Equity, Disproportionality and Design

Dr. Elvia C. Estrella serves as the Coordinator of School Counseling and School-Based Mental Health for the Sweetwater Union High School District. In her role, she leads the district’s Foster and Homeless Youth Education Services and oversees the district’s outpatient mental health clinic, ensuring equitable access to wellness and clinical supports for students and families. Dr. Estrella also develops and sustains partnerships with community-based organizations to strengthen the continuum of care across schools and the broader community. With over two decades of experience as a school counselor, program manager, and adjunct faculty member at San Diego State University, Dr. Estrella has dedicated her career to advancing trauma-informed practices, equity-driven leadership, and student-centered support systems. Her work reflects a deep commitment to improving educational outcomes for historically underserved youth and fostering collaboration between education and mental health sectors.ResourcesSchool Counselors: Brokers of HopeWebsiteInstagramSDSU

Dr. Amir Whitaker is an educator, author, human rights lawyer, and artist. He is the founder and director of Project KnuckleHead, a nonprofit organization empowering youth through music, art, and educational programs since 2012.Often referred to as “Dr. KnuckleHead,” Dr. Whitaker was introduced to the criminal justice system as a child when he visited both his mother and father in prison. At age 15, he was arrested and entered the juvenile justice system. Problems at school eventually led to him being expelled. Despite these hardships, he went on to complete five college degrees. As a lawyer referred to as a “civil rights and education stalwart” by the Daytona Times, Dr. Whitaker has negotiated settlements and policy changes that have improved the lives of youth across the country. He worked for the ACLU of Southern California for eight years from 2017-2025.  Dr. Whitaker has taught varying grade levels and in different educational settings for over a decade, and has held teaching certifications in Florida, California, and New Jersey. He has written for publications like TIME Magazine and Washington Post. Dr. Whitaker's autobiography, “The KnuckleHead’s Guide to Escaping the Trap” has been featured on ABC News and in The New Yorker. As an artist, Dr. Whitaker has collaborated with musicians around the world while studying and teaching styles of music and dance of the Afro diaspora. His art has been displayed in galleries, libraries, and billboards around the world. He is the co-founder of Afro Unidad, a Black cultural kinship movement with 50+ ambassadors across 14 countries. He received his doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California, juris doctorate from the University of Miami, and his bachelors from Rutgers University.ResourcesProject KnuckleheadThe KnuckleHead’s Guide to Escaping the TrapDr. KnuckleheadAfro UnidadSocial MediaInstagramXLinkedInGoogle Scholar

Dr. Tracie Noriega is a second-generation Pinay, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Educator. She has served as a Teacher, Principal, Director, and Assistant Superintendent. She is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Professional Learning for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), supporting critically conscious leaders. She is also the Executive Director of the Filipino American Educators Association of CA (FAEAC) and a faculty member with the Liberated Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Consortium (LESMCC). Her dissertation research focused on supporting school leaders implementing Ethnic Studies programs, thus creating the Ethnic Studies Leadership Praxis framework. Education became her route as she was inspired by her teachers who supported her as a teen mom struggling to balance motherhood and school. She credits her Ethnic Studies professors for helping her to understand and vocalize her experiences as the daughter of Filipino immigrants. It is the Guiding Principles of Ethnic Studies that continue to keep her centered. The Youth continue to inspire her as she works to create lasting change in our educational system.ResourcesACSAFAEACLESMCCThe Critically Conscious ClassroomXInstagram 

Vanessa Ejike is the Student Board Member on the California State Board of Education, attending Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos, California. In 2024, she was a summer intern for Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva in the California State Assembly. She is the founder of her school’s Principal’s Advisory Council, a student representative of the ABC Unified School District's Legislative/Policy Committee, and serves on the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Student Advisory Council.Resources:WebsiteInstagram

Dr. Myeshia Whigham is a first-generation high school and college graduate from Chicago with over 20 years of experience in K–12 education across San Diego County.  She recently earned her Ph.D. in Education for Social Justice from the University of San Diego, continuing her work to expand access, opportunity, and outcomes for all students.  Her career spans over two decades in education, including roles as a teacher, site leader, and district administrator focused on equity and student support.  She is currently the Principal at Lincoln Middle School in the Oceanside Unified School District. Dr. Whigham leads with intention and a deep commitment to creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered.Resources:WebsiteInstagram 

Tony DelaRosa is a current PhD student in the UW-Madison Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis program, where he researches the impact of coalitions, institutions, and policies on teacher and leadership practices using Asian Crit, Critical Filipinx Studies, and Du Boisian Sociology. He is the author of the award-winning book "Teaching the Invisible Race: Embodying a Pro-Asian American Lens in Schools" with Jossey-Bass / Wiley Publishing. He is also the co-investigator of the USAP Tayo Lab on Filipinx Well-being and Politics. Before research, he was an instructional coach and Director of Teacher-Leadership at Teach for America Miami-Dade, founder of the NYC Men Teach Asian American initiative, and founder of the Boston Pulse Poetry. These experiences designing, coaching, and leading direct teaching and learning programs inform his lens to policy and leadership research. His work has been featured in CNN, NPR, Harvard Education Magazine, NBC, and other publications. Learn more at TonyRosaSpeaks.com. He is currently open to working with clients for the 2025-2026 academic year for keynote speeches, lecturers, workshops, coaching, and research. Resources:WebsiteInstagram⁠Book: ⁠Teaching the Invisible Race: Embodying a Pro-Asian American Lens in School

Ingrid Medrano is currently a teacher in the National School District. She is a dedicated educator committed to closing achievement gaps in classrooms facing socio-economic challenges by delivering high-quality education. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a focus on reading, as well as a Mild/Moderate Special Education K-12 Teaching Credential, which includes authorizations for severe emotional disturbance, autism, resource specialist, and English language learners. Additionally, she holds a Bilingual Multiple Subject K-6 Teaching Credential. With 15 years of experience in education, Miss Medrano has taught in various capacities, including 4th-6th Grade Mild/Moderate Special Day Class, 5th/6th Grade Spanish, 1st Grade Dual Language (50/50 model), and currently, 1st Grade General Education.  She was also recognized as one of the San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) Classroom Hero in San Diego County. Resources:National School DistrictFollow a Dream ArticleSDCCU Classroom Hero

