Our STARS Inc

05/26/2023

Left: 2008 Right:2023 My first born and my lil big sis

05/13/2023

Today is a truly special day as my little sister Melicia graduates with her masters in education! 🎓👩‍🎓 I am beyond proud of her hard work, dedication, and perseverance to achieve this amazing accomplishment. Melicia, your passion for teaching and helping others is truly inspiring, and I can't wait to see all the incredible things you will accomplish in your career!

05/11/2023

📢 Exciting Announcement! 🎉

Hey everyone! 👋 As an educator, I am thrilled to share some valuable insights on creating a more inclusive and equitable classroom for adolescents. 🏫✨

In today's diverse world, it's crucial for us to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported. By embracing the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and intersectionality, we can foster an environment that celebrates the unique identities and experiences of all our students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. 🌍🤝

In my upcoming blog post, I will delve into practical strategies and recommendations to help teachers promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within their classrooms. We'll explore the importance of examining our own biases, integrating multiple perspectives, and providing a safe space for open dialogue. Together, we can create a vibrant and empowering learning experience for all adolescents. 💡💪

Join me as we navigate through:

✅ The significance of UDL and intersectionality frameworks in creating inclusive classrooms.
✅ Concrete examples of how these frameworks have been successfully implemented in other settings.
✅ Addressing potential challenges and barriers that may arise during the implementation process.
✅ Cultivating respectful and empathetic relationships with students from different backgrounds.
✅ Celebrating diversity in all its forms and valuing the contributions of each student.

I believe that by working together and sharing our experiences, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our students. 🌟✨

So mark your calendars and stay tuned for my blog post on creating a more inclusive and equitable classroom for adolescents! Let's empower our students to thrive and build a brighter future together. 🌈📚

https://ourstarsinc.org/2023/05/how-to-create-a-more-inclusive-and-equitable-classroom-for-adolescents/

05/11/2023

Adolescence is a critical period in which individuals are developing their identity, beliefs, and attitudes towards themselves and the world around them. As teachers, it is essential to create a safe and inclusive classroom environment that caters to the diverse needs of all students, especially those from marginalized groups. One way to achieve this is by incorporating intersectionality and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks into teaching practices....

Adolescence is a critical period in which individuals are developing their identity, beliefs, and attitudes towards themselves and the world around them. As teachers, it is essential to create a sa…

05/11/2023

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a crucial tool designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in the classroom. The IEP process can be complex and overwhelming for both parents and educators, but with the right understanding and preparation, it can be a collaborative and empowering experience. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the IEP process, offering valuable insights and tips for parents and educators alike....

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a crucial tool designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in the classroom. The IEP process can be com…

04/13/2023

Today was a momentous day for me as I presented my research at the Meeting of the Minds 12th Annual Research Poster Presentation event at CSUSB! It was an incredible opportunity to showcase my work and learn from my fellow peers. I am grateful for the support from my mentors, colleagues, and the CSUSB community. This event has truly inspired me to continue pursuing my passion for research. Thank you

04/13/2023

Intersectionality and UDL frameworks: Building inclusive communities. 🌟💜

Intersectionality and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks are essential for creating inclusive communities. The intersectionality framework acknowledges that individuals may experience multiple forms of oppression based on their identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and disability. UDL, on the other hand, provides a framework that supports the learning needs of all individuals, regardless of their diverse backgrounds.

Together, these frameworks help us to create more inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of each individual, we can promote equity and justice in our communities. Let's work together to build a world where intersectionality and UDL frameworks are at the forefront of our efforts towards inclusion.

04/11/2023

Let's create a world that accepts and celebrates neurodiversity. 🧠💙

Neurodivergent individuals have unique ways of thinking, processing information, and experiencing the world around them. Let's celebrate their differences and create a world where they feel accepted and included. We need to understand that their differences should be celebrated and not stigmatized. Let's work towards building a society that is inclusive of all neurodivergent individuals. We can all make a difference by spreading awareness and acceptance. ❤️

03/29/2023

"I wanted my son to see a character who looked like him on the show, who was portrayed in a joyful and positive light."

03/29/2023

"Kids do well if they can" ~ Dr Ross Greene

Em of NeuroWild has captured *some* of the many reasons why a neurodivergent kid may not be meeting expectations, including:

* No mental energy
* Sensory overload
* Having fluctuating capacity dismissed as lack of effort/bad attitude
* Task is difficult due to learning style
* Dysregulated
* Lack of clear instructions/scaffolding
* Trauma
* Other unmet needs
* Burnt out
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Stress
* Perfectionism
* Physical discomfort that's hard to identify or express
* Emotional overwhelm
* Negative experiences with school, teachers, learning
* Difficulty initiating
* Difficulty focusing
* Difficulty with transitions
* Lacking essential skills

Neurodivergent adults might relate to many of these points as well!

(Cartoon image of a young child, with hands in pockets, looking down with a forlorn expression).

03/29/2023