drjamillahmoore

[drjamillahmoore]

The Case for Inclusive Education: Supporting All Learners

Inclusion in education means intentionally designing learning environments that ensure equitable access, opportunity, and a genuine sense of belonging for every student. Truly inclusive communities honor the full range of student identities—cultural, religious, socioeconomic, sexual, gender-based, and disability-related—without placing one marginalized group above another.

Yet despite the fact that students with disabilities make up 15 percent of the K–12 population in the United States, they are frequently overlooked in school-based inclusion efforts. This omission is especially concerning because disability often intersects with other marginalized identities, compounding the discrimination these students face. Many disabilities are not immediately visible, and misconceptions about a student’s abilities can lead to lowered expectations and missed opportunities. Inclusive education challenges these assumptions and yields tangible benefits.

A 2022 Indiana University study published in The Journal of Special Education found that high schools with inclusive classrooms see students earning higher grades and graduating better prepared for college and careers. Similarly, a 2016 report by Alana and Abt Associates showed that inclusive practices improve academic outcomes for all students, not just those with disabilities.

But the impact of inclusion goes beyond academics. Inclusive classrooms help foster student confidence and encourage meaningful peer relationships. When students participate in environments that value all abilities, they are more likely to view human differences with curiosity and acceptance rather than bias. These settings promote empathy, reduce stigma, and enhance students’ understanding of disability as part of human diversity.

Inclusion also nurtures students’ social and emotional development. Collaborative activities and shared responsibilities offer valuable opportunities for students to communicate, problem-solve, and build mutual respect. When educators actively promote acceptance and empathy, students feel safer expressing themselves and more motivated to engage in class.

Central to successful inclusion is the commitment of educators to adapt their teaching methods and abandon one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead, inclusive teachers strive to meet the varied needs of their students—regardless of background or ability—by offering the personalized supports necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.

Ultimately, inclusive education strengthens schools and communities by ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

[drjamillahmoore]

Key Steps Institutions Can Take to Improve Student Success Rates

To meaningfully improve student success, institutions—especially broad-access colleges and universities—must implement a comprehensive and intentional set of strategies. Those that report higher-than-average retention and graduation rates typically follow similar, evidence-based pathways.

The first step is to enhance the onboarding experience for both first-time and transfer students. Early integration into campus life is a key predictor of long-term success. Leading institutions assign dedicated advisors who proactively guide students through the transition, introducing them to campus services, academic expectations, and support resources. Many also offer summer bridge programs and orientation camps to build academic readiness and a sense of belonging before the semester begins.

Equally important is the strategic use of campus data to identify and respond to early signs of academic risk. Early alert systems—triggered by low grades, attendance patterns, or enrollment behaviors—allow staff to intervene quickly, directing students to tutoring, study groups, or supplemental instruction. Persistent patterns of failure in certain courses should prompt institutions to review and redesign those courses to promote learning and equity in outcomes.

Finally, institutions must connect students with the labor market throughout their college journey. Providing real-time information on in-demand careers, job qualifications, and salary expectations empowers students to make informed choices. Career advising should be integrated with academic advising, and students should be introduced to alumni, internships, and skills-based workshops aligned with their majors. These connections help students clarify their goals and build the competencies needed for graduate study or career entry.

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Problems Faced by Temporary Workers in the Technology Industry

Temporary or contract workers represent a substantial part of the technology workforce, often sharing similar responsibilities and workloads with permanent employees. Despite this, they are typically paid less and receive fewer benefits than direct-hire staff. In a qualitative survey of 39 contract tech workers, 21 reported earning below the industry standard. Additionally, 15 of these respondents stated they had not been paid for all hours worked, including overtime.

Temporary workers face multiple disadvantages. Racial and gender minorities are disproportionately represented in contract roles rather than in permanent positions, suggesting systemic barriers in hiring practices. Employment agencies frequently promise smooth transitions to full-time roles, yet these promises are often exaggerated, leaving many workers in a cycle of temporary assignments. Reporting issues like safety violations or sexual harassment is also generally harder for contract workers, who may fear job loss or retaliation. Many temps work under non-compete agreements that limit their ability to seek better employment options, restricting career mobility.

Contract employees answer to two sets of managers: supervisors from the agency that employs them and managers from the company where they work. This dual oversight complicates advocacy for improved working conditions, even as some temp workers have begun to unionize. The two-tiered management structure also heightens the risk for workers who seek to address abuses of power, as they can be terminated without cause.