Nikko Kimzin is a joy filled professional performer, social impact producer, and cultural strategist that seeks to uplift the human spirit. As Founder and Lead Consultant with Kimzin Creative (CA based arts & equity consulting group), he centers the cultural strengths and dreams of historically marginalized communities to transform policy, funding, and placemaking. Kimzin Creative collaborates with local governments, schools/districts, and arts & culture organizations to create equitable access to culturally relevant arts processes and programming to inform public use and design. Services include: Arts education, creative producing, and consultation on community engagement and arts-as-data-collection strategies. Clients include: Google, County of Sonoma, City of Santa Rosa, William + Flora Hewlett Foundation, Petaluma River Park Foundation, Center for Cultural Innovation, and more. Awards: In 2025 Nikko was named one of North Bay Business Journal's 40 under 40 most influential business people, his work with Kimzin received a GOLD award for the 2024 Anthem Awards in “Community Engagement” in the category of “Education, Art, & Culture”, recipient of True West Film Center’s  2023 “Jackie Hoffner Heart & Hope Award”, has been a Fred Coe Artist in Residence at Vanderbilt University. Other: He has created Corporate Professional Development programs for Google, Sotheby’s and other Bay Area Executive Teams. Contributor to Sonoma County Arts Education Framework. Speaker at CA Migrant Education, CA Arts and Culture Summit, Stanford University, Emory University, UCSC and more.Resources:Kimzin CreativeInstagramFacebook

Dr. Adam Clark is the current Superintendent of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, having joined in July 2020. Prior to this, he served as the Superintendent of the Vallejo City Unified School District. Dr. Clark has also held various leadership positions in education, including Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, and principal at all three levels. He earned his doctorate from Saint Mary's College of California. Resources:XLinkedInInstagramCAAASA

Josh Chuck is a fourth-generation resident of San Francisco's Chinatown, where his family has deep roots, including doctors, merchants, teachers, and pastors. With over 25 years of experience as a youth worker, filmmaker, and fundraiser, he is deeply committed to his community. He recently co-directed his first feature documentary, CHINATOWN RISING, alongside his father, Rev. Harry Chuck and has presented the film in various forms to over 260 audiences. He also recently co-directed the film Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America Trailer, which premiered in March 2025. Josh takes great pride in the rich history of activism in his community and is passionate about sharing these vital stories in a personal and engaging way.Resources:Chinatown Rising WebsiteChinatown Rising TrailerMaking Waves: The Rise of Asian AmericaMaking Waves: The Rise of Asian America TrailerInstagramFacebookX

As an Author of CHAMPIONS Creed, Speaker and NCAA, WNBA & NBA G-League Broadcaster, Marke Freeman works with organizations, teams and individuals worldwide educating, equipping and empowering through sports.She has explored all four corners of sports as a Professional Athlete, College Coach, Sports Analyst and Director of Player Development for her own Skills Academy – Max-OUT Basketball. Following her professional playing career she immediately found her purpose impacting from the sidelines at University of Missouri – Kansas City and later Washington University – Saint Louis completing her coaching career with a 75% winning record, even making an Elite Eight Appearance in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.She is passionate about three initiatives:1.) Educating Youth through sports. This is why she founded Max-OUT Foundation in 2013. A non-profit organization with a mission to “Maximize Opportunity, Unity and Training” which serves over 600 youth yearly!2.) Equipping World Class Leaders. As the Author of CHAMPIONS’ Creed, Marke serves coaches, teams, execs & fortune 500 companies on the essentials needed to Build and Sustain a Winning Culture. She instills within them not only the mental foundations of success and the motivation to achieve, but also the actionable strategies that will empower them to grow,improve, and thrive.3.) Empowering Coaches. Marke works with Brands such as WeCoach, Hudl, NBC’s On Her Turf, Point Guard College and many others to enhance the culture of coaching across all sports and at all levels.Truly living through her world, Marke is an acclaimed teacher who has helped thousands create the results they seek. But, most people know her as an ordinary woman with an extraordinary message that has shifted the trajectory of many lives.Resources:CHAMPIONS CreedWebsiteMax-OUT FoundationLighthouse Press PublishingS.P.E.A.K. Like a ProLinkedInInstagramFacebookXYou Tube

Joseph Clevenger Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Programs at the San Diego County Office of Education, overseeing student safety, Juvenile Court and Community Schools, and Special Education Services. As a former Superintendent with over 20 years of educational experience dedicated to expanding equitable access and opportunities for all students, he understands the impact of Systems work through collaboration.  Since his arrival, Joseph has been building departmental connections and is engaged in advancing SDCOE’s goals of reducing poverty and increasing the sense of belonging for every student and staff member within the organization.

Dr. Rebecca Penh is an Executive Leadership Coach in the Learning and Leadership Division at the San Diego County Office of Education. Dr. Penh is an educator with over 20 years of experience.  Within that time she has been a classroom teacher, Resource Teacher (where she provided instructional training and support for all teachers), a school principal, and a district administrator.  This continuum of learning has led to her current work as an executive leadership coach here at the San Diego County Office of Education where she supports schools.  Her work and passion is rooted in educational equity, access and opportunities for marginalized communities.  As the Region 8 for the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education known as CAAPLE, she ensures that CAAPLE’s mission and vision is implemented throughout her area and members are empowered to learn, grow, collaborate and build skills to support students.  Resources: CAAPLE CAAPLE Conference 2025

Ken Shelton (He/Him/His) is a highly distinguished, multi-award-winning professional and best-selling author in the field of education. He holds a Master’s degree in Education with a specific focus on Educational Technology and New Media Design and Production. His academic background is complemented by over two decades of teaching experience, with a significant part of his career devoted to shaping young minds at the Middle School level. Ken is an esteemed and highly sought-after thought leader in education, particularly in the areas of educational technology, learning experience design, and leadership development. Ken’s expertise also extends to the sphere of policy-making/policy advisement, including being a notable figure on a California State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Education Technology Task Force.  His most recent impact in the area of AI includes supporting the development of school/district/system policy, advisement, professional development planning, and leading workshops for educators across all levels of responsibility. He is the co-author of a best-selling book on the topic of artificial intelligence titled, “The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered the Chat.” Ken has garnered many awards within education and educational technology. He has been recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education with two awards. Ken was the proud recipient of the Digital Equity Professional Learning Network Excellence Award in 2018 and the Making IT Happen Award in 2022 due to his extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage, and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students.  To learn more about Ken Shelton, please visit our website at equityandesign.com Resources: The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered the Chat Website ⁠Mindful Musings Blog Blog LinkedIn Instagram X

Dr. Tracey A. Benson, CEO of Tracey A. Benson Consulting and founder of the Anti-Racist Leadership Institute, received his doctorate in Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Masters of School Administration from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He has served as an assistant professor of educational leadership, high school principal, middle school vice-principal, and elementary school teacher. His research explores the vestiges of structural racism in K-12 education that continue to impede the academic success of students of color. His book, Unconscious Bias in Schools: A Developmental Approach to Exploring Race and Racism, was released with Harvard Education Press in August 2019.Resources:Anti-Racism Leadership InstituteUnconscious Bias in Schools (Book):Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Podcast: The Binary Code or Racism (Ted Talk) Resources: Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Unconscious Bias in Schools (Book) Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Podcast The Binary Code or Racism (Ted Talk)

