Child at Ulster BOCES to hear how the faculty and staff at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning are leading with heart, science, and collaboration to serve students in a truly transformative way. Available now at https://youtu.be/CKgKE6FyYFA and all major podcast platforms.