The Oakland Ed Week in Review 7/13/24-7/19/24 

It’s time for the Oakland Ed Week in Review!  

We’re back with our roundup of education news from around The Town, the Bay Area, state, and nation for your weekend reading. This is a Dirk favorite and one of the last blogs he published for Great School Voices.  

Here’s what’s been going on: 

Here in Oakland |  Pursuant to passage of Measure QQ, Oakland teens may soon vote in school board elections, pending a July 16 ordinance reading. This initiative, delayed due to communication issues between Alameda County’s Registrar of Voters and the city council, aims to enhance youth engagement and accountability in educational governance. Additionally, Oakland debates adopting LAUSD’s cellphone ban during school hours to improve focus and reduce distractions. Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond schools currently have varied cellphone policies, but none as strict as LAUSD’s full ban. Meanwhile, a $15 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will expand broadband access in underserved communities, part of California’s Broadband For All initiative. This funding is crucial for achieving digital equity and providing high-speed internet to those who need it most. This was one of Dirk’s key initiatives and achievements for Oakland families. 

In the Greater Bay Area |  Governor Newsom’s signing of the SAFETY Act, which prohibits public school districts from outing students’ gender identity without consent, aligns state policy with SFUSD’s existing confidentiality rules. Despite facing opposition and legal challenges, the law aims to protect students’ privacy and safety. Ann Hsu, previously ousted from the San Francisco school board for controversial comments, seeks re-election amidst a severe district budget crisis. Her candidacy highlights ongoing tensions and challenges in the district. West Contra Costa Unified School District faces a lawsuit over inadequate building conditions and unresolved teacher vacancies, highlighting systemic issues exacerbated by teacher shortages. Bay Area students struggle with limited SAT testing sites, forcing many to travel long distances, which disproportionately affects low-income students and raises concerns about equitable access to standardized testing.

Throughout the State of California |  California’s SAFETY Act, effective January 1, prohibits schools from outing LGBTQ+ students without consent and protects teachers from retaliation for refusing to disclose students’ gender or sexual identities. This legislation highlights the state’s commitment to safeguarding the privacy and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth amidst rising politically motivated attacks. Additionally, new laws mandate high school courses in financial literacy, ethnic studies, and fentanyl awareness, starting with the class of 2031. These comprehensive education reforms aim to better prepare students for real-world challenges and address critical social issues, such as the fentanyl epidemic.

Across the Nation |  The GOP education platform emphasizes parental rights, school choice, and banning critical race theory, reflecting a conservative shift in educational priorities. It includes plans to cut funding for schools teaching critical race theory, restrict transgender girls in sports, and deport so-called “pro-Hamas radicals” from campuses. In other news, a bipartisan coalition aims to halve chronic absenteeism by the 2026-27 school year, addressing the significant increase in absenteeism that occurred during the pandemic. Efforts  include new tracking systems, increased community engagement, and other incentives. Over 1,100 schools are exempt from the new Title IX rule due to a preliminary injunction, highlighting the ongoing legal and political battles over LGBTQ+ protections, further complicating the enforcement of Title IX regulations.

What did we miss?  Hit us up in the comments below: 

OAKLAND

Oakland Youth May Be Able to Vote in the Upcoming November School Board Elections 

What to know: Four years after Measure QQ, Oakland is nearing a vote allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in school board elections this November. Delays and communication issues between Alameda County’s Registrar of Voters and the city council previously hindered the implementation of youth voting.

Why it matters: This initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase youth engagement and accountability in educational governance, echoing similar movements in other cities. Allowing teens to vote will provide them with early exposure to the democratic process, fostering informed decision-making for future elections.

Notable quote: “It makes it all the more rewarding that this actually happened,” – Sam Davis, Oakland Unified District 1 director and board president.

By Magaly Muñoz | Post News Group

In related coverage:  

Los Angeles’ school district banned cellphones. Should Oakland follow suit?

What’s happening: Los Angeles Unified banned cellphones and social media during school hours, sparking debate about whether Oakland should follow. Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond schools have varied cellphone policies but none implement a full ban like LAUSD. 

Why it matters: Cellphone bans are gaining traction nationally, with various states and districts exploring ways to manage mobile device use in schools. Cellphone policies impact student engagement and academic performance, and a broader ban could influence how other districts approach the issue.

What’s next: Oakland Unified must decide whether to adopt a stricter policy, balancing the need for focus with the practicalities of enforcement.

Notable quote: “No policy is going to be useful without serious step-by-step enforcement or follow-up and, frankly, on-the-ground administrator support — the dean of students, head of attendance, vice principals,”…  “Unless you have someone who’s really going to have to hand down consequences, it won’t work.” – Hasmig Minassian, an ethnic studies teacher at Berkeley High Schooler

By Ashley McBride & Annie Sciacca | The Oaklandside

Oakland Awarded $15 Million by CPUC to Expand Broadband Access

What to know: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has awarded the City of Oakland $15 million under the Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. This grant is part of a larger $2 billion initiative aimed at enhancing broadband access in underserved and unserved communities across Oakland.

