Applied Academic Solutions
Applied Academic Solutions
  • Home
  • Dr. Lathardus Goggins II
  • Request a Workshop
  • Contact
  • Gaining the Permission
  • Humane Teaching
  • Bringing the Light ...
  • SEL, PBIS, Restorative
  • Harnessing AI
  • We Know What Works
  • More
    • Home
    • Dr. Lathardus Goggins II
    • Request a Workshop
    • Contact
    • Gaining the Permission
    • Humane Teaching
    • Bringing the Light ...
    • SEL, PBIS, Restorative
    • Harnessing AI
    • We Know What Works
  • Home
  • Dr. Lathardus Goggins II
  • Request a Workshop
  • Contact
  • Gaining the Permission
  • Humane Teaching
  • Bringing the Light ...
  • SEL, PBIS, Restorative
  • Harnessing AI
  • We Know What Works

Applied Academic Solutions: Authentic Experiences & Practical Solutions

Applied Academic Solutions: Authentic Experiences & Practical SolutionsApplied Academic Solutions: Authentic Experiences & Practical SolutionsApplied Academic Solutions: Authentic Experiences & Practical Solutions

Lathardus Goggins II, Ed.D., is dedicated to developing academic solutions that address the Achievement Gap in education. He emphasizes the importance of integrating AI learning in the classroom to enhance student engagement. Additionally, Lathardus advocates for Social Emotional Learning and the implementation of Trauma Informed practices to support the diverse needs of learners.

Contact Us

Applied Academic Solutions: Authentic Experiences & Practical Solutions

Applied Academic Solutions: Authentic Experiences & Practical SolutionsApplied Academic Solutions: Authentic Experiences & Practical SolutionsApplied Academic Solutions: Authentic Experiences & Practical Solutions

Lathardus Goggins II, Ed.D., is dedicated to developing academic solutions that address the Achievement Gap in education. He emphasizes the importance of integrating AI learning in the classroom to enhance student engagement. Additionally, Lathardus advocates for Social Emotional Learning and the implementation of Trauma Informed practices to support the diverse needs of learners.

Contact Us

Applied Academic Solutions

... is a private consulting, research, and evaluation practice that assists various organizations, public sector clients, and communities, including students, parents, schools, and nonprofits in addressing the Achievement Gap through tailored academic solutions.


Mission Statement:


Applied Academic Solutions' mission is to support our clients in better comprehending and achieving their objectives, measuring and recording their achievements, and communicating their outcomes. We focus on integrating AI learning in the classroom, offering professional development and coaching to teachers, leadership training for school administrators, and curriculum development and program evaluation services to create and execute successful programs that promote Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed practices.


Vision Statement:


To be the foremost partner in educational excellence, fostering transformative growth for educators, administrators, and institutions worldwide. Our vision is to empower every client with the tools, insights, and strategies necessary to achieve unparalleled success and create lasting, positive impacts on their communities. Through innovative professional development, cutting-edge leadership training, and comprehensive program evaluation, Applied Academic Solutions aspires to set the standard for academic and organizational achievement, advocating for meaningful authentic learning experiences and equity in education.

Business meeting with a Christmas tree in the background.

We support organizations and individuals to find solutions.

Applied Academic Solutions facilitates the leveraging of authentic perspectives to implement practical academic solutions. Our expertise includes addressing the Achievement Gap through innovative strategies and AI learning in the classroom. We focus on creating meaningful, authentic learning experiences that promote healing-centered and trauma-informed engagement. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of Social Emotional Learning, ensuring equity and belonging for all students.

Services

Applied Academic Solutions provides: 


Strategic Planning – Applied Academic Solutions offers a complimentary one-hour consultation to review and discuss your vision, mission, immediate goals and objectives, and professional learning needs. After this initial consultation, The Principal Consultant will follow up with you to recommend appropriate academic solutions. Additional hours can be scheduled as needed to create a practical solution for growth and success. As part of the Strategic Planning Process, Applied Academic Solutions will use a design thinking process and common ground framework to facilitate your stakeholder team in clearly defining the plan's parameters. 


