REACTinitiative

09/15/2026

We know dynamic assessment can give us information that a static assessment often can't, particularly when we’re working with culturally and linguistically diverse students. It provides a better understanding of learning potential, responsiveness to support, and the difference between language and/or learning difference and disability.
So…why aren't more of us actually using it?

Is it…
👍 TIME — Ain't nobody got time for that!
❤️ TRAINING — What ta do? I understand the concept, but I need more support actually implementing it.
🤗 TOOLS — I don't have practical materials/protocols/resources that make it easy to use.
😂 DATA/REPORTING — I can do the assessment, but I'm not sure how to document or interpret the results.
😮 SYSTEMS — My workplace/school doesn't make room for it.
😢 CONFIDENCE — I need to see what “good” dynamic assessment actually looks like in practice.
😡 ALL OF THE ABOVE 😩
And before somebody says, “We just need more PD…” 😏
Maybe.

But what if the issue isn't simply knowing about dynamic assessment?
What if we need better ways to actually DO dynamic assessment?
That's something we've been thinking about at REACT.

So, I'm doing a little market research. 👀
If you could wave a magic wand and fix ONE thing that makes dynamic assessment difficult to implement, what would it be?
Feel free to share additional thoughts/details in the comments.
Because if we're serious about rethinking assessment and centering equity, we need to build the infrastructure that helps people move from “I know dynamic assessment matters” to “I can actually use it.”

And yes…
We're building.

06/24/2026

Educational inequities are complex. Addressing them requires thoughtful partnerships, evidence-informed practices, and a commitment to meaningful change.

REACT Initiative works alongside schools, districts, and organizations to strengthen literacy outcomes, support culturally and linguistically diverse learners, evaluate systems, and develop solutions that move beyond compliance toward impact.

We're currently accepting a limited number of project-based engagements and would welcome the opportunity to explore how we can support your goals.

Together, we can build educational environments where all learners have the opportunity to thrive.

02/20/2026

March forward with purpose!

REACT Initiative's 4-part professional learning series equips educators and clinicians with practical strategies to support African American students through equitable assessment, culturally sustaining practices, and student advocacy. Each session is 1.5 hours and provides 0.15 ASHA CEUs. Seats are limited—register now!

Series Sessions:
>African American English and Education – Explore strategies for equitable assessment, differentiate targets for therapy, and support classroom instruction for African American students.
>Cultural Policing and the School-to-Confinement Pipeline – Examine disciplinary practices, factors placing students at risk, and strategies to improve student self-advocacy.
>Culturally Relevant and Culturally Sustaining Services – Learn how to incorporate culturally sustaining pedagogies into speech-language therapy for more equitable outcomes.
>Advocating for African American Students – Identify barriers to educational access, analyze culturally sustaining pedagogy, and partner with colleagues and community members to improve equity and opportunity.

Flexible Registration: Take individual sessions or the full series.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/AfAmStudents

01/27/2026

Is Language Subordination Lurking in Your Classroom? —
Quick Self‑Check

1. Do I celebrate the language(s) students bring with them?
✔️ Do I ask about their linguistic backgrounds and value them as assets?
2. Do my expectations insist only on the “standard” or dominant dialect/language?
✔️ Do I penalize or correct diverse linguistic codes without exploring their legitimacy first?
3. Are my teaching materials linguistically diverse?
✔️ Do texts and examples include multiple languages, dialects, or voices?
4. Do I allow space for translanguaging or use of students’ authentic voices?
✔️ Or do I push monolingual norms even when it silences students?
5. Do I consciously avoid tone‑policing or “correcting” students’ heritage codes?
✔️ Am I curious about what they’re saying before judging how they say it?
6. Do I support continued use and development of students’ home languages?
✔️ Or is the goal only to make them conform to the instructional language?

Language isn't neutral. How we treat it shapes students' identities and educational experiences. Being mindful of language practices helps make classrooms more equitable and empowering for all learners.

Read the blog post:
https://meglanguages.com/is-language-subordination-lurking-in-your-classroom/

12/02/2025

Today is Giving Tuesday, and I’m inviting folks to pour into the work that pours right back into our communities.

Through REACT Initiative, Inc., we’re continuing the fight for educational equity, culturally sustaining practices, and spaces where students of the global majority feel seen, affirmed, and supported.

If this mission has ever resonated with you…
If you’ve benefited from the resources…
If you care about breaking cycles of bias in education…
Today is a powerful day to give.

Every contribution—small or large—helps us expand programming, build community spaces, and support the next generation of culturally grounded leaders.

Donate here: www.iREACT.org/donate

Grateful for every share, every dollar, every prayer, and every bit of support.
Thank you for believing in this work. 💜✨

11/25/2025

Giving Tuesday is almost here, y’all!
If you’ve been following the work of REACT Initiative, Inc., you already know our heartbeat: promoting , uplifting voices of the global majority, and creating culturally sustaining spaces where students, educators, and communities can thrive.

Today, your support makes an even bigger impact.
Every single gift, large or small, helps us keep doing this work with intention, integrity, and joy.

If our mission has ever resonated with you…
If you’ve seen and felt the impact of what we do…
If you believe in educational justice, community care, and real change…

We’d love your support today.

Donate: www.iREACT.org/donate
Share: amplify the mission with among those in your network.

Thank you for investing in a vision that truly matters.

Join us in creating a more just and equitable future. Your donation empowers advocacy, education, and change through REACT Initiative, Inc.

11/12/2025

Spelman College is opening its doors even wider, giving high school students access to real college courses for free.

Through its partnership with NEON( National Education Opportunity Network), Spelman is offering college-credit-bearing classes to high school students in underserved communities

This is the kind of opportunity many of us wish we had at that age. What started with 50 students in 2023 has now grown to nearly 300 young scholars earning credit before they even apply to college.

This program isn’t just about academics. It’s exposure. It’s confidence. It’s Black girls seeing themselves on an HBCU pathway early and knowing they belong there. When you see representation at 16 or 17, it changes how you dream at 18 and 19.

Kudos to Spelman for remembering that access is a form of care and for giving our next generation the head start they deserve.

For more info contact Spelman, NEON or your student's school counselor for assistance

10/07/2025

Last Wednesday morning, Antonio Mauldin stood in front of a room full of eighth-graders at Paul Quinn College, trying to get them to look deep into the future.
Although they’re only in middle school, the students already have letters of acceptance to the college, located in southern Dallas. But that acceptance is contingent on a few factors, including graduating high school with a GPA of 3.0 or better.

09/01/2025

North Texas Giving Day 2025 kicked off its early giving period on August 28! 🌟

At REACT, we’re dedicated to creating equitable spaces for students, educators, and communities through advocacy, culturally sustaining education, and linguistic justice. Your support helps us continue this important work in North Texas and beyond.

Give early and help amplify Black voices, stories, and leadership: www.iREACT.org/donate

Join us in creating a more just and equitable future. Your donation empowers advocacy, education, and change through REACT Initiative, Inc.