Dan Engel is a visionary and dynamic non-profit, social enterprise, operating, financial and investment executive who has spent the past 16 years devoted to impacting the communities in which he lives, works and operates. Dan began his professional career as an investment banker, helped build a company that was sold to Berkshire Hathaway, became a nonprofit junkie, resumed his financial career managing a single-family office and more recently specializing in the design, acquisition and management of life insurance.  Dan is the co-founder, board member emeritus, treasurer and coach of the Miracle League of San Diego and is the co-founder, CEO and mentor of Pitch it Forward. He is also an inspirational speaker who tells stories of perseverance. Dan is a stage four metastatic melanoma survivor who is one of the earliest immunotherapy success stories in America. In its Summer 2020 issue, Cancer Health magazine named Dan to its inaugural list of 25 Change Makers. He is the author of Thriving Through Cancer – How I Conquered the Medical, Personal and Professional Impacts of Cancer.  Resources: MiracleLeagueofSanDiego.org ThrivingThroughCancer.com

Linnette Castañeda is currently the Director of Educational Services for National School District.  She has served as an instructional assistant in Special Education, a teacher in elementary schools, a resource teacher, and a principal. Under her principalship, her school became recognized as a PBIS Platinum Level school.  During her leadership, she has organized the district's inaugural Back to School Resource Fair, hosted the first Secret Santa Event in collaboration with Costco Optical, and is set to launch its first 6th Grade Student Summit. This summit will prepare students for the transition to secondary school, addressing topics like peer pressure, A-G requirements, AVID, and the various opportunities available to them. She is an advocate for family engagement and community support. Her passion is uplifting families and sharing that dreams can come true if we turn our dreams into goals.

High Quality IEPs (HQ IEPs) Resource Lead Project works collaboratively within the Statewide System of Support to increase the knowledge and engagement of families and students and build the capacity of LEAs, COEs, and SELPAs so that IEP design and development will result in educational benefit. Additionally, they provide technical assistance to LEAs identified by the California Department of Education as needing targeted assistance. Biographies: Heather DiFede is the Executive Director for East County SELPA. She is currently serving on the IEP Expert Panel for California. Under her leadership, East County SELPA has recently administered the IEP Technical Support and Assistance (ITSA) Grant awarded by CDE and is currently serving as an Exemplar for Interagency Collaboration for the California Early Childhood Special Education Network. As a SELPA Administrator, Ms. DiFede has served as the Chair of the SELPA Administrators’ Association, and additionally is serving or has served as co-chair for the following Association Committees: Forms, CALPADS & Compliance, Local Plan, and Interagency Collaboration. She has also served on numerous statewide committees including the Dashboard Alternate School Status, College and Career Indicator for Alternate Schools, AB 2657 Restraint & Seclusion Workgroup, and the Students with Disabilities Collective. Ms. DiFede was also awarded the 2016 Special Education Administrator of the Year for California by the Association of California School Administrators. Leo Mapagu is the Executive Director for Santa Clara County SELPAs I, II, III, IV and VII. Mr. Mapagu started his career in the Ravenswood City School District (RCSD), which placed heavy emphasis on IEP compliance and improved outcomes for underserved students with disabilities. During his tenure in RCSD, he participated in various activities to assist district administration in meeting corrective action plan and self-improvement plan requirements. Mr. Mapagu is a collaborator, as is evident by the various partnerships he has developed. He has worked with San Jose State University and Santa Clara County Office of Education’s (SCCOE) Educator Preparation Program to train teachers in a variety of special education topics. He has also partnered with Parents Helping Parents to serve as a panelist and present on special education and IEP-related topics. As a SELPA Administrator, Mr. Mapagu is serving or has served as co-chair of the following SELPA Administrators’ Association Committees: Forms, CALPADS & Compliance, Parent Engagement, Local Plan, and Related Services. Jennifer Yales, Ed.D firmly believes that all students can learn–her passion for this belief, and a strong sense of responsibility, drive Dr. Yales in her advocacy for the development and implementation of structures and systems that facilitate learning for all students. She is a lifelong learner with over twenty years of experience as a Special Education professional. For sixteen years she worked in a large, urban school district in California, growing from a school psychologist before being promoted into an administrative leadership role within the district, ultimately advancing to the position of SELPA Director. Prior to going the HQIEP grant, Dr. Yales served as the Senior Director for the System Improvement Leads (SIL) project for five years.Dr. Yales is certified as a Master Practitioner in Compassionate Systems and her doctoral work focused on parent perceptions of collaboration during the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. As a parent of a son with autism, Dr. Yales is committed both professionally and personally to providing equitable education for all students. Resources High Quality IEPs Empowering Futures Article

Eugene Hamilton, is a renowned speaker, youth advocate and educational consultant that has had the privilege of delivering more than 500 keynote presentations in over 25 U.S. States and internationally in such places as: England; Bermuda; Zimbabwe; the Virgin Islands and Canada. Currently, he serves as the Lead Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of The Eugene Hamilton Group, a professional speaking and PreK-12 education consulting firm. Biography: Eugene Hamilton, is a renowned speaker, youth advocate and educational consultant that has had the privilege of delivering more than 500 keynote presentations in over 25 U.S. States and internationally in such places as: England; Bermuda; Zimbabwe; the Virgin Islands and Canada. Mr. Hamilton began his career in the Everman(TX) Independent School District and most recently served as the Director of Community & Academic Partnerships at Loma Linda University in Southern California. He has received numerous awards to include: Excellence in Community Service Award from California’s 35th Congressional District and Civilian of the Year Award from the City of North Charleston, South Carolina. Currently, he serves as the Lead Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of The Eugene Hamilton Group, a professional speaking and PreK-12 education consulting firm. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife Traci and 3 year old son, Justin. Resources: The Eugene Hamilton Group

Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade is Professor of Latina/o Studies and Race and Resistance Studies at San Francisco State University. Biography: Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade is Professor of Latina/o Studies and Race and Resistance Studies at San Francisco State University. He was a founder of the Roses in Concrete Community School, a community responsive lab school in East Oakland and has been a classroom teacher and school leader in East Oakland (CA) for the past 30 years.  Resources: Roses in Concrete Community School⁠ ⁠TC Press Article on Culturally and Community Responsive Pedagogy⁠ ⁠Harvard Ed Article on Youth Trauma and Culturally and Community Responsive Pedagogy⁠  ⁠TED Talk on Youth Trauma and Culturally and Community Responsive Pedagogy⁠  ⁠Interview on Equity in the Face of Inequality⁠  ⁠Equality or Equity Full Keynote - Carnegie⁠  ⁠Equity and Equality: Toward a Model of Community-Responsive Education (Race and Education) - Amazon ⁠ ⁠Equity and Equality: Toward a Model of Community-Responsive Education (Race and Education) - Harvard Press