Professional Development / Learning Communities – Applied Academic Solutions offers services, including evaluating programs, providing professional development, and facilitating ongoing learning communities. We utilize adult learning methods for both virtual and in-person training to create highly interactive and engaging learning experiences, focusing on Social Emotional Learning and how it can address the Achievement Gap. 


Most Requested Topics & Specialties: 

- Defining Social Emotional Learning and Best SEL Practices 

- "Gaining the Permission to Push": Using Cultural Responsive SEL to Support Rigor 

- Connection, Belonging, and Cultural Responsiveness 

- Equity, Identity & Achievement 

- "There is no mystery ... We Know What Works" - Using Dr. A. Hilliard's Framework. 

- Restorative Practice 

- Effective PBIS 

- Trauma-Informed / Healing-centered Practices 


Assessment & Measurement – Applied Academic Solutions provides assessment and program evaluation using quantitative and qualitative data and methodologies. We gather, analyze, highlight, and organize data to document outcomes and make recommendations aligned with your vision, mission, and objectives. 


Implementation Support – Applied Academic Solutions can help you build change management processes, including a Theory of Change and Action. We specialize in using evidence-based approaches to help you create buy-in, understand and overcome resistance, adapt changes, and foster engagement around your strategic plan and new initiatives. We offer 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups to provide advice and coaching to implement your plan successfully. 


Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration - Applied Academic Solutions offers AI Integration Training designed to empower educators with the tools and strategies to seamlessly incorporate AI learning in the classroom. Our training focuses on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences, ensuring students are prepared for the future.

Teacher engaging students who eagerly raise their hands in a classroom.

Professional Learnings & Workshops Series

Hand interacting with digital rocket and business growth icons.

Harness the Power of AI in Your Classroom

Gaining the Permission to Push: Creating the Conditions for Academic Rigor

Gaining the Permission to Push: Creating the Conditions for Academic Rigor

A group of young people listening to a speaker in a library or classroom.

Gaining the Permission to Push: Creating the Conditions for Academic Rigor

Gaining the Permission to Push: Creating the Conditions for Academic Rigor

Gaining the Permission to Push: Creating the Conditions for Academic Rigor

Teacher and diverse children exploring maps and geography in a library classroom.

Humane Teaching Strategies

Gaining the Permission to Push: Creating the Conditions for Academic Rigor

Diagram showing integration of Restorative Practices, SEL, PBIS, and Trauma-Informed Care for school community support.

Connecting SEL, Restorative Practices, Trauma-informed, and PBIS

Teacher and student exchanging a high-five in a classroom.

We Know What Works...

Book covers for 'Bringing the Light into a New Day' and its workbook, featuring silhouetted figures at sunset.

Bringing the Light into a New Day

Scheduled Book Discussions and Workshops

    CEO & Principal Consultant

    Lathardus Goggins II, Ed.D.

    Dr. Lathardus Goggins II has more than 30 years of experience in education, showcasing a wide range of expertise in academic solutions. He has taught math and science at an inner-city middle school, specifically targeting "at-risk" students, and has successfully improved their performance from basic to advanced levels on state standardized tests, addressing the Achievement Gap. Dr. Goggins has also instructed undergraduate and graduate courses through both traditional and online methods. His responsibilities have included managing admissions, providing academic advising, engaging in community outreach, directing an Upward Bound program, overseeing student activities, assessing campus climate, and establishing campus policy on diversity and civility. Furthermore, Dr. Goggins has served as a district administrator for two networks comprising around 32 schools, where he supported leadership, teachers, and support staff in implementing Trauma-Informed strategies, Restorative Practices, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) approaches in the classroom.


    Dr. Goggins' areas of specialization include Culturally Responsive Teaching and the integration of AI learning in the classroom, focusing on using identity development to foster academic success. As an education leader, he is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Goggins is a trauma-informed and healing-centered practitioner with a proven track record of resolving conflicts, assessing school climates, and developing and implementing services, programs, and policies. He also believes in cultivating collaborative relationships with the community to promote belonging and achievement.

