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smskelton.bsky.social
@smskelton.bsky.social
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smskelton.bsky.social
Check out my new podcast! makeebaconsulting.com/ubuntu-podca...
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
I am because we are

The Ubuntu Network Podcast launches with Dr. Tiffany Kyser on how networks, cross-sector collaboration, and community power drive collective liberation.

Listen to Episode 1 now at
makeebaconsulting.com/ubuntu-podca...

Makeeba Consulting L.L.C. Project
Now Launching The Ubuntu Network Podcast A conversation with ... A Special Project of Makeeba Consulting L.L.C. Dr. Tiffany Kyser, Dr. Cristina Santamaria-Graff, Dr. Crystal Morton, and Ms. Camille Warren.
September 6, 2025 at 12:50 AM
smskelton.bsky.social
New Stanford Accelerator for Learning white paper lays out a bold, inclusive vision for AI + Learning Differences.
Co-designed. Equity-focused. Impact-driven.
Read + share ➡️ acceleratelearning.stanford.edu/story/what-d...
#AIandLD #InclusiveAI #AIforAll
Inclusive by design: Stanford initiative releases new paper that explores how AI can support learners with disabilities • Stanford Accelerator for Learning
A new report from the Stanford Accelerator for Learning outlines how tech developers, researchers, teachers, and policymakers can ensure AI tools serve all learners.
acceleratelearning.stanford.edu
July 22, 2025 at 10:36 AM
smskelton.bsky.social
Schools are often shaped by embedded norms that reflect and reproduce racism & ableism, impacting students of color with disabilities. In my latest Ripple Effect blog, I expand on 4 foundational actions for building humanizing systems of support. Check it out at makeebaconsulting.com/blog
Words on a beige background. 4 Actions To Help Systems Redress How Racism and Ableism Manifest in Schools. 1. Interrogate Schools as Places of Disablement 2. Frame Diversity and Difference as a Natural Part of Humanity, 3. Shift the Focus from Student Deficits to Systemic Barriers, 4. Use Affirming Language About Difference and Disability. Makeebaconsulting.com
July 17, 2025 at 5:47 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
Action # 5 in the Six Actions for Centering Students' Humanity and Rightful Presence in MTSS—Justice-Oriented Intentions and Actions. Reminds us that MTSS must be rooted in a vision of educational justice.
A ripple effect on a blue water surface is shown with a single droplet falling into the center. Overlaid text reads: Justice-Oriented Intentions and Actions 1. How do our policies and practices move beyond equal access to actively repair past and present injustices experienced by marginalized student groups in our school community? 2. In what ways are we transforming educational structures to ensure they affirm and uplift every student’s full humanity? 3. Are we creating opportunities for students to engage as agents of change within the system, or are we simply preparing them to navigate an unjust status quo? 4. How are we ensuring that historically excluded voices shape the design, implementation, and evaluation of our educational efforts? 5. In what ways are we co-constructing visions of liberation with students, families, and communities, and how are we aligning our daily practices to support that vision?
July 1, 2025 at 3:33 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
Action 4: Addressing Systems, Not Just Symptoms asks: What if we stopped trying to "fix" students and started fixing the systems that fail them? Here are 5 key questions to reflect on. Explore all six actions: makeebaconsulting.com/blog #MTSS #EdEquity
June 23, 2025 at 12:44 AM
smskelton.bsky.social
What if students weren’t just present, but seen as co-creators of their learning? Action 3 in the Six Actions for Centering Students’ Humanity in MTSS asks us to move from voice to shared power. 5 key questions here: makeebaconsulting.com/blog
A ripple effect on a blue water surface is shown with a single droplet falling into the center. Overlaid text reads: "Meaningful Participation with Power. 5 Key Questions for Reflective Educators 1. How are students currently invited to participate in shaping classroom norms, school policies, or learning experiences who is left out of these conversations? 2. What decision-making spaces exist where students have real influence, not just token input, on issues that impact their daily lives in school? 3. How do we prepare and support students to lead, collaborate, and advocate effectively within shared power structures? 4. In what ways are students' insights used to inform curriculum design, school improvement plans, or intervention strategies how is their feedback acted upon? 5. How do we ensure that student voice initiatives are equitable, inclusive, and centered on those most impacted by systemic barriers? " At the bottom, the Makeeba Consulting logo appears with the tagline "Access, Inclusion, and Justice for All," along with the website "makeebaconsulting.com."