Jennifer Boettger is a Statewide Lead in the Open Access UDL project. The Open Access Project is funded by the California Department of Education and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence as a content Lead within California's Collaborative for Educational Excellence.  Biography: Jennifer Boettger is a Statewide Lead in the Open Access UDL project. In the role, Jennifer works diligently to improve educational outcomes for all students by providing organizational support through her work promoting the UDL Framework and aligning initiatives that focus on creating an equitable learning environment that values culture, diversity, and community. She joined the Open Access team to lead the training and coaching efforts in UDL, which is her passion.  Jennifer is passionate about UDL Implementation…supporting site teams in learning about UDL and building the culture and practices necessary to change systems. She is a seasoned educator, working in various roles within general and special education (Secondary English Teacher, from traditional high school, AP coursework and alternative education; Educational Specialist K-12; Instructional Coach). Her experience includes being a program specialist, statewide and national conference presenter, and UDL coach.  She believes that variability is an asset to any educational setting. Resources: ⁠Open Access

Luisa Paningbatan, Executive Director, Whole Child and Community Design Student Services and Programs, and Erin Mahoney, Senior Director, Community Schools Whole Child and Community Design at the San Diego County Office of Education Biographies: Luisa Paningbatan has over 20 years of experience in education. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Whole Child and Community Design at the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) leading the regional technical assistance support for emerging and existing community schools in Imperial, Orange and San Diego counties. Prior to SDCOE, she served as Director of School Support in the NYCDOE Office of Community Schools managing a team that supports over 200 community schools in Brooklyn and the Bronx around high leverage practices to support successful implementation of the community school strategy.  Luisa also served as the Director of Teacher Recruitment in the NYCDOE Office of Teacher Recruitment and Quality overseeing teacher recruitment for 1,800 schools.  Luisa participated in the Coro Leadership New York program and in Results Count, a national leadership program led by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  She served as a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at MS 301 in the South Bronx and has worked in the Office of Community Partnerships at DC Public Schools. She earned her master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, a master’s degree in education from Bank Street College of Education, and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California Los Angeles.   Dr. Erin Mahoney is the Senior Director, Community Schools, Whole Child and Community Design at the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). She has experience as a Special Education teacher, Academic Coach, Associate Principal, Principal and as an Executive Consultant with the Equity, Disproportionality, and Design team at the South County SELPA. With her dissertation focus on social emotional learning, Erin is passionate about ensuring every student is known for their strengths, interests, fears, and dreams, and provided the specific supports they need to be successful academically and in life. Resources: ⁠⁠Community Schools⁠

Lupita Olguin-Rubio and Vanessa Lopez are both Coordinators of Inclusionary Practices at Project MuSE, Imperial County SELPA. Project MuSE is a Special Education Resource Lead within the Statewide System of Support. Biographies: Lupita Olguin-Rubio is a Coordinator of Inclusionary Practices at Imperial County SELPA. Ms. Olguin-Rubio has over 25 years of experience as a curriculum coordinator providing professional development on English learners' literacy and language development topics at the Imperial County Office of Education. Ms. Ms. Olguin-Rubio believes that multilingualism is an asset and that every student is entitled to have his or her voice valued and heard. She is passionate about this philosophy and imparts this zeal in all her projects. Ms. Olguin-Rubio operates with a systems lens and recognizes that as educators, we are all change agents and have the capacity and ability to contribute. to transforming our school systems to improve outcomes for all learners. Ms. Olguin-Rubio has worked as a K-6 Bilingual Educator, Site Director for the California Reading and Literature Project, Region 9 CPIN/DLL Lead, Title III EL Specialist, and English Learner Curriculum Coordinator. At present, she is a member of the Imperial County SELPA Special Education Resource Lead work: Improving Outcomes for Multilingual Students with Exceptional Needs.  Vanessa Lopez is a Coordinator of Inclusionary Practices at Imperial County SELPA. Ms. Lopez has over 23 years of experience teaching multilingual learners with exceptional needs in various settings. Ms. Lopez works to highlight the myriad assets all learners, including those who are dually identified, contribute to our education system and community. She believes in being a change agent, an advocate for all students, and in contributing to the collective commitment and zeal educators bring to their students daily. Ms. Lopez has worked as a K-6 Special Education teacher, English language development coach, Resource Teacher, and Academic Support Teacher. She is a Google-certified educator, certified Assistive Technology (AT) assessor, and Adapted Physical Education (APE) Teacher.  Currently, she is part of the Special Education Resource Lead work: Improving Outcomes for Multilingual Students with Exceptional Needs, and an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University. Resources: Project MuSE⁠  

Dr. Joaquín Noguera, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration at Loyola Marymount University's School of Education. Biography: Dr. Joaquín Noguera earned his Ph.D. in social science and comparative education and a master’s degree in education from UCLA. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from St. John’s University. He is a former social worker, K-12 teacher, school leader, and director of the International Youth Leadership Institute, which is dedicated to serving Black and Latinx youth in New York City. His research engages three broad areas: the limits and possibilities for transformation and healing of education and schooling, particularly for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities and in low-income urban contexts; systems change that advances racial equity in organizational contexts; and critical analysis of society and culture and the impact of social and cultural patterns on the development and experiences of individuals and communities.

Dr. Matthew Tessier, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation at the San Diego County Office of Education. Biography: Dr. Matthew Tessier has been serving the educational community for the past 25 years in a variety of roles. He began his teaching career at Feaster – Edison Charter School in Chula Vista and taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades. Matthew worked as a National Mathematics Trainer for Edison Schools, leading math instruction for 20 schools in California, Texas, and Georgia. His administrative career has been marked by dramatic improvements in student achievement at each site he led. While a Principal in Chula Vista, he safely led Loma Verde School out of Program Improvement Year 2 and Harborside School out of Program Improvement Year 5, taking the school from a 701 API score to 843 within three years, and earning California Distinguished School recognition. Dr. Tessier was the Director of Technology and Student Assessment in the National School District before returning to Chula Vista as the Executive Director of Technology and Instruction, and then becoming the Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Instruction. Dr. Tessier now serves the San Diego County Office of Education as the Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and is an active Board member for Junior Achievement San Diego, and the Classroom of the Future Foundation. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees from San Diego State University. Resources: SDWP Priority Sector Slides for Linda Vista Innovation Center Labs⁠

Dr. Talisa Sullivan, Executive Director of the Equity Department at the San Diego County Office of Education Biography: Dr. Talisa Sullivan has been an educator for more than 20 years, serving students, teachers, staff, families, and the community across five large counties: San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange. She specializes in serving marginalized populations who have experienced intergenerational inequities and marginalization and has built a rapport as an equity leader for county offices, comprehensive and alternative schools, and programs throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Teaching Credential from Cal State Dominguez Hills, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, and a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis on Urban Leadership from  Claremont Graduate University.  In addition to serving as an educator in K-12 public education, Dr. Sullivan serves as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Education for the Teacher Education Program and the Ethnic Studies program as well as the Doctoral in Education Leadership Program at local Universities. She has delivered Keynote speeches at local universities and school districts as well as served as a breakout session speaker at several major conferences.   Dr. Sullivan has a magnitude of knowledge and training in education and is passionate about working with educators who prepare students for 21st-century college and careers. She specializes in the following areas;  Adaptive Leadership, Equitable Practices, Marginalized Populations, Alternative Education, Restorative  Justice, Diversity, Leadership Development, and Cultural Proficiency.  Resources: ⁠Equity Conference 2024⁠: Equity is Love in Action

Welcome to the Equity, Disproportionality, and Design (ED&D) Podcast, where we connect with educators and community members who are dedicated to fostering equitable systems and nurturing inclusive school environments for every student.