Researchers have proposed several remedies to address inequities facing tech temps. To uphold the Equal Pay Act, contract workers should receive pay equal to that of permanent employees for comparable work. Employment agencies should partner only with companies that ensure contract workers earn sustainable wages comparable to full-time compensation. Temporary employees should have clear guidelines about their evaluations and the conditions under which their assignments may continue or convert to permanent roles. Additionally, they should have access to listings for full-time positions. Finally, tech companies and hiring agencies should share responsibility for ensuring safe, equitable, and supportive working conditions for all temporary employees.

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Challenges in Making Higher Education Accessible to All Students

Disabilities can significantly hinder some undergraduate students in their pursuit of higher education, contributing to the lower percentage of individuals with disabilities who complete a four-year degree. While there is growing awareness of the importance of accessibility in education, many universities face a critical barrier: insufficient funding to create fully inclusive and supportive environments for students with disabilities. Although some institutions have made progress in improving accessibility, achieving full compliance with accessibility regulations remains a challenge without adequate financial resources.

Addressing on-campus accessibility requires universities to not only understand the unique challenges that students with disabilities face but also secure the necessary funds to implement meaningful solutions. Without sufficient financial support, universities struggle to invest in essential resources that are critical to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Key barriers include the lack of assistive technologies, outdated infrastructure, and inaccessible buildings and learning materials—each of which requires substantial financial investment to resolve. Addressing these needs is essential to ensure that all students, regardless of their disability, can fully participate in academic and campus life. However, without dedicated funding, many institutions fall short in providing the necessary accommodations, leaving disabled students at a disadvantage.

In addition to physical and technological barriers, a lack of awareness and understanding of disabilities within the higher education community continues to exacerbate the problem. While improving this awareness through training and education is vital, universities need financial backing to implement comprehensive programs that address unconscious bias, social isolation, and the mental health challenges faced by disabled students.

Ultimately, to effectively address these issues, universities and colleges must be fully funded to meet the diverse needs of their disabled students. Regular surveys and town hall meetings can help identify specific needs, but the implementation of solutions requires significant financial commitment. Only through sufficient funding can universities ensure equal opportunities for academic and personal success for all students. Without it, the gap between intention and action will persist, leaving students with disabilities underserved.

[drjamillahmoore]

What Happens When Women Mentors Mentor Women Leaders

A study by the Pew Research Center underscores the persistent underrepresentation of women in executive roles, with few occupying leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies. However, the leadership gap between men and women is gradually narrowing, thanks in part to mentorship programs emerging as a powerful solution. Leaders like Wendy Mitchell, through initiatives like EmpowerHerMentoring, are actively addressing workplace challenges unique to women by sharing their experiences with aspiring female leaders.

The benefits of mentorship are clear. The Mentoring Impact report by MentorcliQ, a leading provider of mentoring software solutions, found that Fortune 500 companies led by women executives who participate in structured mentoring programs are 42% more profitable than those without women leaders in similar programs. These findings align with a 2020 McKinsey & Company study, which revealed that companies with female CEOs consistently outperform their counterparts in terms of average profit.

Mentorship also plays a crucial role in retention. According to another MentorcliQ study, 83% of women in mentor-mentee relationships reported that their mentorship experience significantly increased their commitment to staying with their companies longer. Conversely, research from the Center for Talent Innovation in 2019 found that women who do not participate in mentorship programs face greater challenges in securing promotions, underscoring the essential role of mentorship in advancing women's leadership.

[drjamillahmoore]

California’s Pay Transparency Law

A recently enacted California state law promotes pay transparency and equity in the workplace. The Pay Transparency Act, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on September 27, 2022, sets new requirements that are critical to hiring, recruitment, and payroll.

Under the law, employers with at least 15 employees must include pay scale information in their all job postings, including internal, external, and third-party postings. An applicant to a job opening may also request the pay scale (hourly rate) for the position he or she is applying for. The law effectively makes the long-standing practice of describing a position’s salary as “commensurate with experience” a violation of the Pay Transparency Act.

The new law also requires employers with at least 100 contract workers hired through a third-party contract to report the aggregate amount of money paid to contract workers broken down by type of job, race, ethnicity, and gender.

In addition, the Pay Transparency Act requires employers to keep the records of their workers’ job positions and pay rate history for three years after the employees’ separation from the company.