June 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
The 2nd action in the Six Actions for Centering Students’ Humanity in MTSS: Recognizing Students as Knowers and Contributors. Students aren’t vessels to fill—they’re co-creators of knowledge. Reflect with 5 key questions: makeebaconsulting.com/blog
A ripple effect on a blue water surface is shown with a single droplet falling into the center. Overlaid text reads: "1. How do our instructional practices validate and build upon the cultural knowledge, lived experiences, and linguistic resources that students bring to the classroom? 2. When and how are students given meaningful opportunities to share their perspectives, ideas, and critiques as part of the learning process? 3. Do our curricula and classroom discussions reflect the contributions and worldviews of historically marginalized communities, and are students encouraged to make connections to their own lives? 4. How do we respond when students express knowledge that challenges dominant narratives or traditional authority structures in the classroom? 5. What structures or norms might unintentionally silence student voices, and how can we redesign learning spaces to foster authentic student contribution and agency?" At the bottom, the Makeeba Consulting logo appears with the tagline "Access, Inclusion, and Justice for All," along with the website "makeebaconsulting.com."
June 9, 2025 at 11:52 AM
smskelton.bsky.social
Disruption of Power Inequities invites us to look closely at who holds power, whose voices are heard, and who is left out. 5 reflection questions that can spark conversations and actionable change in your setting. Explore all six actions at the Ripple Effect Blog: makeebaconsulting.com/blog
A ripple effect on a blue water surface is shown with a single droplet falling into the center. Overlaid text reads: " Disrupting Power Inequities in Education: Key Questions for Reflective Educators. 1. Whose voices are centered—and whose are missing—in curriculum, policies, and classroom discussions? 2. Who is excluded from quality, rigorous, and engaging learning opportunities due to our discipline, intervention, or placement practices? 3. What systemic barriers (e.g., policies, practices, resources) uphold unequal power dynamics among students, staff, and families? 4. Are students—especially those from historically marginalized communities—truly decision-makers, co-creators, or leaders in shaping their learning environments? 5. How are we preparing ourselves and our colleagues to recognize, question, and disrupt inequitable norms, both interpersonally and systemically? At the bottom, the Makeeba Consulting logo appears with the tagline "Access, Inclusion, and Justice for All," along with the website "makeebaconsulting.com."
June 6, 2025 at 1:16 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
In a past post, I highlighted 6 actions for centering students’ humanity in MTSS. This one expands on the action — Disrupting Power Inequities with key reflection questions. More at makeebaconsulting.com. Questions? Message me here or email seena@makeebaconsulting.com.
A ripple effect on a blue water surface is shown with a single droplet falling into the center. Overlaid text reads: "Whose voices are centered and whose are missing in curriculum, polices, and classroom discussions?" At the bottom, the Makeeba Consulting logo appears with the tagline "Access, Inclusion, and Justice for All," along with the website "makeebaconsulting.com." A ripple effect on a blue water surface is shown with a single droplet falling into the center. Overlaid text reads: "Who is excluded from quality and engaging learning opportunities due to our discipline, grading, intervention, or placement practices?" At the bottom, the Makeeba Consulting logo appears with the tagline "Access, Inclusion, and Justice for All," along with the website "makeebaconsulting.com." A ripple effect on a blue water surface is shown with a single droplet falling into the center. Overlaid text reads: "What systemic barriers (e.g., polices, practices, resources) uphold unequal power dynamics among students, staff, and families?" At the bottom, the Makeeba Consulting logo appears with the tagline "Access, Inclusion, and Justice for All," along with the website "makeebaconsulting.com." A ripple effect on a blue water surface is shown with a single droplet falling into the center. Overlaid text reads: "Are students, especially those from historically marginalized communities, truly decision-makers, co-creators, or leaders in shaping their learning environments ?" At the bottom, the Makeeba Consulting logo appears with the tagline "Access, Inclusion, and Justice for All," along with the website "makeebaconsulting.com."
