Author: JaDonnia B.

A Master's level Counseling professional, and background in family services and education, my interests are in the development and implementation of full service community schools, and innovative designs for family and community engagement[a "village" approach] to promote child, family and community well-being. A core component in efforts to eliminate all learning gaps lies in cultural proficiency among professionals with respect for diversity. Also central to ensuring equity in education is parent partnerships and an embedded curriculum that integrates responsive instructional content and 'mirrors' learners' cultural identities. These are my stories, and my pleas to ensure that all villages are represented, respected, engaged and empowered in the framework of quality educational experiences. 21st Century globalism demands a new curriculum design and culturally responsive instructional practices implemented within fully and equitably resourced school settings. Schools, as an educational institution, purposed with preparing learners for tomorrow's economic demands and arming learners with tools for global citizenship in an information-based diverse society. No matter the location of these schools, upon entrance, every one of these environments should reflect a futuristic design, framed by the knowledge of the past and guided by the possibilities for the future. That is my mission, and I'll be here until mission is accomplished.