Reaching the Most Marginalized Populations

This workshop, presented by Inspired Instruction, focuses on strategies for educators to better identify, understand, and support students who are marginalized due to cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, or ability-based differences. Participants explore how to create inclusive learning environments by addressing barriers to equity, building positive relationships, and implementing supportive practices across all aspects of schooling. The session emphasizes collaboration with families, scaffolding instruction, and leveraging peer mentoring to promote academic and social success for all learners. Ultimately, it encourages educators to adopt equity-centered mindsets and practical tools that empower both students and families.

• Educational inequities affecting marginalized students such as English language learners, students with disabilities, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, or those impacted by trauma or incarceration.
  
  
• Implicit bias and systemic barriers that prevent equal opportunities for learning and engagement.
  
  
• Lack of accessible support systems for families and caregivers, particularly non-English speakers or those disconnected from school culture.
  
  
• Insufficient scaffolding and peer support, leaving struggling students without structured academic and social reinforcement
  

1. Implement Inclusive and Equitable Practices
   Participants will learn how to recognize and address the diverse challenges faced by marginalized students by applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL), setting clear expectations, and fostering equitable communication and assessment. Educators will gain tools to reduce learning barriers through culturally responsive teaching and consistent feedback.
   
   
2. Build Collaborative, Multilingual Family Partnerships
   Educators will develop strategies for establishing user-friendly, multilingual systems that support parent and caregiver engagement. This includes creating welcoming school cultures, hosting accessible training sessions, and valuing linguistic diversity as an asset rather than a barrier
   
   
3. Use Scaffolding and Peer Mentorship to Foster Growth
   Participants will explore instructional scaffolding techniques such as pre-teaching, re-teaching, and guided practice to enhance motivation and comprehension. They will also learn how to establish structured peer mentoring programs to support special education students, English language learners, and other struggling learners