    More about Lathardus Goggins II, Ed.D.

    My Experience

    My Experience

    My Experience

    I am a member of several professional and civic organizations focused on delivering effective academic solutions. Each year, I engage in various webinars and conferences to present insights on topics such as the Achievement Gap and the integration of AI learning in the classroom. With over 33 years as a professional educator, I am committed to advancing Social Emotional Learning and implementing Trauma Informed practices to enhance educational outcomes. 


    To learn more about my education, credentials, and experiences - [click here]

    My Background

    My Experience

    My Experience

    I received my bachelor’s degree in geography, my master’s degree in cultural foundations in education, and my doctorate in educational foundations and leadership. My passion, advocacy, and scholarship are focused on addressing the Achievement Gap through academic solutions that emphasize the impact of identity development on academic achievement. I particularly explore how African-centered rites of passage can facilitate academic success for African American students, integrating Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed approaches. Additionally, I am interested in the role of AI learning in the classroom to enhance educational outcomes.


    For more about me - [click here]

    Invite Dr. Lathardus Goggins II

    Bring a thought-provoking and engaging presenter and speaker for your upcoming event.

    As an educator with over 32 years of experience, Dr. Goggins strives to help individuals and organizations achieve their full potential. Dr. Goggins has developed practical solutions that are rooted in lived experiences and evidence-based techniques. Dr. Goggins is certified in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Social Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching strategies, Trauma-informed approaches, Restorative Practices, De-escalation, and Conflict Resolution. 

    Suggested Keynote Topics:

    • Beyond “SEL with a Hug”: Culturally Responsive, Justice-Centered Social-Emotional Learning | Move SEL from Performative to Transformative
      Description: Reframes SEL through a lens of authentic identity which fuels achievement and belonging.
      Key Takeaways:
      • Framework to align SEL with culturally responsive teaching
      • A rubric to spot equity gaps and performative practices
      • Strategies to build belonging and improve outcomes


    • Bringing the Light into a New Day: Family-Based & Community-Linked Rites of Passage | Build Purpose, Resilience, and Community through Structured Transition
      Description: How to design and sustain rites-of-passage processes that link school, family, and community.
      Key Takeaways:
      • Core components of effective rites-of-passage process
      • Partnership strategies with families, elders, and community groups
      • Plug-and-play activities to quickly establish rites
       
    • Facing the Rising Sun: Authentic Identity & Achievement | Achievement follows Identity
      Description: A practical strategies to cultivate authentic identity, motivation, and community responsibility for youth and adults.
      Key Takeaways:
      • Identity-affirming activities which provide a foundation for achievement
      • A framework for activities and reflection prompts
      • Simple metrics for identity, belonging, and self-efficacy


    • Know the Story, Shape the Future: History as the Blueprint for Authentic Narratives | Use historical literacy to build truthful, empowering stories
      Description: Learning circles, “council of elders,” and story work to ground identity in historical continuity and shared values; equips participants to critique dominant narratives.
      Key Takeaways:
      • Understanding the power of owning the story
      • Strategies to analyze and counter deficit and inferiority narratives
       
    • The Paradox of Black Excellence: The Problem and the Potential | Redefining Excellence Beyond Assimilation—Toward Identity, Belonging, and Power
      Description: Reframes excellence as achievement rooted in cultural heritage, community-linked identity. Defined this way, Black excellence actively negates myths of Black inferiority and rejects the ideology of white supremacy—producing durable success and belonging.
      Key Takeaways:
      • Name the paradox: when high performance hides proximity-to-whiteness norms
      • Build counter-narratives that affirm genius, agency, and community
      • Provide strategies for educators/mentors to reflect on their "why"

    To book Dr. Lathardus Goggins II

    Ready to bring Dr. Goggins to your campus or community event? ...To discuss dates, formats (keynote, workshop, book discussion), customization to your goals, and options for signed books, contact - Victoria Brown | Publicist for Dr. Lathardus Goggins II publicist@afrocentric.info | 330-615-2510

