{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "type": "PodcastSeries", "name": "The Research to Practice Gap", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap", "dateModified": "2026-10-29T01:27:30.627Z", "tagline": "As a special educator, I struggled to find truly effective ways to support my students.", "description": "As a special educator, I struggled to find truly effective ways to support my students. I joined professional organizations, but didn’t have the time to sift through journals or navigate lengthy resource pages. I attended required professional development, yet it wasn’t always engaging—or useful. Welcome to The Research to Practice Gap, a podcast created to bridge exactly that divide. 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Dr. James shares practical ways to use picture books, existing standards, and everyday classroom routines to move Black history beyond February—while helping even our youngest learners engage with history, advocacy, and the power of their own voices. More from Dr. James…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 17, "name": "Talk Less, Listen More: Making Student Participation Meaningful", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/talk-less-listen-more-making-student-participation-meaningful", "datePublished": "2026-10-06", "dateText": "2026-10-06", "duration": null, "durationText": "1655", "description": "What does meaningful student participation actually look like—and are we sometimes mistaking compliance for engagement? In this episode, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with author and instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky to explore how educators can create more intentional opportunities for students to think, communicate, and engage in learning. From rethinking who does the talking to examining the structures we use for classroom participation, this conversation challenges educators to look…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 16, "name": "Closing the Research-to-Practice Gap: Finding and Using What Works", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/closing-the-research-to-practice-gap-finding-and-using-what-works", "datePublished": "2026-09-15", "dateText": "2026-09-15", "duration": null, "durationText": "1639", "description": "In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap, Dr. Helen Flores talks with Dr. Tal Slemrod about why evidence-based practices can take so long to reach classrooms—and what educators can do about it. They explore the research-to-practice gap, barriers to effective professional development, and practical ways teachers can find and use research to support their students. Dr. Slemrod also discusses the growing role of AI in education and special education, including its potential to increase…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 15, "name": "Equity Over Equality: Supporting Neurodiversity in the Classroom", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/equity-over-equality-supporting-neurodiversity-in-the-classroom", "datePublished": "2026-09-01", "dateText": "2026-09-01", "duration": null, "durationText": "1735", "description": "What does it really mean to support neurodivergent students in the classroom? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Zakreski joins Dr. Helen Flores to explore why equity—not equality—is essential when supporting students with different brains. From giftedness, ADHD, and twice-exceptionality to behavior, inclusion, and Universal Design for Learning, Dr. Matt shares practical ways educators can create environments that respond to students’ individual strengths and needs. Together, they discuss why…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 14, "name": "Teaching Students How Expert Writers Think", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/teaching-students-how-expert-writers-think", "datePublished": "2026-08-18", "dateText": "2026-08-18", "duration": null, "durationText": "1911", "description": "In this episode, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Barbara Friedlander to explore how Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) can help students become more confident, independent writers. Barbara explains how explicit modeling and think-alouds make the invisible thinking behind writing visible, shares practical examples of what SRSD looks like in the classroom, and discusses how the framework can support students with disabilities while benefiting all learners. Together, they explore the role…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 13, "name": "The Stories We Repeat: Rethinking Race, History, and Teaching", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/the-stories-we-repeat-rethinking-race-history-and-teaching", "datePublished": "2026-08-04", "dateText": "2026-08-04", "duration": null, "durationText": "2120", "description": "In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Tianna Dowie-Chin, Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education at the University of Georgia, to explore how educators can move beyond simply teaching about racism toward creating classrooms that affirm students' identities and histories. Together, they discuss the difference between anti-racist education and identity affirmation, the importance of telling stories that highlight not only oppression but also…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 12, "name": "Classroom Harm Isn’t Always Loud: Understanding Slow Violence", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/classroom-harm-isn-t-always-loud-understanding-slow-violence", "datePublished": "2026-07-21", "dateText": "2026-07-21", "duration": null, "durationText": "2007", "description": "What if the most harmful experiences students have at school aren't dramatic, but happen through everyday interactions? Dr. Helen Flores sits down with sociologist and Slow Violence author Dr. Ranita Ray to explore how subtle classroom practices, power dynamics, and everyday language shape students' sense of belonging. Together, they discuss how educators can reflect on their own practice, foster more humane classrooms, and recognize the small moments that can have a lasting impact on children.…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 11, "name": "Building Student Agency: Teaching Self-Determination in the Classroom", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/building-student-agency-teaching-self-determination-in-the-classroom", "datePublished": "2026-07-07", "dateText": "2026-07-07", "duration": null, "durationText": "2040", "description": "Self-determination doesn't begin at age 14—it starts in the earliest years of school. In this episode, Laurie Williams-George explains how teachers can build student agency through simple, research-based practices that help students make decisions, advocate for themselves, and believe that their actions can shape their futures. More from Laurie Williams George: Raising Joy #62: Navigating the Online World with Neurodiverse Children | Laurie Williams George Resources for Teachers: 6 Routines to…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 10, "name": "All of Us Are Artists: Bringing Creativity Back to the Classroom", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/all-of-us-are-artists-bringing-creativity-back-to-the-classroom", "datePublished": "2026-06-16", "dateText": "2026-06-16", "duration": null, "durationText": "1987", "description": "In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Hank Samuels to explore the role of creativity, imagination, and arts integration in education. Together, they discuss why so many educators believe they are \"not creative,\" how schools often separate art from learning, and practical ways teachers can incorporate creativity into everyday instruction. Dr. Samuels shares research-based insights and accessible strategies that help educators cultivate joy, deepen…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 9, "name": "Start Over Every Day: How to Stay in Teaching", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/start-over-every-day-how-to-stay-in-teaching", "datePublished": "2026-06-02", "dateText": "2026-06-02", "duration": null, "durationText": "1589", "description": "In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with educator and leadership coach Michael Fairbanks II to discuss one of education’s biggest challenges: teacher retention. Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, principal, and instructional leader, Michael shares practical strategies for sustaining intrinsic motivation, building mental flexibility, and creating systems that help educators stay in the profession longer. From knowing your community to rehearsing…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 8, "name": "The Pressure to Perform: Teaching Calm in High-Stakes Systems", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/the-pressure-to-perform-teaching-calm-in-high-stakes-systems", "datePublished": "2026-05-19", "dateText": "2026-05-19", "duration": null, "durationText": "2017", "description": "In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap, Dr. Helen Flores speaks with Tabitha Lim about the impact of high-stakes testing on student learning, stress, and well-being. Drawing from neuroscience, embodied cognition, and her experiences in both Malaysia and the United States, Tabitha shares practical strategies educators can use to help students regulate stress, improve memory and retrieval, and create calmer learning environments during high-pressure academic periods. The conversation…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 7, "name": "Regulate, Relate, Reason: From Trauma Research to Classroom Practice", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/regulate-relate-reason-from-trauma-research-to-classroom-practice", "datePublished": "2026-05-05", "dateText": "2026-05-05", "duration": null, "durationText": "1582", "description": "In this episode, I sit down with Tara Tedrow to explore how trauma impacts learning, behavior, and brain development—and what teachers can do about it. We break down the “regulate, relate, reason” framework and share practical, trauma-informed strategies educators can start using right away. Resources for Teachers Culturally Responsive PracticesEmotion and Stress Regulation Tool BoxThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network (includes age related reactions to traumatic events and an educator…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 6, "name": "Less is More: Designing Classrooms That Support Attention and Executive Function", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/less-is-more-designing-classrooms-that-support-attention-and-executive-function", "datePublished": "2026-04-21", "dateText": "2026-04-21", "duration": null, "durationText": "1901", "description": "This episode explores how classroom design impacts students’ attention, regulation, and learning. Dr. Laura Foster shares research-backed strategies for creating more intentional, less visually overwhelming spaces—and how small shifts in the environment can better support all learners. Resources for Teachers Heavily Decorated Classrooms Disrupt Attention and Learning In Young Children Building Design for Learning with Willam Browning and James Determan How to Use Mini Anchor Chart Flipbooks to…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 5, "name": "Beyond Behavior Management: Using SEL to Transform Your Classroom", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/beyond-behavior-management-using-sel-to-transform-your-classroom", "datePublished": "2026-04-07", "dateText": "2026-04-07", "duration": null, "durationText": "1691", "description": "In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap, I sit down with Dr. Sharde Theodore to discuss how social emotional learning (SEL) can transform classroom culture and improve outcomes for students. Articles by Dr. Theodore National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities Resources for Teachers: Daily Progress Reports Check In/Check Out (CICO) Classroom Job Ideas for K-12 Class Dojo Critter Coin (like Class Dojo but more appropriate for secondary students) GoNoodle Brain Breaks…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 4, "name": "Humanizing the Classroom: Restorative Practices & Student Voice", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/humanizing-the-classroom-restorative-practices-and-student-voice", "datePublished": "2026-03-24", "dateText": "2026-03-24", "duration": null, "durationText": "1844", "description": "In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap, Dr. D’Annette Mullen of Boston University talks about disrupting disproportionate discipline in schools through art, restorative practices, relationship-building, and student voice. Join our newsletter community for practical insights, implementation tips, and resources! Semicolon Books Works by Dr. Mullen: Racism by Another Name: Black Students, Overrepresentation, and the Carceral State of Special Education Chapter 4: It’s All About…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 3, "name": "Who Gets to Be “Gifted”? Access, Bias, and Twice/Thrice Exceptional Learners", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/who-gets-to-be-gifted-access-bias-and-twice-thrice-exceptional-learners", "datePublished": "2026-03-10", "dateText": "2026-03-10", "duration": null, "durationText": "2000", "description": "In this episode, Dr. Alejandra A. Fernandez-Morgado shares research-based insights on special education, gifted education, and creating more equitable opportunities for diverse learners. Join our newsletter community for practical insights, implementation tips, and resources! Find all of Dr. Alejandra Fernandez Morgado’s work here Book and quote mentioned in the podcast: Quote by Paola Ramos: “Storytelling has always been a form of resistance for generations of Latinos. Some have used it to…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595746" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 2, "name": "Beyond Deficit Thinking: Culturally Responsive Teaching in Action", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/the-research-to-practice-gap/beyond-deficit-thinking-culturally-responsive-teaching-in-action", "datePublished": "2026-02-23", "dateText": "2026-02-23", "duration": null, "durationText": "1686", "description": "In our first episode of The Research to Practice Gap, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Buruuj Tunsill to explore how educators can better serve racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse (RELD) students in special education — particularly in under-resourced and high-needs schools. This episode bridges research and lived classroom experience, offering concrete strategies educators can begin using immediately. 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