Email: [email protected] Instagram: @sdsuapidacenter Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Resource Center (APIDA) Website: https://sacd.sdsu.edu/apida-resource SDSU APIDA Employee resource Group Website: https://sacd.sdsu.edu/ergs/apida The Asian American Education Project Biography: Dr. Loh-Hagan is the inaugural Director of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Center at San Diego State University.  She is also the Co-Executive Director of The Asian American Education Project. She served as a faculty member in SDSU’s College of Education where she directed the Liberal Studies program, coordinated several international travel abroad programs, led teaching credential programs, coordinated clinical practice and EdTPA efforts, and taught various courses in education and literacy. She was a K-8 classroom teacher, community college reading instructor, and program chair for an online university. In 2016, she was the recipient of California Reading Association’s Marcus Foster Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in reading. She received a ChLA Beiter Graduate Student Research Grant award from the Children’s Literature Association and for which she has published peer-reviewed articles and conducted presentations—was a qualitative study on the cultural authenticity of Asian-American children's literature. She has authored over 350 children's books and has several academic publications about using multicultural children and young adult literature. Most of her books and research address APIDA themes. She is serving on various book award committees and is the Cover Editor and Book Nook columnist for "The California Reader," the premiere professional journal for the California Reading Association. She is committed to ensuring APIDA histories and narratives are taught in K-12 and beyond. Her hobbies include reading, crafting, gaming (tabletop board games), playing piano, and binge-watching shows. Her newest books are A is for Asian American (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022) and Born Reading: 20 Stories of Women Reading Their Way Into History (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, 2023).

Email:  [email protected] Website: https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/faculty/samuel-o-ortiz Biography Dr. Ortiz is Professor of Psychology and Director of Graduate Programs in School Psychology at St. John's University, New York. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Southern California and a credential in school psychology with postdoctoral training in bilingual school psychology from San Diego State University. He has served as Visiting Professor and Research Fellow at Nagoya University, Japan, as Vice President for Professional Affairs of APA Division 16 (School Psychology), as member and Chair of APA’s, Committee on Psychological Tests and Assessment, as member of the Coalition for Psychology in Schools and Education, as representative on the New York State Committee of Practitioners on ELL and LEP Students, and as member of APA Presidential Task Force on Educational Disparities. Dr. Ortiz serves or has served on various editorial boards including Journal of School Psychology, School Psychology Quarterly, and Journal of Applied School Psychology and is a member of the Society for the Study of School Psychology (SSSP). Dr. Ortiz has published widely on a range of topics and is a frequent presenter at professional conferences as well as an internationally recognized expert on issues involving nondiscriminatory assessment, evaluation of English learners, Cross-Battery Assessment (XBA), and specific learning disabilities. He is author of the Ortiz Picture Vocabulary Acquisition Test (Ortiz PVAT)—the first test with dual norms designed specifically for English learners and English speakers. He is also primary co-author of the Cross-Battery Assessment Software System (X-BASS v2.0), the Culture-Language Interpretive Matrix (C-LIM), and co-author of the Intervention Library: Finding Resources for Students and Teachers (IL:FIRST v1.0). His books include “Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: A practical guide,” which is currently under revision, and “Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment, 3rd Edition.” Dr. Ortiz is bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural (Puerto Rican). Research Interests Dr. Ortiz has studied and published on topics that include assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, application of modern intelligence theory in testing through CHC Cross-Battery assessment methods, differentiating cultural and linguistic differences from disorders, and development of the CHC Culture-Language Matrix as a method for determining the primary influence of culture and language on test performance. He recently authored three chapters in NASP's Best Practices IV on nondiscriminatory assessment, contemporary intellectual assessment, and working with culturally and linguistically diverse children and families. Dr. Ortiz is also the author and developer of the WWW School Psychology Homepage, which was the very first site on the internet devoted exclusively to school psychology (published Oct. 1994).

Podcast #1: Andy Cohn  The United Districts of San Diego is a partnership of sixth and seventh graders from the National School District, Sweetwater School District, and Coronado School District with a goal of raising awareness around the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through local actions. SDG #10 is Reducing Inequalities.  The United Districts of San Diego collaborated to envision and record this mini-podcast series in an effort to raise awareness around differently-abled people.   Guest Andy Cohn was born in Tempe, Arizona. At age sixteen, on the way home from school as the passenger in a car, he was involved in an automobile accident. His subsequent injuries included a broken neck and spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. Andy was part of four medal-winning Paralympic teams, including the gold medal winning team in Beijing 2008. Andy recently published his book, Wither. He lives in Southern California with his wife and son. In this interview, Andy encourages us to see the person, not the disability. Thank you for helping The United Districts of San Diego with our goal of raising ability awareness, and reducing inequalities, by listening to our interviews. Podcast #2: Austin Diepenhorst The United Districts of San Diego is a partnership of sixth and seventh graders from the National School District, Sweetwater School District, and Coronado School District with a goal of raising awareness around the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through local actions. SDG #10 is Reducing Inequalities. The United Districts of San Diego collaborated to envision and record this mini-podcast series in an effort to raise awareness around differently-abled people.   Guest Austin Diepenhorst was born in Hawaii, and now lives in Santee, California. Although blind, Austin Diepenhorst is a professional piper. He is the 2016 Sherriff Memorial Champion, second prize in the Professional B-Piobaireachd at the 2019 North American Championships at Maxville, Ontario, and a second prize in the United States Silver Medal at Winter Storm in 2019. Austin studied psychology at Grossmont College and currently works at the Apple Store in Fashion Valley. In this interview, Austin explains how he is lucky to have been born blind.  Thank you for helping The United Districts of San Diego with our goal of raising ability awareness, and reducing inequalities, by listening to our interviews.  Podcast #3: Dr. Leighangela Brady  The United Districts of San Diego is a partnership of sixth and seventh graders from the National School District, Sweetwater School District, and Coronado School District with a goal of raising awareness around the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through local actions. SDG #10 is Reducing Inequalities.  The United Districts of San Diego collaborated to envision and record this mini-podcast series in an effort to raise awareness around differently-abled people.   Guest Dr. Leighangela Brady currently serves as the Superintendent of National School District, home to 4,500 preschool through sixth grade students. National School District is focused on contributing to the 2030 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals by engaging students in actions to build a more sustainable future. Dr. Brady Leighangela Brady earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership from San Diego State University, with both her B.S. and M.A. degrees from the University of Connecticut. She also has ADHD. In this interview, Leighangela shares how her disability could be perceived as a superpower. Thank you for helping The United Districts of San Diego with our goal of raising ability awareness, and reducing inequalities, by listening to our interviews.

