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  • Author:

    Steven Shaw, Ph.D.

  • Level: 

    Foundational

  • CREDIT(S)

    1

  • Video

    1 hour

Supporting Children with Low Academic Achievement 

In this episode, Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner speak with Dr. Steven Shaw, associate professor at McGill University, to discuss practical strategies for supporting students with low academic achievement who do not qualify for special education services. Based on his book, Reaching and Teaching Students Who Don’t Qualify for Special Education, Dr. Shaw presents evidence-based interventions that target the “missing middle”—students who fall between typical performance and eligibility for specialized support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of direct instruction in executive functioning and academic motivation, encouraging mental health professionals and educators to implement systemic, developmentally informed approaches. This episode offers valuable tools for inclusive practice and is ideal for professionals seeking to strengthen their support for diverse learners while meeting continuing education requirements.

Course Objectives:

1. Describe the challenges faced by students who struggle academically but do not qualify for special education services.
2. Explain the importance of addressing executive functioning and academic motivation in this population.
3. Identify evidence-based strategies to support students in the “missing middle” through direct skill instruction.
4. Discuss systemic and developmental approaches to academic intervention in general education settings.

Steven Shaw, Ph.D.

Steven Shaw, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at McGill University and Director of the Resilience, Pediatric Psychology, and Neuro-Genetics Connections Lab. A former school psychologist, he focuses on supporting students with learning and emotional challenges who fall outside traditional special education services. Dr. Shaw’s work emphasizes inclusive, evidence-based strategies that bridge research and practice to improve educational and mental health outcomes for diverse learners.






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Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 


Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to offer continuing professional development (CPDs) for school psychologists.  Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

Other mental health and education professionals are welcome to attend our webinars, workshops, and courses. Participants will receive a continuing education certificate upon completion. We encourage individuals to consult their respective licensing or accrediting boards to determine eligibility for continuing education credit within their professional field. 

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Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to offer continuing professional development (CPDs) for school psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
Other mental health and education professionals are welcome to attend our webinars, workshops, and courses. Participants will receive a continuing education certificate upon completion. We encourage individuals to consult their respective licensing or accrediting boards to determine eligibility for continuing education credit within their professional field.

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