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Paula discusses the impact of New York State's changing high school graduation requirements, specifically the phasing out of Regents exams by 2028. She highlights the emotional and academic pressures these exams impose on students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. She emphasizes the importance of respectful discussions and the need for support systems to help students navigate these changes. Paula outlines the new "Portrait of a Graduate" system, which will replace the Regents requirement for graduation with various demonstrations of learning, and stresses the need for community involvement and mental health support to address the broader systemic issues in education.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ impact of Regents exams on students
+ transition to Portrait of a Graduate
+ challenges and emotional impact
+ supporting students through change
+ educational equity and systemic pressures

Resources:

FAQ Related to NYS Graduation Measures Initiative:

https://www.nysed.gov/grad-measures/frequently-asked-questions-related-new-york-state-graduation-measures-initiative

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Rachael and Paula discuss the disruption in developmental milestones, increased anxiety, and OCD rates among youth associated with COVID-19. Rachel emphasized the need for a national conversation on these issues and highlighted her agency's efforts by hosting an upcoming conference: From Disruption to Integration. Rachel also shares personal experiences, strategies for resilience, healing, self-care, and community support.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ challenges faced by different age groups
+ parental struggles and coping mechanisms
+ role of tech and overstimulation
+ importance of community and support
+ planning for the future and resilience

Guest Bio:

Dr. Rachael Goren is co-owner and Director of Training and Outreach at Learning Solutions in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological and neuropsychological assessment, training, and professional development. She holds a BA from Brandeis University in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and Women’s Studies, an MPH from UMass Amherst, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch University New England. Her specialties include ADHD, giftedness/twice exceptionality, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, and women’s health across developmental stages. She has worked in schools, hospitals, and colleges, and is also a former educator and yoga instructor.

Contact/Socials:
Email: rgoren@learningsolutionsls.com
Facebook: Learning Solutions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learning.solutions.noho
Website: Learning Solutions, Northampton

Conference:
From Disruption to Integration: What COVID-10 Changed, What it Revealed and How We Build Resilience Together (Tickets)

Coupon Code: WDWTAT10

And for social workers, LMHCS, and psychologists- CEs are available!

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Paula explores the theme of social media exhaustion, including the emotional, mental, and practical exhaustion that comes from constant engagement with social platforms. Speaking from both her personal and professional experience, she unpacks how social media shifted from a more genuine connection to a performative, noisy, comparison-driven space.

She discusses how this fatigue goes beyond simple burnout, touching on self-worth, identity, overstimulation, etc. Paula also talks about the quiet cultural shift of people posting less, disappearing from platforms without announcements, and reclaiming privacy and presence.

In this episode, you will hear:

• from connection to obligation and comparison
• social media fatigue vs. burnout
• identity, audience, and performance
• mental health impacts of stepping back
• boundaries, breaks, and practical strategies

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Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com