Recorded on April 27, 2021

The National Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety at WestEd released a compendium of evidence-based resources to support social and emotional learning integration in school systems last year.

This webinar builds from that compendium, with panelists Rose Prejean-Harris, Angela Ward, and Eric Moore sharing their insights and expertise as district leaders who implement evidence-based practices and data-driven continuous improvement processes for social and emotional learning, school climate, and other whole person initiatives. The session specifically delves into practical methods for using data to advance equitable outcomes.

Presenters

Angela Ward is a mother, wife, and internationally recognized antiracist educator with over 25 years of experience in education. She brings over a decade of experience with foundational equity work in Austin Independent School District, where she managed the district’s efforts on Cultural Proficiency & Inclusiveness and restorative practices. Dr. Ward’s research focuses on the implications of the multiple relationships of education to culture, power, and society. Her work addresses bias, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, and racism to eliminate disproportionality and disparities across systems. Dr. Ward is a strong advocate for liberating workplaces and school spaces focused on equity, inclusiveness, and relationship building. For an eye into Dr. Ward’s work, see her recent column, “Equity isn’t just a word — it’s an action.” 

Eric Moore is the Senior Officer of Accountability, Research, and Equity for the Minneapolis Public Schools. As Chief of Accountability, Eric provides leadership for the full scope of the Research, Evaluation, Accountability, and Assessment Department (REAA) and district-level efforts around the district strategic and department plans, equity, social and emotional learning, and school improvement. With over 20 years of experience in education, Mr. Moore’s work has focused on race and student achievement, racial identity and data interpretation, youth evaluation practices, and systemic SEL. His work has recently been featured in Children and Youth Services Review, Education Week, CASEL State of the Field Report, and the Aspen Institute School Improvement Guide on SEL and Equity. Mr. Moore is passionate about using program evaluation, organizational development, and measurement to address racial and economic inequalities in urban school systems. 

Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris is the Director of Social-Emotional Learning for Atlanta Public Schools. She has 25 years of experience in K-12 education and has worked as a Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, and Science Teacher. She is a Louisiana native and received her B.S. in Science Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, an M.Ed. in School Counseling from the University of West Georgia, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Mercer University. Dr. Prejean-Harris believes that for students to gain access to a challenging curriculum, caring adults who are also self-aware and trained in meeting the needs of diverse learners must also cultivate the skills children need to grow social, emotional, and cultural competencies. As educators, we are the vessels of hope who pour into students to help them find grit, determination, voice, and the possibilities of a healthy, happy, and productive life beyond the classroom. 

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