Founder of Organization for Child Education Equity Will Speak at Baylor

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WACO, Texas (Jan. 24, 2014) - The Baylor Academy for Leader Development will host Bonnie Lesley, Ed.D., founder of Texas Kids Can't Wait, as she presents her topic, "Creating Equity in Education," Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The Texas Kids Can't Wait organization advocates for equity, excellence and adequacy for children in the Texas school system.
"One of our major strategies is to provide information so that all interested Texans can learn how the Texas school funding system works - and how it does not work for the vast majority of our kids," says the organization's website. "We will conduct public forums and communicate in as many ways as possible to spread the word."
Lesley's lecture marks the first of the three-part Academy Lecture Series. "Every year we invite three leaders to campus to talk about their personal journey," said Jennifer Massey, assistant dean for student learning & engagement in Baylor's division of student life.
Massey said she is excited to have Lesley speak on campus, since students in the department's course on leadership and social justice "are being engaged in a lot of conversations right now about leadership and social change and its relationship.
"(The organization) is right here in Waco and the work that they're doing is having a significant impact at the state level," Massey said. "What a great opportunity for students to meet somebody who cares about education, who wants all students to have a great education, . . . right here in their backyard, right here in Waco."
Attendees will learn more about the decisions being made about public education and about "some of the structural factors that are leading to inequitable opportunity for K through 12 students," Massey said.
Upcoming lectures in the Academy Lecture Series this spring include Laurie Schreiner, Ph.D., who will present her topic, "Fostering Student Thriving" Feb. 18; Pastor Bob Fu on "Freedom of Religious Expression in China" March 4.; and Tomi Grover, Ph.D., with "Educating, Advocating and Engaging in the Issue of Human Trafficking" March 24.
by Rachel Miller, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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