<p>Our guest on the Grow Beyond Grades podcast is Akil Bello, an expert in educational access with over 30 years of experience. Akil began his career as a test proctor in 1990 and has since held roles from CEO to consultant, working to improve outcomes for underserved students.</p> <p>As the founding partner of Bell Curves, Akil focused on helping underrepresented students succeed in high-stakes testing. After selling his company, he became Director of Equity and Access at a major test prep firm, helping schools and organizations navigate standardized testing challenges.</p> <p>Currently, Akil is the Senior Director of Advocacy and Advancement at FairTest, where he advocates for more equitable and responsible testing practices.</p> <p>Resources</p> <ul> <li><p>Akil’s website: <a href="https://akilbello.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">akilbello.com</a></p> </li> <li><p>Articles by Akil Bello:</p> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/akilbello/2021/04/07/how-test-publishers-are-poised-to-profit-from-pandemic-learning-loss/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">How Test Publishers Are Poised To Profit From Pandemic “Learning Loss”</a></p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://wordinblack.com/2023/10/the-challenge-of-succeeding-as-a-black-student-in-america/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Challenge of Succeeding as a Black Student in America</a></p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/akilbello/2021/09/13/why-the-first-varsity-blues-trial-really-matters/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Why The First Varsity Blues Trial Really Matters</a></p> </li> </ul> </li> </ul>