[drjamillahmoore]

A Look at Social Justice in Higher Education

Social justice advocates for the equal distribution of opportunities, resources, and privileges to all individuals and communities and the eradication of societal biases based on religion, race, socioeconomic status, gender, and other factors that ultimately yield inequality. In higher education, social justice means creating teaching and learning environments that offer equal opportunities for success to all students without regard to ethnicity, gender, academic potential, or religion.

The ever-increasingly diverse student population calls for systemic change that can promote education and empower every student to be an agent of positive social change. Education is imperative to creating equitable and inclusive communities, but the pathway to academic enlightenment and success is hindered by social injustice. The major cause of this injustice has been the traditional structures and systems that create disparities, resulting in privileged and marginalized student groups. Social justice is about acknowledging the existence of these impediments, the associated negative impacts, and dismantling the status quo to empower every student to achieve their full potential.

Notably, social justice not only advocates for learners’ well-being, but also that of the institutional staff. Higher education institutions should hire employees from diverse backgrounds, treat everyone fairly, and offer equal opportunities and privileges. Leaders in higher education are responsible for challenging the economic, social, and cultural inequalities imposed on students and employees to address social justice issues and encourage all institutional stakeholders to embrace social justice-centered policies, practices, and mindsets.

Implementing social justice in higher education has several benefits. It improves student engagement and academic performance. Learners who feel their experiences, identities, and well-being are valued by institutions are motivated to be engaged in the learning process. The safe learning environments created by educators in these institutions encourage collaboration, fostering a sense of community. This sense of belonging has a positive effect on group learning activities and encourages students to take ownership of their education and academic excellence.

Social justice-minded institutions also foster empathy among learners. Social justice education exposes students to various life experiences and perspectives, helping them understand and connect with people from different backgrounds. These students learn about the social issues and inequalities rampant in society, specifically the challenges marginalized communities face. Exposure to this knowledge nurtures a sense of empathy and compassion and encourages them to advocate for social injustices within campus and in society.

Implementing social justice in higher education encourages global citizenship by empowering learners to identify global issues and visualize their interconnection. Social justice education exposes students to pertinent topics, such as poverty, environmental sustainability, and discrimination, helping them understand how they can be agents of change and how their actions can influence the creation of a more equitable world.

Social justice education also creates ethical leaders. Higher education institutions play a crucial role in shaping future leaders. Exposing learners to concepts of social justice equips them with the knowledge and critical and analytical skills necessary to lead ethically in the future. With an in-depth understanding of social justice principles, such leaders uphold fairness, diversity, and equity in organizations, influencing the implementation of social justice-centered policies to dismantle the structures and systems that create workplace inequality.

Institutions can advance social justice by creating inclusive classrooms. Educators should develop learning policies that accommodate students with disabilities, create spaces that are welcoming to all identities, and address biases. Moreover, educators should ensure the curriculum integrates diverse perspectives. This means that subjects such as history, art, and literature should cover the culture and backgrounds of various student groups. This approach makes learners feel valued and included and exposes students to different perspectives, fostering a sense of understanding, acceptance, and empathy for each other.

Last, encouraging open discussions can promote social justice in learning institutions. Educators should create safe and respectful spaces for students to discuss sensitive topics. It is imperative, however, to lay down the ground rules before hosting such discussions and allow each learner to share their perspectives. Open dialogue fosters understanding and empathy among the students, shaping them to be agents of positive change.

[drjamillahmoore]

An Overview of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

According to a report from the World Economic Forum (WEF), machines will complete more jobs than humans by 2025. Unofficially regarded as the fourth industrial revolution, the ongoing transition is expected to have a myriad of effects on the labor force in the United States and around the world, particularly in areas of pay and opportunity equity. WEF reports that the fourth industrial revolution will ultimately generate nearly 100 million new jobs, but would erase the need for just as many. Data processing and administrative positions are particularly vulnerable to automated systems powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

The first industrial revolution began around 1765. The use of coal as a mainstream fuel source drew the economy away from agriculture and toward mechanized industrial processes that allowed for the mass manufacturing of many consumer products. Industry and transportation were changed forever, at the expense of the global agriculture community.

Just over a century later a second industrial revolution, or technological revolution, was powered by the discovery of electricity, as well as the expanded use of gas and oil. These three energy sources were developed alongside the combustion engine, which resulted in an influx of steel- and chemical-based products, along with the birth of telecommunications. As industrial practices surged around the world, so did levels of waste and pollution output.

