Rachel Wilkinson is an IDC State Liaison who provides technical assistance and support around IDEA Part B data, co-leads data-quality peer groups, and assists with the development of tools and resources based on needs from the field. She took time out of her busy schedule to sit down with us.
Rachel, thank you for talking with us today. Let's dive right in: What’s one thing you love about your work with IDC?
Helping others to learn about and use IDEA data in a way that can meaningfully affect and improve outcomes for children with disabilities and supporting state staff so that they can ultimately devote their time to this larger work.
What’s one thing you find challenging (in or away from work)?
Accepting that there are things I cannot control, no matter how right I think I am.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’m a homebody, so I’m pretty happy where I am.
You’re packing desert island books. What’s one of them?
The Dream Songs by John Berryman.
What song title best sums up your outlook on life?
"If It Makes You Happy (It Can’t Be That Bad)."
Name one (1) grammar pet peeve.
Overuse of punctuation (one question mark will suffice when asking a question and few things warrant a dozen exclamation points!!!!) and misuse of ellipses…
Oxford comma or the wrong kind?
I’m not a monster – the answer is Oxford comma. Oxford comma for life.
That's a huge relief. Thank you. What’s your current favorite television show?
Favorite show of all time: Deadwood; Favorite show currently airing: Mythic Quest.
What’s one of your favorite movies?
Jurassic Park.
Love dinosaurs! What’s one supposedly fun thing you will never, ever do again?
Hiking. I’ve never, ever seen a view that was worth the effort.
Thank you, Rachel! Reader, look for more opportunities to get to know the IDC team on this page.