University of La Verne’s LaFetra College of Education to Launch Two New Learning Centers

The LaFetra College of Education at the University of La Verne is launching two new centers that will help students with learning challenges and increase cultural diversity and equity in the classroom.

The Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness and the Center for Education Equity and Intercultural Research are both supported by a $10 million gift from University of La Verne Trustee Tony LaFetra.

“We are extremely proud to introduce two centers that directly align with the University of La Verne’s  core values, particularly in the areas of community engagement, diversity and inclusivity,” said LaFetra College of Education Dean, Dr. Kimberly White-Smith.

The Center for Education Equity’s inaugural event – a screening of the desegregation documentary “Stolen Education” – is set for 5 p.m. on May 9 in Morgan Auditorium. Following the screening, cast member Enrique Aleman Jr. will host a discussion about the film and its call to action.

Center Director Dr. Cleveland Hayes, professor of education, plans to offer a full schedule of workshops and seminars to help area educators better implement effective teaching strategies that help students from different cultural backgrounds succeed.

The center will also host an ongoing social justice lecture series featuring nationally renowned educational leaders. A long term goal of the center is to develop grant opportunities to help college students from underserved areas become classroom teachers and leaders within their own communities, White-Smith said.

The Center for Neurodiversity, Wellness, and Learning will focus on neurological diversity – a concept that recognizes conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as normal human variations on par with gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

“Our goal is to promote a strengths-based approach to educating and nurturing students with learning differences and special needs,” White-Smith said.

The university will hold an Inaugural Neurodiversity Symposium on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Campus Center.

The symposium will include a panel of neurologically-diverse students from elementary school to college age. Panelists will share their experiences as students with learning or behavioral differences. They will inform parents, educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders what they need to thrive in school, at home, and in society.

“Though the event focuses, in part, on students with special needs such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, we hope to make it clear that the term ‘neurodiversity’ actually includes all learners,” said Dr. Niki Elliott, assistant director for the center.

Elliott said people have unique strengths and weaknesses that contribute to the overall complexity and diversity of humanity. The center will offer group workshops, private coaching, and tutoring sessions to help all learners participate fully in society and leverage their strengths.

The center also will offer certificate programs for teachers, community educators, parents, and health care providers who wish to develop expertise in neurodiversity, culturally competent teaching, and holistic wellness, Elliott said. The center’s approach to holistic wellness will include mindfulness, yoga, and nutrition.

The center will be housed at the University of La Verne Literacy Center, 1574 Arrow Highway, Suite A  and will begin offering services on July 1.