    Some of our clients

    Akron Promise 

    Arlington Christian Academy 

    Kent State University 

    Honesty for Ohio's Education 

    Cranbrook Schools 

    Akron Public Schools 

     Canton City Schools

     Leadership Stark County 

    Quest Recovery

    W.A.T.O.E.S. Outreach Programs 

    Golden Ciphers

    Emmanuel Christian Academy 

    New Hanover County Schools

    100 Black Men of Coastal Carolina

    National Association of Student Personnel

    The City of Akron

    Guys and Gals Community 

    Ohio Bar Association 

    Little Rock Public Schools

    Hiram College

    Ashland University 

    Tri-County Urban League 

    Community Fellowship Ministries 

    Hope Academy

    Southeast Correctional Institution

    Lebanon College 

    State of Ohio Collective 

    North Carolina A&T State University

    Jack and Jill of America

    Family Neighborhood Institute 

    Umoja Community Education Foundation

    100 Black Men of Akron

    Imagine Schools, Inc. 

    Grafton Correction Institution 

    Summit County Historical Society

    NAACP Akron

    Work in Progress, Inc.

    Seven P Healthcare 

    Akron Urban League

    Summit County United Way

    Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools 

    Grambling State University 

    Defiance College 

    Akron Rites of Passage Institute

    Art Tatum African American Resource Center 

    Reviews

    Let's connect!

    Send an email...

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    How can I help?

    I understand that each organization's situation and needs are unique, especially when it comes to finding effective academic solutions. Tell me more about what you're looking for regarding the Achievement Gap, AI learning in the classroom, Social Emotional Learning, or Trauma Informed practices, and I will get back to you soon with some ideas.

    Applied Academic Solutions

    Featured Initiatives & Projects

    Creating an Equitable High Quality 21st Century Public Education

    Logo for community discussion on education in Akron.

    The two-day dialogue focused on the future of public education in Akron, Ohio, held on September 29 and 30, 2023. The CDoEd was a collaborative effort led by the NAACP Akron and co-sponsored by Freedom BLOC in partnership with local educational institutions, community organizations, and advocacy groups. This initiative aimed to engage stakeholders in meaningful conversations about the role, direction, and expected outcomes of education in the community, with a special emphasis on addressing the Achievement Gap and exploring academic solutions. Additionally, discussions included the integration of AI learning in the classroom and the importance of Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed practices to create high-quality public education in Akron.

    Find out more

    The Black Child & SEL

    Text reading 'Black History Month' in red, black, and green gradient.

    The foundation for learning and engaging students, parents, educators, and the community is Social Emotional Learning (SEL). While many districts have committed to addressing the SEL development of their students, the focus often shifts to merely 'fixing' children, particularly black and brown students, which can exacerbate the Achievement Gap. The Black Child & SEL explicitly addresses the five core competencies of SEL as essential academic solutions for fostering equitable environments that support all students. Furthermore, integrating AI learning in the classroom alongside Trauma Informed practices can enhance the effectiveness of SEL initiatives.

    Find out more

    Three Guidelines for Re-Imagining Education

    Coalition for African-centered Rites of Passage

    Reimagining education

    As district leaders and educators have been forced to rethink education delivery, there is a significant opportunity to re-imagine education itself. In 2020, we can create an education system that not only values the human being but also integrates academic solutions that address the Achievement Gap. This new approach should be committed to the development of the human being, while incorporating AI learning in the classroom to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, it is essential to engage the full potential of the human being through initiatives that prioritize Social Emotional Learning and are grounded in Trauma Informed practices.

    Find out more

    Coalition for African-centered Rites of Passage

    Coalition for African-centered Rites of Passage

    Coalition for African-centered Rites of Passage

    The CACRoP is a growing community of practitioners, facilitators, scholars, parents, and activists committed to the advocacy, study, development, and practice of an African-centered rites of passage process. This coalition is dedicated to addressing the Achievement Gap by integrating academic solutions that enhance Social Emotional Learning and incorporate AI learning in the classroom. Open to anyone who supports African-centered rites of passage, the CACRoP emphasizes the importance of a Trauma Informed approach as a fundamental process for developing an authentic African sense of self.

