Addressing Racial Bias in School Systems

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, MSW

Date: August 29th, 2025

Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Location: Virtual – Zoom

Agency: A Better Way Inc.

Participants must complete registration via the A Better Way Inc. website in order to gain full access to the training course.

COMPLETE REGISTRATION HERE: A Better Way Training

A Better Way is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor Continuing Education for LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, LEP (62361). This course meets the qualifications for Continuing Education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. A Better Way maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

This course is sponsored by A Better Way in partnership with CLPCCD and County Child Welfare Services. Training sessions are funded by The Federal Foster Care Title IV-E Program. CE credit is available for select courses. Inquire for details www.abetterwayinc.net.

Please email the training department at trainings@abetterwayinc.net for further assistance.

Description

This course provides an overview of racial bias within school systems and ways to address it. Participants will gain an understanding of what racial bias is, how it manifests in schools, and its impact on students. They will also learn strategies for addressing racial bias in school systems and advancing racial equity. The workshop will emphasize the importance of cultural competence trainings for educators. Overall, professionals working with system-involved youth will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address racial bias within their school systems and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Transfer of Learning 1

Participants will be able to describe how to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Transfer of Learning 2

Participants will be able to explain strategies for advancing racial equity in school systems.

Learning Objectives

1.) Professionals working with system involved youth in the education settings will have a general understand what racial bias is and how it manifests in school systems. 2.) Recognize the various impacts of racial bias on students' academic achievement and well-being in the learning environment. 3.) Learn 2-3 strategies as professionals working with system involved youth for addressing racial bias in school systems. 4.) Identify 3 skills to engage school staff in addressing racial bias in the school system.

Trainer Bio

Dr. Marya Wright, DSW MSW BSW, is a nationally distinguished social worker, consultant, educator, international trainer, and facilitator with experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Wright Community Services LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities. She is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (#81167) with the Board of Behavioral Sciences working to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Marya holds a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, East Bay with a focus on Child Welfare Policy and Research and a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system. Marya is a qualified expert witness and private dependency investigator for children, youth, and family services as it relates to family law court, juvenile and dependency court. She is an elected Board of Director for the California Society of Clinical Social Work (CSCSW). Marya has conducted considerable research on Child Sexual Exploitation, Foster Care, and published an article on the use of algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. In addition to her clinical social work, Marya is a seasoned lecturer. She has taught in the Sociology Department at Cal State East Bay since Spring 2020. Her course load includes Sociology of Sexualities, Child Welfare Policy, Sociology of Family, and Sexual Violence.