Links Get free resources and professional development for equity in education on our website. Follow the Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project on Twitter Follow the California Department of Education on Twitter “A conversation with Heather Calomese.” California School Boards Association, https://publications.csba.org/issue/summer-2021/a-conversation-with-heather-calomese/. Accessed 24 March 2022.  About Heather Calomese Heather Calomese is the Director of the Special Education Division at the California Department of Education. She joined the field of Education as a career-changer. Calomese’s early experiences as a graduate student and paraprofessional within the Special Education had a profound impact on her decision to center students with disabilities as her life-long work. Calomese began her teaching career in Iowa before moving to Chicago to teach in the Chicago Public Schools as a Special Education teacher. Calomese’s pursuit of equity and excellence in education intensified when she transitioned from teaching to administrative roles. Calomese first worked at the Illinois State Board of Education in 2008 as a Corey H. monitor, working with schools that were facing sanctions and/or closure because of persistent Special Education issues. Calomese has also worked as a Special Education Administrator within the Chicago Public Schools and was also the founding Director of Specialized Instruction at Acero Charter Schools. In 2017, Calomese returned to the Illinois State Board of Education where she was the Executive Director of Special Education. In 2019, Calomese accepted the role of Executive Director of Programs. This role focused on the alignment of systems and supports for students receiving Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education services. Calomese has earned a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa, and a M.A. in Special Education from the University of Iowa.

Get In Touch With Dr. Shree Walker Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ResilientWalker https://www.resilientwalker.com/ Other Links Register for the Equity 2022 conference: Equity 2022 Conference https://sdequity.sdcoe.net/ Learn more about the Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project and sign up for free equity resources: equityanddesign.com About Our Guest As a young woman growing up in a poverty-stricken single parent home, Dr. Shree Walker refused to be a victim of circumstance. Being the eldest of six children and the backbone of her family, she has been faced with many obstacles. Without any heroes to look to, she had to become her own. Dr. Walker was determined not to live as a victim or a statistic. Dr. Walker is an author, educator and motivational speaker who will provide excellent professional development for life learners. She can relate to other survivors through the pain, the courage, the conquering, and the reality that there is a life after the pain. Dr. Walker is sunshine in a hurricane and came to this planet to change the world. Dr. Walker is a former Director of Special Education and Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) in Los Angeles County. She formerly served as the Director of Section 504 and Special Populations for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tennessee. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Belmont University and serves on the leadership committee for the Sexual Assault Center, Nashville Tennessee. Dr. Walker utilizes practical resolutions to support diverse learners and develops policies and procedures to ensure students have improved educational outcomes, educational stability, minimal disruptions, and endless possibilities. She received a Doctorate of Curriculum and Instruction from Tennessee State University, Education Specialist of Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University, a Master of Special Education from Lipscomb University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Fisk University. Dr. Walker participated in a Public Education Leadership Project with Harvard University and published her first book, Resilient Walker (2018).

Learn more about the Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project on our website: equityanddesign.com ABOUT OUR GUESTS Susan Barrett, M.A., Director of the Center for Social Behavior Support, Old Dominion University Susan Barrett serves as a Director for the Center for Social Behavior Support (CSBS) at Old Dominion University and a Technical Assistance Director with the Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). She assists with large-scale implementation of PBIS; partners with researchers to evaluate the impact of PBIS on students, school staff, and school communities; and serves on the Association of Positive Behavior Supports (APBS) Board of Directors. She also co-leads the development of the Interconnected Systems Framework, a mental health and PBIS expansion effort. Susan has been published in the areas of large-scale adoption of PBIS, mental health, cost-benefit analysis, advanced tier system development, and adoption of evidence-based practices in schools. Dr. Patricia Hershfeldt, Ed.D., Co-Director of the Center for Social Behavior Support, Old Dominion University Dr. Patricia Hershfeldt is the Co-Director of the Center for Social Behavior Support at Old Dominion University. She also co-chairs the Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS) High School Network that supports high schools with implementation of Multi-Tiered Interventions and Supports (MTSS) with a focus on school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).  Dr. Hershfeldt aims to bridge connections between fellow implementers and researchers. Additionally, she has a strong professional focus on equity and student voice. Dr. Hershfeldt is a former high school special education teacher of 15 years and a mom to 2 daughters. MORE LINKS Old Dominion University, Center for Social Behavioral Supports Center on PBIS PBIS Apps, Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS) Sign up for the ED&D newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gFvGUj ED&D Website: equityanddesign.com The Equity, Disproportionality & Design team is one of five SELPA Resource Lead agencies. Visit our websites to learn more about how we can help you improve your special education systems: System Improvement Leads Imperial County SELPA Marin County SELPA Placer County SELPA

Learn more about the Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project on our website: equityanddesign.com ABOUT OUR GUESTS Mara Madrigal-Weiss is the Director of Student Wellness & School Culture, and Foster and Homeless Youth Education Programs with the San Diego County Office of Education. Her experience includes working with school communities as a Family Case Manager, Protective Services Worker and Family Resource Center Director.  Mara has been dedicated to promoting student mental health and wellness for over 19 years. As a restorative practices tactician and trauma informed trainer she has also dedicated her efforts to building the capacity of schools to provide positive and engaging cultures where students and staff feel safe, respected and valued. For the past five years Mara has led the efforts of her team to enhance mental health literacy and suicide prevention and intervention practices across the county and works closely with the state to streamline resources and promote best practices in the area.    Mara has presented at workshops across the nation for education and other youth-serving partners. She is a past president of the International Bullying Prevention Association (IBPA) the only international association dedicated to eradicating bullying worldwide. Mara is a member of the California Department of Education’s Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup. At present Mara serves as the designee of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction as a Commissioner on the Mental Health Services Oversight Accountability Commission (MHSOAC), she is the Vice Chair of the Commission, leads the Prevention and Early Intervention project and is a member of the Mental Health in Schools, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace projects of the MHSOAC. Heather Nemour, MASP, is a Program Specialist, Student Wellness & School Culture for the San Diego County Office of Education. Ms. Nemour supports the 42 school districts and schools across the county and is involved in a variety of countywide and statewide efforts in suicide prevention, mental health & wellness and positive school climate. Previously, Ms. Nemour was instrumental in the development, oversight and sustainability of a network of five school-based Family Resource Centers that support over 70 schools in the South Bay.  She has eight years of experience as an Adjunct Professor teaching sociology courses in the surrounding community colleges and National University.  Student Wellness and School Culture, San Diego County Office of Education Student Support Services, San Diego County Office of Education Mental Health & Wellness Resources by Teens for Teens Sign up for the ED&D newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gFvGUj ED&D Website: equityanddesign.com  The Equity, Disproportionality & Design team is one of five SELPA Resource Lead agencies. Visit our websites to learn more about how we can help you improve your special education systems:  System Improvement Leads Imperial County SELPA Marin County SELPA Placer County SELPA

The Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project Dr. Leighangela Brady  National School District Leighangela Brady is recognized as a cutting edge leader in educational transformation. She is an author of Transforming Ice Age Schools: A Practical Guide for School Leaders, as well as Test Less, Assess More: A K-8 Guide to Formative Assessment. As a site administrator, educational consultant, and instructional leader, Dr. Brady is passionate about academic excellence, personalized professional development, and effective leadership. Leighangela presents annually at national and international conferences. These experiences have ignited an already sparked interest in transforming today’s schools and helped to further develop her reputation as an educational trailblazer. Currently working as the Superintendent of National School District, her favorite time is spent visiting classrooms and witnessing innovative education in action. She has served as an assistant superintendent of educational services, a principal of a K-6 elementary school, in various support and coaching roles, as well as a successful classroom teacher. Now living in San Diego, Dr. Brady earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership from San Diego State University, with both her B.S. and M.A. degrees from the University of Connecticut. Leighangela is a wife and mother, and plans to retire one day at her home in the Fiji Islands.

Sign up for free equity resources and updates at the Equity, Disproportionality & Design website  Follow us on Twitter We hit ten episodes! On this special episode, we get to introduce our newest teammate, Dr. Erin Mahoney.  Dr. Erin Mahoney is an Executive Consultant with the Equity, Disproportionality, and Design team at the South County SELPA. She has fourteen years’ of experience in education serving students as a Special Education teacher, Academic Coach, Associate Principal, and Principal. Her leadership experience includes mentoring principals, collaborating with Cabinet leadership, and developing and facilitating professional learning at the site, cohort, and district level. Erin recently graduated from San Diego State University with her Doctorate in Education Leadership with her dissertation focus on social emotional learning. In this new role she will be ensuring equity for students in Special Education and all students through her work supporting instruction within MTSS and Universal Design for Learning.

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Links National Center for Urban School Transformation Chula Vista Elementary School District Follow Chula Vista Elementary School District on Twitter Equity, Disproportionality, & Design Sign up for the Equity, Disproportionality & Design newsletter Follow ED&D on Twitter Dr. Francisco Escobedo has been an educator the better part of 30 years.  Since 2010, he is the Superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD).  Located in southern San Diego County, the District’s 46 schools serve over 29,400 students.  In 2019, the Learning Policy Institute identified CVESD was one of seven “California Positive Outlier” districts for its superior academic scores.  Dr. Escobedo is past president of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; member of the Board of Directors for West Ed Advisory Board, California Collaborative for Education Excellence, the local YMCA, and for Classroom of the Future Foundation; and a Rotarian.  He was selected as 2019 Superintendent of the Year for ACSA Region 18. During his tenure at CVESD, he initiated a health initiative that led to a dramatic decrease in student obesity trends.  As a result, the District became the first to receive the San Diego County “Live Well” certificate and was recognized by the American Heart Association.  Partnered with the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory, he initiated the Community Opus Project, which was the beginning in bringing music education back into classrooms.  These efforts resulted in the District’s recognition as a 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award.  Under Dr. Escobedo’s leadership, CVESD received the distinguished Multiple Pathways to Biliteracy District Award for its implementation of 22 Dual Immersion Schools and Exemplary District of the Year Award 2018.  He received the Rindone Educator of the Year Award in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019; and California State Assembly’s 80th District Latino Leader Award in 2016.  Recently he earned the 2020 Ronald Edmund Award for leadership in Urban Education.  Lately CVESD received a 2021 NAMM Foundation Best Community for Music Education Award in recognition of efforts to make music part of a well-rounded education. Dr. Escobedo’s experience includes working as Assistant Superintendent for Educational Leadership in the South Bay Union School District and Principal Research Analyst for American Institutes for Research.  Since 2001, Dr. Escobedo has served as adjunct professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University (SDSU) and is currently a member of the doctoral faculty.  He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University; M.A. degree from SDSU; and Ed.D. from the University of California, San Diego, and SDSU. Acknowledgements We want to acknowledge the CA Department of Education (CDE) and the CA Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) for awarding the SELPA Content Lead grants. The ED&D podcast is funded through the Content Lead grant and enables our team to share the critical work of educators, with a broad audience across the state. Thank you to our listeners for sharing this conversation with us. Join us at our next ED&D episode as we continue the journey of interviewing professionals who possess a passion for building equitable educational services for all students.

Website: https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/faculty/samuel-o-ortiz Sign up for the ED&D newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gFvGUj ED&D Website: equityanddesign.com Dr. Ortiz is Professor of Psychology and former Director of the School Psychology Program at St. John's University, Queens, New York. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California and completed postdoctoral training in Bilingual School Psychology at San Diego State University where he also obtained certification as a school psychologist. In addition, he has served as Visiting Professor and Research Fellow at Nagoya University in Japan and was recently elected Vice President for Professional Affairs of Division 16 of APA beginning Jan. 2003. Dr. Ortiz trains and consults nationally and internationally on topics ranging from nondiscriminatory assessment to contemporary evaluation of learning disabilities. He combines practical and research based experience with specialized education and training in working with culturally and linguistically diverse children and parents. Dr. Ortiz is bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural (Puerto Rican). Thank you to the California Department of Education and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence for their ongoing support.

Join the ED&D community  Visit our website Follow us on Twitter  Read more about risk ratio scores in this blog post  Siegler, Robert. “Fractions: Where It All Goes Wrong,” Scientific American,  retrieved 8 Jul. 2021, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fractions-where-it-all-goes-wrong, 28 Nov. 2017.  Music by Blue Dot Sessions 

Many educators contributed to this show by sharing their stories or giving input. Thank you to all the folks who generously gave their time to help us make this. State and Federal School Reopening Guidance: California Department of Education Coronavirus Response and School Reopening Guidance Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention U.S. Department of Education Releases "COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students' Needs" In this episode, we interviewed educators to hear their stories about reopening schools after the pandemic. We hope you enjoy their stories and insights. Here are some suggestions discussed in the episode: Plan communication: Make your school community feel heard by getting their input as you plan your communication Prepare to be flexible: Plan your work, then learn by working your plan. As you implement safety precautions and communication with the community, social support, and academic support, be open to observing and improving your plans based on how it’s going. Value and use your own experiences as a student to build empathy: Reflect on your experiences as a student and take note of what you needed to be successful. Give that to your students as they return to school. Take care of yourself and take care of each other: As educators we cannot give to others what we don’t have. Educators must model self-care, so others can do the same. Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health Resources: Greater Good Science Center CASEL SEL 3-Signature Practices Playbook San Diego County Office of Education Suicide Prevention Resources The Equity, Disproportionality & Design team is one of five SELPA Resource Lead agencies. Visit our websites to learn more about how we can help you improve your special education systems: Imperial County SELPA: Improving Outcomes for English Learners with Disabilities Marin County SELPA and the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) Placer County SELPA: Open Access – Learning and Participation for All   SELPA System Improvement Leads (SIL) Thank you to the California Department of Education and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence for their ongoing support.