June 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
Are your PD efforts creating real change? Join me + national experts for a free 5-part series on the EPIC-P Cycle—a data-driven PD model for EI/ECSE leaders. Starts June 16! Hosted by the Early Childhood TA Center. It's free!

Register: unc.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: EPIC-P Cycle Webinar Series. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: EPIC-P Cycle Webinar Series. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
unc.zoom.us
May 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
What does it mean to center students in MTSS? It means honoring their humanity, lifting their voices, and making sure every student feels seen, heard, and valued. See the features of Centering Students' Full Humanity in MTSS implementation.
Down a systems reflection tool makeebaconsulting.com/blog
Infographic titled "Centering Students' Humanity and Rightful Presence in MTSS" displayed in a cool blue color palette. It features six interconnected principles: Disruption of Power Inequities – Highlights the need to challenge systemic barriers and examine who holds power in educational settings. Recognition of Students as Knowers and Contributors – Emphasizes valuing students, especially marginalized ones, as legitimate knowledge producers with cultural and lived experiences. Meaningful Participation with Power – Advocates for student involvement in shaping learning environments, policies, and supports. Addressing Systems, Not Just Symptoms – Focuses on transforming educational systems rather than attempting to “fix” students. Justice-Oriented Intentions and Actions – Calls for reparative and liberatory actions, not just equality or access. Relational Accountability – Centers mutual respect, care, and educator responsibility to students and communities. Each principle is accompanied by an icon and brief descriptive text, arranged in a visually balanced layout with clear headings and white space for readability
May 24, 2025 at 11:45 AM
smskelton.bsky.social
New on the Ripple Effect blog: What if MTSS did more than support learning—what if it affirmed every student’s rightful presence?

Explore how schools can center students’ full humanity in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.

Read the post 👉 makeebaconsulting.com/blog
May 21, 2025 at 7:49 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
Grateful to join the Federal Power & Our Schools panel at CUNY–Hunter College’s Roosevelt House. Thanks to Dr. Catherine Voulgarides for the invite! I shared insights from my time with the Region III Equity Assistance Center and learned so much from fellow panelists
Promotional flyer for the event titled "Federal Power & Our Schools: Perspectives from Educators and Professionals" hosted by Hunter College School of Education and Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute. The flyer features headshots and titles of four panelists: Dr. Seena M. Skelton – Founder and Principal Consultant, Makeeba Consulting LLC & Former Director of Federal Equity Assistance Center. She is smiling, wearing a gray sweater, and pictured against a green background. Dr. Jonathan Isler – Administrator of the Office of Research Requests and Partnerships at the California Department of Education. He is smiling with a dark shirt and beard. Isabel Mavrides-Calderon – Student Activist and Disability Rights Coordinator. She is dressed in black, posing in front of a stone building. Lara Kvriakou – Associate Director for Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy at The Education Trust–New York. She is smiling, wearing glasses, a black blazer, and a red top, with trees in the background. Logos for Hunter College and Roosevelt House are displayed at the top corners. The background is purple with green and white text.
May 12, 2025 at 10:30 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
Small actions, big impact. Last two tips from the Ripple Effect Blog: Fostering Reflexive Practice to Sustain a Critically Conscious Learning Organization - Stay Adaptive and Responsive & Cultivate Ongoing Transformation. Read the blog & grab the downloadable handout at makeebaconsulting.com/blog
A graphic with a background of a water droplet creating ripples. The text reads: "Stay Adaptive and Responsive. A critically conscious organization doesn’t just react — it adapts with purpose. Ongoing reflection helps teams navigate social change and stay grounded in values of fairness and inclusion. Reflection: How has our organization evolved in response to current events and calls for justice?" A graphic with a background of a water droplet creating ripples. Critical consciousness isn't a checkbox — it's a mindset. Organizations committed to just outcomes embed reflection, growth, and action into their everyday practices. Tip: Create space in strategic planning to ask: How does this decision move us toward greater inclusion and fairness?
