The Way Forward: PLC at Work® and the Bright Future of Education with Dr. Anthony Muhammad
Equity Unlocked
In this episode of Equity Unlocked, Dr. Muhammad Khalifa sits down with longtime colleague Dr. Anthony Muhammad for a reflective and forward-looking conversation centered on Dr. Muhammad’s latest book, . The discussion explores what it truly means to implement professional learning communities in ways that advance equity rather than compliance. Dr. Muhammad reflects on the historical roots of schooling, the persistence of surface-level reform, and the dangers of knowing better without doing better. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, he offers guidance for school and district...
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"Doing the Work" with Drs. Ann Ishimaru and Decoteau Irby
Equity Unlocked
In this episode, Dr. Muhammad Khalifa sits down with Dr. Ann Ishimaru and Dr. Decoteau Irby to discuss their new edited book, . If you’ve been following the scholarship in this space, you know both Ann and Decoteau as long-time leaders in community-engaged research, critical leadership studies, and racial equity in education. Their new book brings together a wide range of scholars — voices from across the field — to offer grounded, practitioner-focused insights into how wecontinue to do the work of equity leadership in today’s climate. Find out more about this episode by checking out...
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Introducing the New Culturally Responsive School Leadership Framework
Equity Unlocked
In this special solo episode, Dr. Muhammad Khalifa walks listeners through the newly revised Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) framework. Drawing on an extensive new literature review sponsored by the Spencer Foundation, Dr. Khalifa explains why the framework was updated, what has changed, and how these shifts reflect emerging research on culturally responsive leadership, community connection, and transformative school change. This episode offers a practitioner-friendly overview of the strand indiciators, guiding questions, and dispositions that define CRSL in 2026 and beyond. Dr....
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Remaining Steadfast in our Purpose: The Ethical & Moral Basis for Sustaining DEIA in Education
Equity Unlocked
In this third and final episode of our three-part series with educator and attorney Jeremy Chan-Kraushar, we explore how school leaders can remain steadfast in their commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility amid today’s shifting legal landscape. Building on the previous conversations, this episode makes the ethical and practical case for keeping DEIA at the heart of education. Jeremy and the CRSLI team unpack current legal challenges, weigh policy paths, and share actionable, CRSL-aligned recommendations that leaders can implement now—within existing legal frameworks....
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Navigating Risk through the Power of Terminology
Equity Unlocked
This episode is the second in our three-part series designed to help school leaders navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Dr. Muhammad Khalifa and attorney-educator Jeremy Chan-Kraushar examine how the terms we use—in policy, communication, and daily practice—can shape both legal interpretation and community trust. Together they discuss real-world examples of how terminology influences risk, perception, and outcomes in schools. Each conversation in this series is paired with a companion issue brief authored by the CRSLI...
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A Legal Crash Course: Understanding DEIA & Navigating Risk Amid Uncertainty
Equity Unlocked
This episode is the first in a new three-part series from designed to help school leaders navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) with confidence and clarity. Each conversation in this series is paired with a companion issue brief authored by the CRSLI team and Jeremy Chan-Kraushar, an educator and attorney. Together, these briefs and episodes provide practical guidance and legal context to support culturally responsive school leaders as they work to advance educational equity while staying within the bounds of current...
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Cultural Responsiveness in Special Education: A Conversation with Two Inspiring Leaders
Equity Unlocked
In this episode, we're excited to bring you practical insights into how culturally responsive school leadership can be mobilized with attention to special education, featuring two remarkable scholars, Dr. Precios Armstrong and Dr. Lauren Katzman. Dr. Precios Armstrong is the Director of Special Education at East Lansing Public Schools in Michigan, and Dr. Lauren Katzman is Executive Director of the Urban Collaborative, based out of Arizona State University. You’ll hear them discuss their personal journeys into special education, emphasizing the importance of embracing differences, as well as...
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#BlackEducatorsMatter featuring Dr. Darrius Stanley
Equity Unlocked
In this episode of Equity Unlocked we're sharing a replay of one of our EQUITYx events, with an extraordinary scholar, Dr. Darrius Stanley, author of In this EQUITYx event, Dr. Stanley will discuss the challenges surrounding the Black educator experience and especially the role that anti-Blackness plays within the K-12 context. He will share findings from the book concerning the profound positive influence Black teachers have on students of color and the systems they work in; historical and contemporary issues that Black educators face; their efforts to fight oppression and...
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School Board Politics: Advancing Equity Amid Resistance feat. Dr. Carrie Sampson
Equity Unlocked
In this episode of Equity Unlocked, Dr. Carrie Sampson, author of Navigating School Board Politics: Strategies for Equity Amid Resistance, unpacks the critical role of school boards in advancing equity. Reflecting on historical desegregation efforts and community organizing, she highlights how grassroots movements, particularly by Black mothers, have driven change. Dr. Sampson introduces the School Board Governance for Equity framework, emphasizing self-reflection, understanding community needs, and coalition building. She also addresses challenges from conservative opposition and explores how...
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Project 2025 Implications feat. Jeremy Chan-Kraushar
Equity Unlocked
On today’s episode of Equity Unlocked we explore an insightful conversation with Jeremy Chan-Kraushar, a licensed attorney and Director of the PEDC CRSE Institute. Jeremy tackles audience submitted questions about the realities of Project 2025, breaking down its impact on the future of education and offering practical strategies for addressing challenges and opportunities. This episode highlights the importance of community and provides valuable perspectives for anyone passionate about advancing equity in education. Stay Connected to Jeremy: Consultancy website: Social media:...
info_outlineDive into a profound episode of one of our previous EQUITYx events as we revisit Dr. Michael Walker's impactful session on leading the Office of Black Male Student Achievement within Minneapolis Public Schools. In this compelling dialogue, Dr. Walker shares his journey and strategies that transformed educational outcomes for Black male students in Minneapolis.
When faced with stark disparities in academic achievement and behavior indicators, Dr. Walker embarked on a 100-day listening tour to understand community voices and implement effective, culturally responsive solutions. Discover how he centered relationships and reshaped school culture to empower Black male students and foster academic success.
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