    Find out more

    African-centered Rites of Passage and Education: Cultural Responsive Social Emotional Learning

    Book cover titled 'African-centered Rites of Passage & Education' with cultural symbols and text on a black background.

    African-centered Rites of Passage and Education: Culturally Responsive Social Emotional Learning is the 25th-year edition update of the original 1996 publication, which explores the connection between education and the rites of passage process. This edition examines the philosophical foundations that frame each concept, identifies expected outcomes, and understands the intersections between the 'rites' and education. By integrating academic solutions that address the Achievement Gap, it highlights the importance of Trauma Informed approaches and the role of AI learning in the classroom to enhance Social Emotional Learning.

    Find out more

    Effective Interactions with African American Males

    Effective Interactions with African American Males

    Links to resources used for the course... this seminar will critically examine the social and emotional effects of racism on the academic solutions, focusing on the Achievement Gap and how it impacts the academic, occupational, cultural, and relational well-being of African-American males. Additionally, we will explore the role of AI learning in the classroom and the importance of Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed practices in addressing these issues.

    Find out more

    Bringing the Light into a New Day: African-centered Rites of Passage

    Cover of a book about African-centered rites of passage featuring a family at sunrise.

    Bringing the Light into a New Day: African-centered Rites of Passage offers an in-depth exploration of the principles and components of African-centered rites of passage (rites). It is important to clarify that this is not merely a 'how to' book; rather, it serves as a guide to help readers understand 'how to - how to' engage with 'family-based community-linked' African-centered rites of passage. The metaphor of 'Bringing the light into a new day' embodies familiar quotes about light and the dawn, symbolizing opportunity, hope, and wisdom. Additionally, this book aligns with contemporary academic solutions aimed at addressing the Achievement Gap by integrating concepts such as AI learning in the classroom, Social Emotional Learning, and Trauma Informed practices.

    Find out more

    Bringing the Light into a New Day: The Workbook

    Family silhouetted against a vibrant sunrise symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

    Bringing the Light into a New Day: The Workbook is an essential guide for parents, educators, and community leaders seeking academic solutions to nurture and celebrate the growth and development of youth through African-centered rites of passage. This workbook provides a step-by-step framework to help families create a meaningful and transformative rites of passage process, deeply rooted in African cultural heritage and designed to strengthen individual identity and communal bonds. Additionally, it addresses the Achievement Gap by incorporating Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed practices, ensuring a holistic approach that includes AI learning in the classroom.

    Find out more

    Facing the Rising Sun

    Silhouette of a person facing a sunrise with inspirational text about authentic self.

    Lessons for the Authentic Self is a card featuring 49 micro lessons designed to teach Social Emotional Learning (SEL) core competencies alongside the principles of Nguzo Saba. These academic solutions aim to address the Achievement Gap by integrating AI learning in the classroom, ensuring that education is both effective and trauma informed.

    Find out more

    Africana Cultural Resources

    Sun Sankofa

    A comprehensive list of links to Africana cultural resources, including academic solutions such as websites, lesson plans, and videos that address the Achievement Gap, integrate AI learning in the classroom, and promote Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed practices.

    Find out more

    Titles by Dr. Lathardus Goggins II

    Explore links to books and articles by Lathardus Goggins II, Ed.D., that discuss academic solutions addressing the Achievement Gap, the integration of AI learning in the classroom, as well as the importance of Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed practices.

    Find out more

    Teach the Truth

    Find out more

    Social Media

    Dr. Lathardus Goggins II on Medium

    Instagram

    • Dr. Lathardus Goggins II

    Applied Academic Solutions

    Copyright © 2025 Applied Academic Solutions - All Rights Reserved.

    Powered by

    This website uses cookies.

    We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

    Accept