Bridging Dynamic Assessment and Inclusive Education with Lucia Serio
Tue Jun 24 2025
In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric welcomes Lucia Serio, a licensed educational psychologist and adjunct instructor at California State University, Los Angeles. Lucia shares her extensive expertise in psychoeducational and dynamic assessments, particularly in supporting students with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. The conversation covers her innovative approaches to assessments, collaboration with educators and parents, and the critical aspects of creating inclusive educational environments. Lucia also discusses her ongoing certification in comprehensive sexuality education, emphasizing autonomy and informed decision-making for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Listeners gain practical insights into using a strength-based approach and the importance of continuous learning and mentorship in school psychology.
Resources:
https://www.down-syndrome.org/en-us/
https://www.strengthbasedcollective.com/
https://www.ndsccenter.org/
https://www.dynamicassessmentuk.com/
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest
01:14 Personal Interests and Hobbies
04:17 Diving into Dynamic Assessment
15:36 Challenges and Limitations of Dynamic Assessment
22:03 Creating Inclusive Environments for Students with Down Syndrome
30:27 Strength-Based Approaches in School Psychology
34:37 Expanding Expertise: Sexuality Education Certification
37:18 Final Thoughts and Advice for School Psychologists
39:08 Conclusion and Podcast Outro
The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.
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In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric welcomes Lucia Serio, a licensed educational psychologist and adjunct instructor at California State University, Los Angeles. Lucia shares her extensive expertise in psychoeducational and dynamic assessments, particularly in supporting students with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. The conversation covers her innovative approaches to assessments, collaboration with educators and parents, and the critical aspects of creating inclusive educational environments. Lucia also discusses her ongoing certification in comprehensive sexuality education, emphasizing autonomy and informed decision-making for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Listeners gain practical insights into using a strength-based approach and the importance of continuous learning and mentorship in school psychology. Resources: https://www.down-syndrome.org/en-us/ https://www.strengthbasedcollective.com/ https://www.ndsccenter.org/ https://www.dynamicassessmentuk.com/ Sign Up for our Executive Functioning Academy: Educator’s Edition If your workload feels unmanageable, your systems aren’t working, and your own executive functioning is constantly on the back burner—this program was built for you. The Executive Functioning Academy is a structured, research-based program designed specifically for educators, school psychologists, administrators, and support professionals. Over the course of 9 live sessions, we’ll focus on strengthening 12 executive skills that help you manage your day, reduce stress, and build better systems for sustainable success. Summer cohort begins July 8, 2025 Fall cohort begins September 8, 2025 Sign up early to receive special bonuses https://jennyponzuric.com/efacademy/ Grad student and EF Focus Group discounts available. --------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more: Instagram: @jennyponzuric https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ponzuric-1562a8119/ Join my FREE LinkedIn Group "Resources for Special Education Professionals": https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462888/ Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest 01:14 Personal Interests and Hobbies 04:17 Diving into Dynamic Assessment 15:36 Challenges and Limitations of Dynamic Assessment 22:03 Creating Inclusive Environments for Students with Down Syndrome 30:27 Strength-Based Approaches in School Psychology 34:37 Expanding Expertise: Sexuality Education Certification 37:18 Final Thoughts and Advice for School Psychologists 39:08 Conclusion and Podcast Outro The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.