“Tackling A-F: Equity for All” addresses diversity in the classroom and the strategies which can be used to bridge learning styles and culture. The workshop set for Feb. 9, 2018 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington, features Tracy Weeden, CEO of the Neuhaus Education Center and Rosalinda Mercado, CEO of E-Colors in Education, Inc.

Weeden’s presents on barriers to learning with her presentation “Walking into Walls.” She proposes that educators make a transformational, generational impact on youth, regardless of zip code.

“Whether a child is navigating the war zone of poverty or recovering from the impact of an emotional land mind, it is crucial that educators consider rap-around supports that bring healing and hope,” said Weeden.

Mercado is an expert in social-emotional awareness, the competencies which humans need to understand the emotions of others, including empathy, organizational awareness and service orientation. Her presentation called “The 8 Essentials of High-Performing Teams with Self and Team Awareness” calls for a heightened self-awareness and awareness of others.

Additional speakers will provide breakout sessions on topics such as dyslexia, English language learner technology, independent reading/writing, students with limited education, restorative justice, and special education issues. Presenters include Carol Salva, Seidlitz Education; Krystal Gokey, licensed specialist in school psychology; Uyen Nguyen, educational diagnostician; Mary Yarus and Weeden, Neuhaus Education Center; Marisela Rodriguez; Vivian Pratts; and representatives from the Center for Safe and Secure Schools, HCDE.

In understanding that diversity and inclusion are different, the institute’s objectives are to applaud diversity, support culturally responsive leadership, leverage difference, be reflective, provide researched best practices in teaching, open opportunity doors, and close gaps for all students.

Cost for the institute is $125. Seating is limited. Register for the institute at www.hcde-texas.org/register (workshop number 11635). Call 713-696-8223 for more information.

About Harris County Department of Education: HCDE provides special education, therapy services, early education, adult education and after-school programming. Services are funded by government grants, fees and a local property tax rate of $.005195. For every dollar in local property tax collected, HCDE provides $4.40 in services to the 25 Harris County school districts. HCDE also operates four campuses for students with profound special education needs and adjudicated youth who require a low student-teacher ratio and highly structured environment. One-hundred percent of students served on HCDE campuses are at-risk. The organization is governed by an elected board of seven trustees and has 1,060 employees and 33 facilities, including 15 Head Start centers. More info at www.hcde-texas.org.