Transforming Practices, LLC
for the advancement of multilingual learners
Dr. Barbara J. Dray
Thought Partner, Systems Thinker, Innovative
The time to evolve is now. We live in a highly interactive multicultural society and one that has more technological stimulation than ever before. It's time to transform practices in education. As a seasoned educator for 30 years, I have been preparing educators to advance education for multilingual learners for just over 20 years. With a strong background in social justice and equitable frameworks as well as culturally and linguistically responsive and sustaining pedagogies, I'm on a mission to help State Education Agencies, Teacher Preparation Programs, School Districts, and Schools improve outcomes for multilingual learners. My professional qualifications include a Masters and Ph.D. in Bilingual/Multicultural Special Education, serving as a speech therapist and special educator in bilingual settings. I have over 30 publications which can be found at
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barbara-Dray.
I am a qualitative researcher at heart, who incorporates mixed methods to embrace the full picture when thinking through and designing equity solutions.
If you are ready to make an innovative and lasting change in the way we do education for multilingual learners, let's explore how we can work together.
Headshot Photo by Talia Kite Photo
Transforming Practices In Education
For the Advancement of Multilingual Learners ~ Dr. Barbara J. Dray
Advancing Education for Multilingual Learners
Professional Learning
As a thought partner, I serve to support State Departments of Education, Regional Service Centers, Teacher Preparation Programs, School Districts and PK-12 Schools professional learning initiatives that improve outcomes for multilingual learners. I have over 20 years experience developing and delivering customized professional learning at the national, state and local levels both online and in person. A WIDA approved consultant well versed in Bilingual and Special Education pedagogy and law. I specialize in improving outcomes for multilingual learners.
DEI & Anti-Bias Work
Reducing Bias in Education
Building off of my seminal work - the Mindful Reflection Framework as well as my research and specialized training on how best to prepare leaders and teachers in education to work with diverse populations, I support students, community, teachers, and administrators as well as school-based initiatives to reduce bias and promote a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment where all can thrive, feel valued, and safe.
Program Design & Evaluation
A Mixed Method Approach
When considering professional learning for educators who serve multilingual learners, you want someone with a track record and who is as passionate about the results as you are. Designing educator professional learning both at the University and District levels is at the core of my years of experience. Serving as District Professor overseeing University/District partnerships in one of the largest Urban Districts in the country, I understand the importance of high standards and practicality of teachers daily demands.
My mission to advance educational outcomes for multilingual learners is enduring and will only grow as we make strides together. I have designed and conducted multiple program evaluations for large scale grants such as National Professional Development as well as for continuous improvement of teacher preparation programs in culturally and linguistically diverse education.
Testimonials
Dr. Dray led a three year professional learning initiative with all staff in our building [when I was a principal at Bruce Randolph School] entitled, Teachers Working Together to Develop and Implement Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practices. Her work yielded impressive results for our multilingual learners academically as well as with their English language skills. An impressive 41% of multilingual learners were successfully exited as a result of her work with our teachers.