The Oakland Ed Week in Review 1/27/24-2/2/24

Here’s what’s been going on this past week:

In Oakland, OUSD warns families about fake kidnapping scams and faces pressure to avoid disparate impacts on Black students in school closure decisions, while introducing a new publication for community updates. In the Bay Area, South Bay nonprofits express concerns over California’s school funding, a study reveals Berkeley students’ faster test score rebound post-pandemic, and a documentary explores building wealth in the Black community through education. In the State of California, the state settles a learning-loss lawsuit, considers expanding arts education pathways, reevaluates job requirements for state positions, and LAUSD student board member Karen Ramirez focuses on promoting student leadership.  Across The Nation, Despite U.S. student academic recovery, a report highlights persistent education inequalities, an On Point Radio episode explores chronic absenteeism, NYC schools face potential funding cuts, and Philadelphia’s tax break program raises concerns for public school funding.


The Oakland Ed Week in Review 10/14/23-10/20/23

This week: Oakland students hold a forum for District 5 school board candidates; the state testing data is in and the results are flat — improvement is stagnant and the same proficiency gaps are not budging; 9 out of 10 school districts across the country are struggling to hire teachers, which makes you wonder who’s not struggling?; plus more news from around The Town, state, and nation.


Understanding the “Pain” Behind the “Gain” in the Common Core

As a supporter of the intent behind the Common Core standards, teaching and testing for deeper meanings, and more complex understanding, it has been painful to watch its implementation.  In New York, a rushed implementation without sufficient resources led to confused teachers and families, plummeting test scores, and a real and substantial backlash.  And as…