Joshua J. Clark’s Post

On International Literacy Day, we recognize that literacy is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of individual and societal progress. As we honor this day, let us acknowledge the amplified inequities for Black children experiencing unaddressed Dyslexia and related learning dis/abilities. #DABCConference2024 is bringing together expert educators and advocates to share knowledge and strategies on how to better serve Black learners. Join us to address this issue and ensure that all students have the education and resources they deserve to thrive: https://l8r.it/teAe It begins in your community, but sets the foundation for a better world. #InternationalLiteracyDay #LiteracyMatters

Let's dive into a nuanced discussion on special education and representation in schools! Constance Lindsay unpacks the complexities of racial representation in special education services in our latest episode of Conscious Pathways. In exploring this topic, Dr. Lindsay highlights the ongoing debate in special education literature about whether Black students are overrepresented or underrepresented. This discussion underscores the importance of cultural awareness and understanding within the teaching profession. Join us in exploring the impact of cultural mismatches and the need for inclusive practices in education. How can we ensure that all students receive the services they need while addressing these complex dynamics? Tune in to this weeks episode of Conscious Pathways for more insights! Link in the comments to listen. Let's deepen our understanding together! #SpecialEducation #RepresentationMatters #CulturalAwareness #InclusiveEducation #ConsciousPathways #EducationDiscussion. #BlackStudents #SpecialEducationDebate #CulturalMismatch #EducationalInequality #RacialDisparities #InclusiveEducation #EquityInLearning #EducationSystemIssues #DataDrivenInsights #EducationalChallenges

Well, I remember the day I took this picture vividly. I had just stepped off a panel discussion about the systemic pushout of Black girls from schools. Listening to a panel of women dance around the core issue—why Black girls are mistreated in educational settings—was both enlightening and disheartening. We tapped into adult education, inherent biases, and training educators to treat Black girls with humanity. But when asked for my thoughts, I responded honestly: has it ever occurred to anyone that some people simply don’t like Black girls? In a world where we assume every teacher likes every child, it’s crucial to acknowledge this painful truth. Mistreatment of any child, especially to the extent that it affects their desire to stay in school, is unacceptable. It’s time to stop dancing around the issue and address it head-on. Grateful that my students never have to worry about this type of treatment at @timbuk2academy We need to foster an environment where all children, regardless of appearance, socioeconomic status, or background, are treated with the fairness and compassion they deserve. Let’s work together to change this narrative and create a supportive, equitable educational system. #EducationReform #BlackGirlsMatter #EquityInEducation #StopThePushout #CompassionInSchools #timbuk2academy

Finding the right accommodations is a crucial step toward academic empowerment. Every journey in securing support is unique, especially for our Black autistic scholars. How have you navigated the world of academic accommodations? Your shared experiences not only uplift but could pave the way for others seeking similar paths. Let's create a supportive network right here by sharing our stories. #AutisticStudents #CollegeAccommodations #SupportInEducation #AutismAwareness

I had a great time at The Reading League’s 8th Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC. A few colleagues and I helped kick off the conference during the Educators of Color Conference Community (ECCC) Panel Discussion organized by Altheria Caldera, PhD Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion as we explored information pertinent to literacy instruction for Black students and other students of color. During our panel discussion, I shared that “In Black culture we have an oral tradition—we engage in storytelling for passing down histories, beliefs, and values through oral language—that is also literacy. But, when our students arrive in school, we don’t build upon all the literacies and funds of knowledge that they are bringing with them. Just because it’s different, doesn’t make it deficient.” But there’s so much more to unpack! Join me next at the Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children (DABC) Virtual Conference on October 30, 2024, at 7pm ET, where I'll be presenting a session titled, The (B)lack Narrative: Moving Beyond Deficit Ideologies in Literacy Let’s keep pushing forward, challenging assumptions, and embracing the wealth of knowledge our students bring! Kari Kurto, The Reading League, Maria Murray, The Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children #BlackLiteracyMatters #OralTradition #DyslexiaAlliance #BeyondDeficit #differenceisnotdisorder #deficitideologies #deficittheories #literacyisacivilright #k12education #school #respectthedialect #linguisticjustice #readinginstruction #DABC #TRLconf2024

Empowering the future of Black children through education is both a mission and an opportunity. Explore how cultural and diverse education can be the bedrock of confidence for young minds. To learn more about this topic, check out our blogs this week here https://lnkd.in/eHkZWHBz . How do you incorporate cultural education into your child's learning journey? Share your tips below. #BlackExcellence #EmpowermentThroughEducation #CulturalDiversity #EducateToElevate #FutureLeaders #InspireYoungMinds

On Codeswitching Pedagogies... In a racist society, forcing Black people to codeswitch doesn’t solve the actual challenges that we are facing. No matter how well we codeswitch, we still show up Black! That’s the issue we’re dealing with--racism! #respectthedialect #linguisticjustice #BlackEnglish #Blacklanguagesmatter #Blacklivesmatter #education #equityineducation #theculturewespeak #learning #k12education #TRLConf2024 #languagematters #Blackliteracymatters 

If your staff and organization struggles to understand the potential of your Black male students with disabilities, this webinar is specifically for you. You will learn how to tap into the potential of Black boys with disabilities to increase their life outcomes in schools and within their communities. To learn more about how we support families and organizations with helping Black boys with disabilities realize endless possibilities within their schools and communities, visit https://lnkd.in/ed7a8Vkg. #blacklivesmatter #blackboyjoy #studentsuccess #studentengagement #disabilityawareness #disabilityinclusion #disabilitysupport #neurodiversity

If your staff and organization struggles to understand the potential of your Black male students with disabilities, this webinar is specifically for you. You will learn how to tap into the potential of Black boys with disabilities to increase their life outcomes in schools and within their communities. To learn more about how we support families and organizations with helping Black boys with disabilities realize endless possibilities within their schools and communities, visit https://lnkd.in/ehh-nkBT. #blacklivesmatter #blackboyjoy #studentsuccess #studentengagement #disabilityawareness #disabilityinclusion #disabilitysupport #neurodiversity

Did you know that African American teachers are leaving the classroom at a staggering rate of 22% annually? This alarming trend has profound implications for the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in education. It's essential that we not only acknowledge this issue but actively work to create environments where educators of color feel supported, valued, and empowered to stay. Let's open the conversation on how we can collectively address this crisis and advocate for real change in our schools.