It's Time We Flip the Narrative
in Black Education
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We are Turn the Page Education Consulting, a space dedicated to confronting and addressing the critical issues in Black education. I began my educational journey as a paraeducator, and through hard work and dedication, I advanced to roles such as teacher, school readiness coach, consultant, and working at state and federal levels, the culmination of years of striving towards my ultimate goal.
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Throughout my career, I have witnessed and experienced firsthand the struggles faced by Black students in our education system. And despite all the progress we may have made, these outcomes have not improved – in fact, for some, they have only worsened. As much as I love my various roles and responsibilities in education, I am constantly being asked to shift focus away from these critical issues. Superficial changes like removing statues of Confederate soldiers or renaming brands to sound less racist are simply not enough. We need meaningful policy changes that address systemic problems if we truly want to see a positive impact on the lives of Black students.
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In creating this website, I have created a platform where I can freely and openly discuss these issues without fear of repercussions or pressure to be politically correct. It is a space where I can unapologetically highlight important topics such as anti-racism, cultural relevance, and the injustices faced by the Black community. My goal is to shift the narrative in Black education towards one that prioritizes equity, representation, and empowerment for all Black students.
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As you explore this site, I hope you will join me in this journey towards change. Whether you are an educator, administrator, parent, student, or simply someone who cares about the future of education, there is a place for you here. Together, let's turn the page on old ways of thinking and create a brighter, more inclusive future for Black students in education. Let's flip the narrative once and for all.
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Welcome to Turn the Page Education Consulting!
Dr. Dana Page
We Exist to Empower and Educate Black Students
Our mission is deeply personal and reflects the urgent necessity for transformation within the educational landscape. We envision a world where Black students are provided the respect, opportunities, and support that allow them to excel academically and personally. This vision stems from a profound understanding of the systemic inequalities that persist in our schools and the conviction that we can and must do better.
Transforming The Black Student Experience
We recognize that Black students face unique challenges rooted in historical and systemic inequities that have long pervaded our educational system. This reality necessitates a focused and informed approach to educational reform, one that specifically addresses the disparities and biases that Black students encounter daily.
Our purpose is to not only identify these issues but to implement actionable, impactful solutions that foster fair and nurturing educational environments. We aim to amplify the needs of Black students, bringing their experiences to the forefront and ensuring that they are understood and valued. By acknowledging and tackling these challenges head-on, we strive to create a school system where Black students can thrive, their needs are met, and their successes are celebrated.
Addressing Black Student
Behavior in Schools
The discussion around Black student behavior in schools is often mired in stereotypes and biases that perpetuate systemic racism. It is crucial to approach this topic with a nuanced understanding that considers the broader socio-cultural factors impacting Black students' lives. Behavior cannot be viewed in isolation but rather as a reflection of the environment in which students learn and grow.
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Disproportionate disciplinary actions against Black students highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive approaches that acknowledge and respect their lived experiences. These disciplinary disparities are symptomatic of deeper issues within the educational system, including a lack of cultural competency among educators and insufficient support structures for Black students. Trauma is often overlooked when identifying emotional behavior disorders, which is frustrating when we see the disparities in different schools. Additionally, cultural misinterpretations are common and lead to unfair labeling of behavior as “bad”.
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According to the most recent Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Black students are 1.8 times more likely to be identified with emotional behavior disorders (EBD) which in part is due to a predominantly White workforce viewing behaviors through a White supremacist lens and misunderstanding cultural differences. There's a critical need for cultural competence training for staff, starting with administrators, to bridge this gap. We emphasize that there are no “bad kids,” just behaviors influenced by trauma or learned coping mechanisms.
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At Turn the Page Education Consulting, we emphasize restorative practices that prioritize relationship building and conflict resolution over punitive measures. By fostering a positive school environment and integrating social-emotional learning, we aim to create an educational space where every Black student's behavior is understood in a broader context, and their potential is fully recognized and nurtured.​
A Commitment to Collaborative Consulting & Coaching
We partner with school administrators and district leaders who are committed to enacting reformative policies and practices that support the academic and personal success of Black students. Teacher training programs and professional development workshops are a core part of our offerings, designed specifically for educators who are eager to enhance their cultural competency and create more inclusive classrooms.
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We also serve parents and families of Black students, providing them with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to ensure their children receive a fair and enriching education. Community organizations, parent centers, and nonprofits engaged in educational advocacy find value in our consultancy, as we offer tailored solutions to advance their mission of equity and justice in education.
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Our mission extends to policymakers and governmental entities striving to develop and implement policy frameworks that dismantle educational inequities. By collaborating with a wide spectrum of clients, we aim to amplify our impact, ensuring that every Black student has access to an education that is both equitable and empowering.
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Dr. Dana's Career Highlights at a Glance
Education
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Special Education:
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​University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
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Focus: Behavior Management and Evidence-Based Practices
M.A. Special Education:
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Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY
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Focus: Learning and Behavior Disorders
B.A. in Education:
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Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY
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Minor: American Sign Language
Professional Affiliations:
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​American Educational Research Association (AERA)
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Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
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Various division memberships and active participatio
Teaching Experience:
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University of Louisville
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Classroom and Behavior Management
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Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners
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UMass Boston
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Behavior and Classroom Management
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University of St. Thomas
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Social-Emotional Learning Interventions
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​Positive Behavior Supports for Diverse Learners
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K-12 teaching across multiple school districts
Certifications/Training:
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Minnesota Educator License/Academic Behavioral Strategist
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​Kentucky Professional Teaching License
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Trauma Informed Practices for Educators & School Personnel Certified Trainer
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified
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Adverse Childhood Experiences Interface Presenter
Contact Dr. Dana
To learn more about Dr. Dana Page and her work, or to inquire about working with Turn the Page Education Consulting, please reach out to us.
Join us in celebrating Black culture and empowering our community. Discover our collections and courses today, and let's make a difference together.
