In this episode, Julie and Ginger talk about the school to prison pipeline with Leonard Webb. What an important topic this is!  Leonard retired from law enforcement and now uses his experience to address the issues of exclusionary discipline, implicit biases, and structural racism.   His goal is to improve the educational outcomes of students by improving relationships between administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Leonard provides equity-based solutions by bringing accountability to school leaders while increasing attendance and decreasing suspensions and expulsions.  He was appointed by Governor Hogan to the Juvenile Justice School Board in the state of Maryland.

Listen in to learn what the school to prison pipeline really is, why it is important, and how we can work to reduce its numbers. Mr. Webb states, “Underfunded schools lead to overcrowded prisons.”  There is a direct correlation and many ways to make a difference.  He uses the concept of RISK - establish Real relationships, have Intentional interactions, create Safe spaces, and Keep asking questions. Yes, it takes us out of our comfort zone but that is what a risk is. It is a shift of our focus.

Leonard tells us that it may not be easy, but it is really very simple.

To learn more about Leonard Webb and his program, visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/webbolutionary/ or go to http://endtheschool2prisonpipeline.com/. You can also email him directly at [email protected].