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Dr. John Harper

Former Superintendent, Plainfield Unified School District 202 (Plainfield, IL)

“ …both on a national level, and most especially in my district… you’ve not only raised awareness in the area of diversity and equity, but as a result of your leadership and passion, you’ve moved people to action. In my mind anyway…this will be your legacy!” (2010)

 

 

 

Kathleen King

Professor, Department of Education, North Central College (Naperville, IL)

“In 2018, Bea Young & Associates provided a cultural responsiveness audit as part of North Central College’s commitment to cultural responsiveness and equity. Through their professionalism, diligence, and efficacy, we gained incredible, actionable insights from this process. Due to their vast experience in this field, Bea Young and associates, Michael Kligore and Alexandra Escobar, were able to give voice to those marginalized in our program, so we could inform positive change. Likewise, they aided us in uncovering practices and mindsets that were dissuading achievement of our equity goals. I learned so much from these esteemed individuals and encourage institutions to embrace the vulnerability of such a process. It truly has brought us closer to living our aspired values.”

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Toyin Fox

Director of Diversity & Inclusion, John A. Logan College (Carterville, IL)

“At [John A. Logan College], since the [Equity & Cultural] audit, there have been some successes as well as setbacks and resistance.  Some of the challenges we face are some of the arguments you and co-authors make in your book: grounding our change efforts in curriculum strategy, cultural responsiveness and inclusive behaviors, with understanding and love; dynamic collaboration; and that the restoration journey has to be a clear vision shared by all involved. The chapter where Dr. Ayala described a meeting she had with the teachers/employees in one of the districts she served and how some of them were concerned/afraid/anxious that the equity and inclusion efforts meant they were going to lose their jobs really resonates with me. Nevertheless, the work and the struggle continue, and with the potential that JALC has for growth, I have to believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel in our journey/work for educational equity, even at this critical time in our beloved country.

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I just want to say a BIG thank you to you for enriching my journey.” (2019)

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Francela Lopez

English Learner Program Director, Berwyn North School District 98 (North Berwyn, IL) 

From the Illinois School Board JOURNAL. November/December 2019. Vol. 87 No. 6, pp24-25

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“Berwyn North SD 98 embarked on a comprehensive review of its educational programs in order to address issues of equity, student achievement and linguistic diversity. A step taken was to address the needs of students through a district-wide cultural audit conducted by Bea Young Associates. The Audit found many inequities including an inadequate curriculum that was not standards-aligned and lacked academic rigor.

 

The audit involved many ways of collecting information from various groups. Surveys, focus groups and opportunities for dialog were all part of the process. Our cultural responsiveness journey incorporated ideas concerning “Inclusive Behavior Training” for all staff; this served as the foundation for the district’s change… District departments no longer work in silos—goals are shared across the system.”

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