Why kids with learning differences can thrive in STEM

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You might have heard or seen the acronym STEM in education circles. It stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. And it can be very helpful for kids with learning and thinking differences.

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Kara Ball. Kara is the author of 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills. She has been a science and special education teacher, and a STEM education specialist for Baltimore public schools. She was also a finalist for National Teacher of the Year in 2018. 

To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.

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Timestamps

(1:18) Defining STEM

(3:16) Kara’s dyslexia and dyscalculia diagnoses

(5:07) Why Kara became a special education teacher

(8:23) Understanding where STEM and learning and thinking differences meet

(20:31) Working on communication and collaboration

Related resources:

• What is dyslexia?
• What is dyscalculia?
• Video: Are boys better at math than girls?
• What if the teacher has learning differences, too?
• Kara’s book: 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give