May 11, 2025 at 6:19 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
Small actions, big impact. New tips from the Ripple Effect Blog: Fostering Reflexive Practice to Sustain a Critically Conscious Learning Organization - Make Informed, Ethical Decisions & Build a Culture of Learning. Read the blog and grab the new downloadable handout at makeebaconsulting.com/blog
A stylized image of a water droplet creating ripples, symbolizing impact and reflection. Overlaid text reads: "Make Informed, Ethical Decisions. Critical reflexivity empowers more thoughtful, ethical decision-making, especially regarding those historically excluded. It's about pausing, questioning, and aligning with socially responsible values. Reflection: Who is affected by this decision, and how can their perspectives inform our process?" A similar stylized image of a water droplet causing ripples, representing the spread of ideas and shared impact. Overlaid text reads: "Build a Culture of Learning. Organizations thrive when feedback is welcomed, growth is ongoing, and everyone shares responsibility for creating a fair and inclusive workplace. Reflexivity transforms learning from an individual task into a shared mission. Tip: Set up a monthly learning circle where staff discuss inclusive practices and lessons learned."
May 4, 2025 at 12:22 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
Big love to the folks at the SWIFT National Leadership Consortium. Spent time digging into how we show up for students with disabilities—and ensure they’re rightfully present in every learning space. Left feeling reconnected and recharged.
Three women smile for the camera at a professional event. On the left, a white woman with curly blonde hair, red and blue glasses, and a houndstooth blazer sits with one hand on her knee. In the center, a Black woman with straight dark hair wears a burgundy top and light pants, standing between the others. On the right, a Black woman with braided natural hair and glasses wears a navy suit and light blue shirt. In the background, people are seated at round tables in conversation A diverse group of women sit around a round table, actively engaged in discussion and reviewing materials at a professional learning event. Laptops, notebooks, drinks, and handouts are spread across the table. In the background, other groups are similarly engaged, with a large screen displaying a graphic featuring “WHAT,” “HOW,” “WHERE,” and “WHY.” The room is bright with natural light coming through large window A lively group discussion during a professional learning session at the SWIFT National Leadership Consortium. Participants are seated at round tables with notebooks, drinks, and laptops. Seena, a short African American woman wearing a blue top and blue pants, stands at the center, speaks passionately into a microphone while others listen attentively. Large posters with handwritten notes are visible in the background. The atmosphere is collaborative and engaged
May 2, 2025 at 9:26 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
On the Ripple Effect Blog on my website makeebaconsulting.com, I share how small ideas can spark big change. This month’s post is all about building critically conscious learning orgs. Each week, I'm posting one tip you can try. This week's tip focuses on Examining Organization Practice.
Blue ripple image with a droplet above water. Text reads: “Examining Organizational Practices. Critically conscious organizations evaluate whether their structures uphold or challenge bias. Reflexivity is holding a mirror to your policies. Tip: Audit rules through an inclusion lens.”
April 30, 2025 at 1:12 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
On the Ripple Effect Blog on my website makeebaconsulting.com, I share how small ideas can spark big change. This month’s post is all about building critically conscious learning orgs. Each week, I'm posting one tip you can try.
April 21, 2025 at 11:17 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
On the Ripple Effect Blog on my website makeebaconsulting.com, I share how small ideas can spark big change. This month’s post is all about building critically conscious learning orgs. Each week, I'm posting one tip you can try.
Image with a soft blue ripple background and a single water droplet creating concentric circles. Text over the image reads: “What Is a Critically Conscious Learning Organization?” “A critically conscious learning organization promotes self-awareness, knowledge, and critical reflexivity at both individual and collective levels. It's an environment committed to feedback, growth, and aligning actions with social responsibility.” Tip: “Start team meetings by asking: What are we learning about ourselves and our impact this week?”
April 13, 2025 at 1:09 PM
smskelton.bsky.social
Big News!
Excited to launch Makeeba Consulting L.L.C.—supporting schools & organizations to build inclusive, empowering spaces. Check out our first blog on The Ripple Effect + weekly leadership tips. Let’s reimagine what’s possible: makeebaconsulting.com
April 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM