Southern California – May 1, 2025 – Education practitioners and researchers Tamra Simpson, M.A. ELL, and Valery Dragon, M.A. ELL, announce the launch of the Contextually Responsive Intersectional Systems (CRIS) Framework and its practical methodology, Contextually Responsive Intersectional Analysis (CRIA) — a new approach to advancing belonging and continuous improvement in K–12 education.
Born from empathy interviews with Black women educational leaders, CRIS and CRIA center real-world leadership experiences to inform smarter, more human-centered system change.
Combining system thinking and improvement science with an intersectional lens, CRIS helps schools and districts create environments where all leaders and learners feel a true sense of belonging. CRIA serves as the step-by-step method for applying these principles to real initiatives and practices.
Highlights of the CRIS Framework and CRIA Methodology:
Grounded in Authentic Voices: Built on the lived experiences of Black women in K–12 leadership.
Focused on Belonging: Moves beyond compliance to foster meaningful inclusion.
Data-Informed and Human-Centered: Integrates continuous improvement with intersectional insights.
Actionable at Every Level: Supports change from the classroom to district leadership.
“We designed CRIS and CRIA to translate powerful leadership experiences into practical action,” said Tamra Simpson. “At its heart, this work is about creating systems where belonging is not an add-on, but a foundation.”
“Through listening deeply, we uncovered the kinds of shifts that build stronger, more supportive education communities,” added Valery Dragon.
Simpson and Dragon will offer professional development, research collaborations, and implementation resources for educators, leaders, and organizations interested in adopting CRIS and CRIA. Their ”Contextually Responsive Intersectional Systems” White Paper can be found here.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Tamra Simpson M.A. ELL, [email protected]
Valery Dragon M.A. ELL, [email protected]
Media ContactCompany Name: L.E.A.DContact Person: Tamra SimpsonEmail: Send EmailState: CaliforniaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.lead-tms.com/
