Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference 2024

Agenda and speakers

9-10 a.m. Keynote Presentation: Placing Equity at the Heart of Multi-tiered Systems of Support

Speaker: Dr. María Reina Santiago-Rosario
Research Associate at the University of Oregon

This keynote discusses inequities in school discipline and research showing promise to disrupt their negative effects on students. It calls attendees to consider their role in the implementation of equity-focused Muti-tiered Systems of Support and how to move forward with this work in schools.

10:15–11:30 a.m. Concurrent Session 1

Session: Leveling up: Ideas and Information for educators of multilingual learners

Speakers: Suzanne Lasser and Yarina Sención
Suzanne M. Lasser: Podcast Co-Producer & Assistant Principal, Eastview Middle School
Yarina Sención: Podcast Co-Producer & District ENL Enrollment and Family Liaison

Language learning is a civil rights issue that requires school districts to take action to ensure equal participation and the removal of barriers for English Language Learners (ELLs). Yarina and Suzanne have been working in the field of public education for over 25 years. Their focus has always been one that supports the newcomer, ELL community in their school district. This session explores their work within the district and beyond. They share how they began their podcast, BiLingual in America, as a way to elevate and expand the conversation around the bilingual/multilingual experience. Join them for an interactive, minds-on session.

Session: "Exploring Javanese Phatic Culture: A Gateway to Cross-Cultural Understanding in Education"

Speaker: Dr. Yuli Widiana
Assistant Professor
Lecturer at English Language Program, Faculty of Communication Science, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya (Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University), Indonesia
The announcer of 93.8 MHz Radio Ge FM Madiun

In the globalized world we inhabit today, understanding diverse cultures is crucial for effective communication and collaboration. One fascinating aspect of cultural exploration is the study of phatic communication, which focuses on the social function of language and the nuances of everyday interactions. This study delves into the Javanese phatic culture, examining its significance in fostering cross-cultural understanding, particularly in educational settings.

Session: Fostering Educational Justice through Student-Led Initiatives: Insights from Indonesian Higher Education

Speaker: Ira Rasikawati, Ph.D.
Dean of Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Department of English, Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana (UKRIDA), Jakarta, Indonesia

Speaker: Dr. David Wicks
Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
Chair, Digital Education Leadership
School of Education
Seattle Pacific University

Speaker:Dr. Udi Samanhudi
Head of International Office, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa Banten, Indonesia

This presentation explores the innovative approaches of two Indonesian universities in fostering educational justice by empowering students to lead significant events, such as conferences and study trips. Through mentorship and inclusive opportunities, the universities prepare students for future leadership roles, emphasizing a sense of belonging and equity in educational experiences.

Session: Embracing Diversity: Promoting Inclusivity in Indonesian Language Learning Environments

Speaker: Yunias Monika
Head of the UKRIDA Language Training Center and Course Coordinator for English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Speaker: Ira Rasikawati, Ph.D.
Dean of Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Department of English, Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana (UKRIDA), Jakarta, Indonesia

Speaker: Siegfrieda A. S. Mursita-Putri
Head of the UKRIDA Department of English

Speaker: Enche Hartana
Head of Principal SLTAK PENABUR Jakarta

Speaker: Thomas Kristo
Principal of SMAK PENABUR Gading Serpong

This presentation will discuss how eighteen Indonesian schools attempt to promote inclusivity in language learning settings. The discussion starts by recognizing that language learners come from a variety of backgrounds. The presenters will then explain how the schools offer a learning environment that recognizes different learning methods while taking into account the need of respect, empathy and cultural awareness.

11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Lunch

12–1:15 p.m. Concurrent Session 2

Session: Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Exploring Principals’ Stress and Workplace Well-Being

Speaker: Dr. Alex Alexander
D.L. Alex Alexander, M.Ed.Admin., Ph.D.
Principal (taking a gap year) Edmonds School District

This session is a presentation of the research results on school principal stress and well-being in Washington State. Discover the imperative for systemic strategies to enhance well-being in educational leadership to support healthy school communities, staff, and students. Join us for insights fostering a healthier leadership environment. Dissertation Presentation #PrincipalWellBeing

Session: Implementing WIDA and UDL for Linguistically Diverse Learners: Unpacking Obstacles

Speaker: Estephanie S. López Contreras
Teaching assistant, Washington State University

This study explores teacher candidates’ implementation of WIDA and UDL frameworks to enhance English language development, specifically targeting MLLs. While cognizant of these frameworks, challenges such as inadequate mentoring, time constraints, and knowledge gap hinder practical use. This presentation offers insights to bridge the implementation gap, enhancing teaching practices.

Session: Imagine If All Schools Had This!
Fostering Inclusive Family Engagement Through Human – Centered Design Thinking

Speaker: Dr. Tamara York
Assistant Principal
East Olympia Elementary – Tumwater School District

This session delves into the essential role of family engagement in education, spotlighting the transformative influence of Human-Centered Design (HCD) on student success. We advocate a departure from traditional school-centric engagement to an HCD approach, emphasizing power dynamics understanding between educational leaders, community members, and families. Our focus is on raising marginalized voices, unlocking community cultural wealth, and fortifying relationships for enhanced family engagement practices, ultimately contributing to improved student outcomes.

Session: Identity in Adolescence

Speaker: Dr. Bethany Hoff
Assistant Professor
School of Psychology, Family and Community
Seattle Pacific University

This presentation will focus on theory exploring the complexities of identity formation in adolescence. How identity development may look unique for students of color and the implications of this journey for all students will be discussed.

1:30–2:45 p.m. Concurrent Session 3

Session: How to Have Meaningful Conversations about Race in the Classroom

Speaker: Emily Huff
Director of Field Placements & Clinical Faculty
Seattle Pacific University | School of Education

Drawing from So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, Not Light but Fire by Matthew Kay, and We’re Gonna Keep on Talking by Jennifer Orr, this presentation will not give you a bag of tricks but will give insight into ways to build a healthy classroom community for meaningful reflections about race.

Session: Inclusionary Practices: Supporting Students with Disabilities in the General Education Setting

Speaker: Jennifer Jones
Director of Special Populations for Washington Connections Academy

This session will explore the six models of co-teaching in the general education setting, a simulation to explore what is like to have executive functioning challenges and best instructional practices for supporting students with IEPs (individualized education programs) and Section 504 accommodation plans in the general education classroom.

Session: Dynamic Lesson Planning with ChatGPT

Speaker: Maggie Diehl
English Instructor at Mukogawa Women's University US Campus and Gonzaga University

Discover how ChatGPT can revolutionize lesson planning for ELL educators. This presentation shows how to unlock ChatGPT’s potential, and attendees will leave the session inspired to use ChatGPT, saving valuable time and energy for the true joy of teaching: human interaction.

Session: Trans Children in Today's Schools: A Time of Upheaval

Speaker: Aidan Key
Founder, Gender Diversity

The increased societal visibility of transgender children in pre-K-12 schools has placed the topic of gender inclusion squarely on the table. Schools are often hard-pressed to understand the needs of these students and even more challenged to respectfully address the needs, concerns, and fears of others. Resources are difficult to find, and societal volatility ramps up unchecked. How does one discuss aspects of gender diversity in schools in ways that honor and respect all members of a school community. This session touches on the personal, social, legal, political, educational, and religious implications that come with creating more gender-inclusive schools.

2:45-3 p.m. Closing Statements from Dr. David Denton

Past conferences