The purpose of this course is to examine the constructs within educational systems that have
created racial disparities, disproportionality, and inequalities in special education.
This Academy will help participants to create frameworks and systems to overcome these
constructs; with a goal of better meeting the needs of students of color with IEPs and preparing
them for post-secondary success.

After attending this course, participants will be able to: identify systems that contribute to racial
disparities in special education, identify methods to combat disproportionality, construct resources
for their institution, and develop training and supports for school professionals to combat racial
disparities and inequalities in special education, referral, assessment, and eligibility.

Presenter: 

Dr. Diona Lewis 

Dr. Diona Lewis is the Director of Special Education at Evanston Township High School. Diona’s passion is for working with students, families, and instructional leaders to provide the best education possible for every student. She works to construct authentic situations for special education students to use their skills and to adequately prepare for any post-secondary option they choose to pursue. Throughout her career, she has been a special education classroom teacher,
Athletic Director, Pupil Services Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Assistant
Superintendent.

Dr. Lewis wrote her dissertation on programs in juvenile detention centers
to reduce recidivism for African-American males. In addition to her Ed.D in
Educational Leadership Curriculum and Instruction from the University of
Phoenix, Diona holds an M.A. in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois
University, an administrative endorsement from Aurora University, and a B.S. in
Secondary Education from Northwestern University. Diona is also a fellow with the
Georgetown University Center for Juvenile Justice Reform earning a certification
through the School and Justice Partnerships Program. In her spare time, Dr. Lewis
enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, traveling, taking
photographs, and working out.

Register Here