Turn the Page Consulting

Excited to share that my presentation titled “Reimagining Educational Policy: Culturally Competent Assessments and Practices to address Significant Disproportionality” was accepted to the ASCD conference this year!

January newsletter is out! Subscribe at https://lnkd.in/gAdn_CfA to get yours today!

Did you know? The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision not only aimed to end segregation in public schools but also set a foundation for inclusive education. This landmark case was a springboard and influenced the development of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees educational access to students with disabilities. https://wix.to/dEaeLQS

25 Things I’m Tired of 1.) being asked why is everything about race 2.) being asked to tone it down or say it another way - sorry there’s no other way to say RACISM 3.) that DEI is for everyone EXCEPT Black people 4.) the term BIPOC or POC- how is being called a person of color different from being called colored? ?? 5.) Black issues being lumped in with LGBTQIA+ - you can hide your sexual orientation but can’t take your skin off 6.) Black issues being lumped in with anybody else - for example the Asian (model minority) and Black life experience are vastly different 7.) non black people inserting themselves into Black only spaces ALL the time 8.) DEI offices, organizations, and equity leaders, staff, committees etc. being entirely white ?? 9.) non black people saying the “n” word freely because Black people do it- no it doesn’t matter that you grew up around Black people if you’re not Black you can’t say it 10.) no Becky … being married to a Black man doesn’t excuse you 11.) white savior complex 12.) people saying they’re allies but actions say otherwise- do you know what that actually means and looks like? 13.) when people say these topics make them uncomfortable- well you know what else is/was uncomfortable? Slavery, the Tulsa bombing, Tuskegee syphilis experiment, lynchings, being hosed down, being used as bait, buck breaking, what they did to Emmet Till, Rodney King beating, Hurricane Katrina, water in Flint, the murders of Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others etc 14.) good old boy network 15.) Black people that don’t know they’re Black 16.) non black people speaking on Black experiences or issues - until you live in this skin you will NEVER understand what it’s like being Black in Amerikkka 17.) implicit bias trainings 18.) that Black people are quick to invite everyone to the cookout but that same energy is not reciprocated 19.) being the bigger person 20.) white people griping about reverse racism - Black people can’t be racist because we’re not in a position of power/authority to oppress anybody- we’re the oppressed!! ?? 21.) token Black people 22.) white people failing forward 23.) the adultification of our Black kids 24.) the mammification of Black women 25.) Being seen as the angry Black woman… no actually I’m ok with this because I am ANGRY. I’m angry every time I see data and see the outcomes for my students and my people across all sectors (education, housing, health, employment etc.) - Seriously it pisses me off and I will not be silenced!!! ?? Ok if you read this far …cool… thanks for letting me get that off my chest! ?? https://wix.to/5IYHizA

Did you know? Black parents have historically been strong advocates for inclusive and fair educational opportunities for their children with disabilities and continue to do so. Don't believe the hype that Black parents don't care, don't show up, or don't get involved. That's simply not true. https://wix.to/lXgH6q6

Black Parents: You're The First Line of Defense in Combating Over-Identification for Special Education Did you know that parents play a critical role in ensuring their child is accurately and equitably identified for special education services? Over-identification, especially of Black students, remains a significant issue, often resulting in students being unnecessarily referred to special education. I attribute some of this to "cultural disconnect" which I talk about in my paper. There is often a significant cultural mismatch between the predominantly White teaching workforce and the increasingly diverse student population. White teachers view Black student behavior VERY differently and it shows. As the first line of defense, parents have the power to challenge systems that might misinterpret cultural differences, trauma, or other external factors as disabilities. Here’s how you can take action: ?? Stay Informed: Learn about special education laws like IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and understand your rights. Knowing the process can help you ask the right questions. ?? Ask Why: If a teacher or school staff suggests special education testing, ask for the data supporting the referral. Does it show a clear pattern of challenges across multiple settings, or is it based on one-off observations? ?? Collaborate: Build a relationship with your child’s educators. Share insights about your child’s strengths, interests, and needs. Often, additional context can reshape how behaviors or challenges are interpreted. ?? Listen to Your Child: Sometimes, the best insights come directly from your child. They might express frustrations or challenges that help you advocate for appropriate solutions outside of special education. ?? Cultural Context Matters: If you feel cultural biases might be influencing a referral, don’t hesitate to advocate for culturally responsive assessments and practices. By being proactive and advocating for equitable practices, parents can help reduce over-identification, ensuring that special education remains a support system for those who truly need it—not a catch-all for addressing systemic inequities. https://wix.to/AHrWrPA

This Thanksgiving, I’m Thankful for YOU! ?? To the teachers, paraeducators, related service providers, and every school staff member who shows up day after day with heart and dedication: Your work changes lives. ?? You’re the ones who: ? Spark a love of learning. ? Create safe spaces for students to thrive. ? Advocate for those who need a voice. ? Go above and beyond to meet every child’s unique needs. During this season of gratitude, I just want to say thank you for all that you do. You are the foundation of our schools and communities, and your impact is immeasurable. To show my appreciation here's something just for you: ?? Exclusive Black Friday Deals and Discounts for Educators! ? Amazon has discounts on classroom staples like Sharpies, planners, and laminators (save up to 60%). ? Peacock Premium is just $2.99/month for verified educators through SheerID. ? Cricut Explore 3 for classroom creativity is $70 off. ? Topgolf offers 10% off gameplay and other perks for teachers. https://wix.to/3iMUSnU

Did you know that Black students are about 2.5 times more likely to be identified with emotional behavior disorders than their peers? This significant disproportionality demands urgent attention and culturally informed solutions. As a Black cultural liaison, I help educators and administrators reshape policies and practices to address these disparities. Visit my website for resources and insights tailored to creating equitable learning environments for all students. Subscribe today to stay informed and make a difference! https://wix.to/4EDBJ9d https://wix.to/7aQn9mm

? We’re Live! ? I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my website, https://lnkd.in/gAdn_CfA. Built to foster understanding, inclusivity, and representation, my site is a resource for schools, educators, and organizations looking to address disparities and uplift Black students. Explore the work we’re doing to create equitable change in education and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supported this journey! #TurnThePage #ForTheCulture #EducationEquity #BlackCulturalLiaison