Promoting Equity for Schools by Creating Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Experiences for English Learners. For more information about the Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project, visit our website.  Follow us on Twitter:  ED&D Ryan Estrellado  Music by MARCU5theBAW5 Follow our guests on Twitter Deborah Escalante Montoya, Ed.D. is the Sr. Director for the Imperial County SELPA.  Dr. Montoya has over 21 years of experience working with and leading programs for students with disabilities. Dr. Montoya is a strong advocate for students with disabilities, and English language learners. She believes in the important work of educators, and the array of opportunities they can provide to ensure equitable & accessible learning environments for each student. Dr. Montoya has worked as a School Psychologist, Principal, Director of Special Education & Support Services prior to her role as SELPA Sr. Director. At present, she is also leading the SELPA Content Lead work: Improving Outcomes for English learners with Disabilities, in partnership with the California Department of Education and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. Lupita Olguin-Rubio is a Coordinator at Imperial County SELPA. Ms. Olguin-Rubio has over 20 years of experience as a curriculum coordinator providing professional development on literacy and language development for English learners at the Imperial County Office of Education. Ms. Olguin-Rubio believes that language is power and that every student is entitled to have his or her voice heard. She is passionate about this philosophy and imparts this zeal in all her projects. Ms. Olguin-Rubio operates with a systems lens and recognizes that as individuals we are all change agents and have the ability to “be the change we want to see in the world”. Ms. Olguin-Rubio has worked as a K-6 Educator, Site Director for the California Reading and Literature Project, Title III EL Specialist and English Learner Curriculum Coordinator. At present she is part of Dr. Deborah E. Montoya’s SELPA Content Lead work: Improving Outcomes for English Learners with Disabilities. Vanessa Lopez is a Coordinator of Inclusionary Practices at Imperial County SELPA. Ms. Lopez has over 20 years of experience educating English learners with disabilities in resource and self-contained classroom settings. Ms. Lopez enjoys working towards shining a light on the myriad assets English learners, students with disabilities, and those dually identified contribute to our education system and community. She believes in being a change agent and an advocate for all students and in the commitment and zeal educators in the field bring to their classroom setting on a daily basis. Ms. Lopez has worked as a K-6 Special Education teacher, English language development coach, Resource Teacher, and Academic Support Teacher. She is a Google Level I certified educator and Assistive Technology support provider. At present she is part of Dr. Deborah E. Montoya’s SELPA Content Lead work: Improving Outcomes for English Learners with Disabilities.

Leadership through the use of systems and frameworks to organize support and transform positive environments for school districts. For more information about the Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project, visit our website.  Follow us on Twitter:  ED&D Ryan Estrellado Music by MARCU5theBAW5 Michael Lombardo, MA is an Executive Director with the Placer County Office of Education and Coordinates the California Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition. Michael’s  primary areas of interest focus on creating environments where our children can achieve their very best, feel engaged, safe and supported. In these roles he works locally and nationally as a leader in early prevention, student wellness, social-emotional skills development, breaking down barriers to learning, and family/youth engagement. Michael is a member of the California Department of Education School Attendance Review Board and Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup as well as the Placer County Child Abuse Prevention Council. He has presented at numerous local, state and national conferences and professional meetings. While directing several grant projects integrating mental health in schools, systems development, suicide prevention, and school climate, Michael has brought innovation to school mental health. He has extensive experience in the implementation and scaling up of evidence-based practices, multi-tier systems schools, juvenile justice, and human services environments. His diverse professional background includes leadership positions in Education, Juvenile Justice, Health and Human Services, Mental Health and System of Care. He feels his most significant accomplishment is being a father of two children who are now embarking on their own journey as adults impacting the world around them. Luke Anderson Ed.S., BCBA is the Senior Director of Prevention Supports and Services for the Placer County Office of Education. Within this role, Luke oversees the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) regional initiatives. Luke’s role also includes supporting the Differentiated Assistance process. Luke is a statewide SWIS and I-SWIS Facilitator Trainer and a member of the California PBIS Coalition Leadership Team. Prior to joining the PCOE team, Luke worked as a special education teacher, behavior analyst, school psychologist, and PBIS Trainer for one of the largest school districts in California. He has worked as a lecturer in the School Psychology and Special Education programs at CSU, Sacramento where he taught courses on academic and cognitive assessment. In addition to presenting at numerous state and national conferences, Luke has been an invited speaker at the UC Davis Mind Institute's Summer Institute, the Northern California LD Association Conference, the California MTSS Professional Learning Institute, and the PBIS National Leadership Forum.

Keeping students at the center through vulnerability and collaboration to strengthen support and equity for local school districts. Follow us on Twitter:  ED&D Ryan Estrellado  Music by MARCU5theBAW5 For more information about the Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project, visit our website.  From Jeremy Sawtelle is the Director of Specialized Student Support for the Shasta County Office of Education:  My role is to provide consultation and training for equity and inclusive practices with the goal of improving our systems to better support all students. I work with local community agencies, families, state organizations, county offices, and school districts to strengthen practices, challenge current systems, and to facilitate difficult conversations. My background is in Special Education and I have a passion for my work and my values. Through our collective compassion and effort, we can systematically improve outcomes for all of our learners. From Nick Syrrist, Support Services Consultant, Shasta County SELPA: Special education has become my passion. After four years of teaching, I have the honor of working with the Shasta SELPA. Building relationships is fundamental to our mission of supporting comprehensive programs for all special education students. We daily face new challenges in education; my role is to partner with individuals, districts, and organizations to address and overcome these challenges for the betterment of the educational system and, ultimately, our students.

How family influences the building of relationships and networking around equity work in schools. GUEST: Russell Y. Coronado is the Executive Director of the San Diego South County SELPA. He guides the member school districts in all facets of special education. He has developed a specific emphasis in the area of under-represented students. He has built a reputation around Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Equity and Disproportionality. For more information about the Equity, Disproportionality & Design Project, visit our website.  Music by MARCU5theBAW5 Follow us on Twitter:  ED&D Ryan Estrellado