Community U. Speaker Series
The Community U. Speaker Series offers presentations by local experts on topics related to the English learner experience. These presentations occur throughout the school year.
2025–2026 Meeting Resources
Thursday, February 12 · 7:00–8:00 PM
Health Equity Starts at Home: Advocating for Your Family’s Health in Brookline
Chris Chanyasul, PhD, MPH is a public health strategist, advocate, keynote speaker, and master connector who speaks nationally and internationally on public health, literacy, civic engagement, and equity. She is a Past President of the American Public Health Association (APHA), a parent of three, and an avid reader.
Healthcare equity isn’t just a policy issue—it’s deeply personal. This session explores the current state of healthcare equity nationally and in Brookline, and what it means for your family’s health and wellbeing. Learn how to access local resources, get involved, and support your community.
Join via Zoom: https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/93156301798
Audience: The Public Schools of Brookline community
View presentation slides
View presentation handout
Tuesday, March 24 · 7:00–8:00 PM
Who Holds Power in Education?
Dr. Raul Fernandez is a public impact scholar and Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. He studies inequities in education and serves as Executive Director of Brookline for Racial Justice & Equity.
As federal and local governments debate control over schools, this session explores who holds power in education—and how it can shift toward greater equity and justice.
Join via Zoom: https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/96585735218
Audience: Families of English Learners and all PSB faculty and staff
Tuesday, June 9 · 7:00–8:00 PM
Understanding ACCESS Testing and Score Reporting
All English learners take the ACCESS test annually to measure progress in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Families receive results in late May or early June.
Join Mindy Paulo to learn how to interpret your child’s scores, understand district trends, and what the results mean moving forward.
Join via Zoom: https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/93156301798
Audience: Families of English Learners and all PSB faculty and staff
About Community U.
Community U. (Community University) is a series of one-hour presentations led by local experts on topics relevant to Brookline English learner families. Sessions are interactive and encourage participation.
Questions? Contact betsy_davis@psbma.org
Interpretation services are available in Mandarin, Japanese, German, French, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Korean. To request interpretation, submit this request form at least 5 days before the presentation.
For Brookline staff and faculty: PDPs are available for attendees. To receive PDPs, complete the PDP request form within 5 days after the presentation.
2024–2025 Meeting Resources
- April 3, 2025 – Understanding Interpretation and Translation Services for Brookline’s International Families
View meeting slides - April 29, 2025 – Leveraging Home Languages and Supporting Literacy Development at Home
View meeting slides - May 21, 2025 – Know Your Rights: Immigration Law and Safety for Non-Citizens
View meeting slides - June 4, 2025 – Understanding Your Child’s ACCESS Score Report
View meeting slides