The third industrial revolution involved advances in electronics and nuclear energy and is pinpointed to the late 1960s. Nuclear energy is controversial for several reasons, with critics claiming that alternative energy sources could produce similar results if they benefited from comparable government subsidies.

Each of the previous three industrial revolutions has brought sweeping changes, both good and bad. The fourth industrial revolution began sometime after 2000 with the advent of the Internet and the gradual transition toward renewable energy. Staples of the current industrial revolution include cloud technologies, the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the expansion of renewable markets such as wind, geothermal, and solar. WEF singled out the dynamic relationship between digital technology advances and artificial intelligence as the revolution’s driving force.

There are several ways employers and employees can prepare themselves for the long-term effects of the fourth industrial revolution, such as companies providing employees with additional training. Skills that can be automated have little to no long-term value in the modern workplace, but there are many technical and human skills that AI simply cannot replicate. More specifically, even the most advanced AI systems cannot replace a human’s ability to creatively solve problems in real-time work environments. AI systems are similarly lacking in areas of emotional intelligence, innovation, and leadership. Any individual concerned about losing their job to a machine should invest in these types of skills moving forward.

While individuals can and should take control of the future of their careers, employers can support the changing labor force by offering customized training. Again, this is a two-way street - many studies have shown that employees resist change for many reasons, and the fourth industrial revolution is nothing short of a complete transformation of all global industries. Employers will need to provide individuals with the resources they need to re-skill if they are to remain essential, and employees must be willing to accept both the changes and the support.

[drjamillahmoore]

The Benefits of Continuing Education to Your Career

Traditionally, advancing in your workplace requires hard work, loyalty, dedication, and work ethic. However, improvement is valuable to organizations to stay competitive. One feasible way to improve is through continuing education (CE). It refers to postsecondary learning and training programs, either in-person or online. Most subscribers to the CE courses are seeking a job opportunity, already in a profession, or looking for a career change.

One of the benefits of CE to your career is the opportunity to earn more. In a typical business environment, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the more skills, industry knowledge, and certifications you acquire, the higher the remuneration. This is attributed to the assumed increased value you have to the company. In some cases, the skills or knowledge acquired over the CE enables you to take on more tasks, thus more capability to take on more responsibilities. Rather than hire more people for the different roles, the company leverages your newly acquired skills. This typically implies more compensation.

For the self-employed, certifications can assist you in accessing higher-paying tasks. It also means you can negotiate higher pay from clients as most deem certification as a sign of reliability and skills. It also means that you can confidently perform tasks you would otherwise outsource to other people - leaving more money for you.

Networking is a crucial aspect of professional development, especially meeting peers and industry leads in the trade, new partners, and potential employers. CE offers numerous ways to network. Typical networking avenues provided by CE include learning institutions, study groups, forums, conferences, and membership societies. Networking can have an instant impact on your career, like a job offer or business partnership, or later in your career, by maintaining connections and membership in the relevant groups.

Pursuing CE fosters better job opportunities. As more people pursue basic educational levels like degrees, the job market has become more competitive as more people pursue the same jobs. Certifications make you more marketable and increase your chances of getting a job, even in crowded industries.

Traditionally, moving up an organization entailed working hard or for longer durations. Nowadays, CE offers an alternative to getting promoted as it adds to your skillset capabilities to assume new responsibilities and advanced roles. Such improvements often get noticed, increasing your chances of a promotion.

Career development and the ability to attend to your role go beyond paperwork. It also depends on your state of mental health, well-being, and attitude. Obtaining a certification can increase confidence and improve mental acuity through acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Also, prioritizing knowledge acquisition can help you cultivate healthy behaviors, discipline, and time management. Planning for studies, revisions, and exams, alongside attending to your work, keeps you occupied and active, thus promoting healthy physical and cognitive faculties. Other than direct career impact, some CE courses, like learning a new language or music for fun, can take away any stress associated with work. This helps prevent burnout - a beneficial attribute in intensive professions like the medical field and law.

In almost all industries, technological advancements continually change business functions. To remain employable, relevant, and marketable, you need to keep up with the trends in your industry. While sometimes free online tutorials do suffice, you may require CE certifications for some niches for recognition by potential employers and to perform certain tasks.

In other cases, CE is mandatory and expected by employers and the government. Non-adherence to the compliance requirements can lead to loss of licenses, loss of work, fines, or cancellation of practicing permits to work. The common niches that require continuous professional development and ongoing training to keep up to date include the medical field, law, accounting, and education. For the mandatory CE, you or your employer pays for the program.