What I found most meaningful on today was the subject in which Mr. Williams spoke on —  improving the performance of our students. I think the topic is something that should be discussed more often with educators and not just special education staff…more with the regular ed staff. I am reading more into this topic for my own personal reason so I will be contacting Mr. Williams for recommendations on books to read.

Mr. Dwayne D. Williams presented an enlightening aspect of Response-to-Intervention that is greatly absent from the intervention process. Mr. Williams highlighted the cultural needs of students that must be addressed when designing and implementing academic support for students of color. As a Director of Special Education in a culturally diverse urban school setting, it is necessary to explore and actively implement research-based culturally relevant instructional strategies that support the needs of students. Mr. Williams’ presentation surrounding culturally relevant RtI and problem solving has definitely raised awareness surrounding the need to create culturally relevant models. Our special education team has recommended that Mr. Williams return to our district to train our general education teachers on culturally relevant models, and I highly recommend Mr. Williams as a presenter for school districts seeking to increase academic achievement among culturally diverse students.

Mr. Williams, thank you for making me aware.

Dear Mr. Williams,
Thank you very much for speaking at our recent Child Welfare Issues Committee Symposium. Over 250 people attended the training and 60 watched the live webcast. Thanks to your efforts, everyone who participated gained a greater ability to help the children and families of Dupage County. The audience praised your presentation, saying you were a good speaker; people loved that you shared your personal story. Thanks for taking the time to prepare and present at the symposium. All of us on the Child Welfare Issues Committee are grateful for your efforts. Your work will make a difference for abused, neglected and delinquent children. Thanks for helping change their future!

Mr. Williams, you are truly awakening cultural awareness and diversity.

What a pleasure to learn about culture within the context of RtI and problem solving. Mr. Williams provided one of the best in-services I have attended!

“In the 7 years I have been going to this conference, Dwayne’s presentation was the BEST I have ever attended. He is amazingly engaging with insightful, relevant and actionable information. I was blown away and can’t wait to apply what I have learned. In fact, I learned more about being culturally relevant in 3 short hours with Dwayne than I did in 3 very long years in a graduate program. Bravo, Mr. Williams! You have educated a pasty white Irishman (no small accomplishment).”

Mr. Williams’ presentation was extremely enlightening! I really appreciated having terminology such as ‘culturally relevant’ redefined and then related back to the RtI process. Although I provide services to students of color, cultural relevance is not something I had given much thought to prior to today’s seminar.

I was impressed to hear Mr. Williams speak on RtI, culturally relevant RtI, and special education law with such fervor! His knowledge surrounding this work is amazing. He provided concrete examples on culturally relevant instruction and I am hoping I can use him as a resource in the near future.

Dwayne Williams’ approach to RtI training is inclusive. It considers cultural differences as opposed to simply putting students through tiers and focusing on an abstract triangle. His model focuses on using what the student knows to increase engagement in the classroom. This in-service was very engaging and impactful!

“This book is so timely and revolutionary. The more I read the more I realize the importance my mind is in the process of developing spiritually. I now see why you say spiritual development begins in our mind. This book breaks Scripture down and makes it more meaningful and clear. I\’ve been telling everyone I come into contact with about this book. Our minds are so important in developing spiritually. I\’ve been reading your work and 99% of the book is underlined! Thank you so much for this work, it is what I\’ve been missing. I feel revitalized in my spiritual walk!

Al Riefler
District U-46”

Everything that was shared on today was interesting and refreshing – from theory to practical steps to creating culturally relevant models. We are working to bring Mr. Williams back to conduct culturally relevant response-to-intervention part 2!

Dwayne, your workshop on culturally relevant RtI increased my knowledge on African-American culture and how to integrate valued cultural characteristics within an RtI model. I think one of the most important things we discussed on today was identifying myths that are related to race and culture. As you stated, ‘if we do not identify myths related to race and culture, prior to creating culturally relevant models, we place ourselves at risk for creating models that do not reflect the values of our students and models that are stereotypical and prejudicial.’ I really enjoyed that comment! Most attendees wanted interventions, but I wanted to ensure that I do not group my students together based on skin color. Thank you again for this piece of advice!

It is clear that Mr. Williams is a visionary. He will be a change agent in education.