Why it matters: This award is part of California’s broader Broadband For All initiative, which seeks to provide high-speed internet access to all residents across the state. The investment is a significant step toward achieving digital equity in Oakland, providing high-speed internet to communities that need it most.

What’s next: The grant will fund the Oakland Connect project, which aims to build community-based, future-proof, and equity-focused broadband infrastructure.

Notable quote: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and partners…   “This grant is a significant milestone in making [a more connected Oakland] a reality.” – Mayor Sheng Thao.Mayor’s Press Office | via The Oakland Post | Post News Group

In other Oakland News:   

THE BAY AREA

Gender-identity law brings state in line with SFUSD 

What to know: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the SAFETY Act, Assembly Bill 1955, into law, which prohibits public-school districts from requiring staff to notify parents if their children change their preferred pronouns or gender identities. California is the first state to pass such a law. SFUSD already had similar policies in place, requiring staff to keep students’ gender identity confidential unless the student provides permission to share the information.

Why it matters: The new law aims to prevent “forced outing” of students, ensuring their privacy and safety in schools. It aligns state policy with SFUSD’s existing practices.

What’s next: The law faces opposition and legal challenges. Chino Valley Unified in San Bernardino County sued Newsom, arguing that the law infringes on parents’ rights and violates constitutional rights.

Notable quote: “Our teachers can now focus on teaching the critical academic skills that our students need to succeed, not on policing the gender identities of children.” – Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent 

By Allyson Aleksey | San Francisco Examiner

S.F. school board recall activist Ann Hsu is running again

What’s happening: Ann Hsu, previously ousted from the San Francisco school board, is running for re-election. Hsu, who was removed due to controversial comments, joins a crowded race with financial crisis looming. Her re-entry surprises many, especially as she had focused on opening a private school.

Why it matters:  Hsu’s return reflects ongoing tensions in San Francisco’s school board politics and broader educational challenges.  Her candidacy adds complexity to a high-stakes election during a severe district budget crisis.

What’s next: Voters will decide if Hsu can address the district’s financial troubles and restore trust.

Notable quote: “I can’t say I saw this coming, but also I’m not totally surprised,” – Meredith Dodson, executive director of SF Parent Action

By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle

West Contra Costa sued over poor building conditions, teacher vacancies

What’s happening: West Contra Costa Unified School District is being sued for inadequate building conditions and unresolved teacher vacancies. The lawsuit, filed under the Williams v. California settlement, demands immediate fixes and compliance with legal standards. Complaints highlight issues like mold, broken facilities, and reliance on unqualified substitutes, exacerbating teacher shortages.

Why it matters: The lawsuit underscores systemic issues in California schools, exacerbated by teacher shortages and poor building conditions.It aims to improve conditions that impact student success and teacher retention, crucial amid a financial and staffing crisis.

What’s next: A court order could compel the district to address violations, potentially reshaping how it handles facilities and staffing.

Notable quote: “Teachers leave or don’t apply for a position, in part, because of poor facilities,” – Dane Shikman, co-counsel 

By Monica Vele | Ed Source

Bay Area students struggle to find SAT slots as schools reverse test-optional policies

What’s happening: Students in the Bay Area are struggling to find SAT test centers as availability dwindles and travel becomes necessary. Test demand is high, but many local centers are fully booked or closed, forcing students to travel long distances. The decline in SAT testing centers is partly due to fewer schools willing to host tests and California universities adopting test-optional policies.

Why it matters: The issue highlights broader challenges with standardized testing access and the need for equitable solutions across the education system.  Limited testing sites and high travel demands disproportionately affect low-income students, creating barriers to college admissions.

What’s next: The College Board is expanding test sites and increasing proctor pay, but challenges remain with Wi-Fi reliability and accessibility.

Notable quote: “There are really two solutions,” Hofmann said. “That is opening up more test sites, and we need partners to work with us on that … and then the other way is through schools and districts to fund the ACT during the school day.” – Catherine Hofmann, ACT’s vice president of state and federal programs

By Molly Gibbs & Shomik Mukherjee | East Bay Times | Bay Area News Group 

In other Bay Area News:   

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California becomes first state to prohibit schools from outing LGBTQ+ students

What to know: California bans schools from outing LGBTQ+ students without consent, protecting their privacy.  The SAFETY Act also shields teachers from retaliation if they refuse to reveal students’ gender or sexual identities.

Why it matters: This legislation highlights the growing political divide, contrasting with conservative states that mandate parental notification of students’ gender identity changes. The law aims to safeguard the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth amidst rising politically motivated attacks.

What’s next: Effective Jan. 1, the law faces legal challenges, notably from Liberty Justice Center on behalf of Chino Valley Unified School District.

Notable quote: “Politically motivated attacks on the rights, safety, and dignity of transgender, nonbinary, and other LGBTQ+ youth are on the rise nationwide,” – Assemblymember Chris Ward.

By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive

In related coverage:  

New California Laws Require High School Classes on Drug Education, Financial Literacy and Ethnic Studies

What to know: California mandates high school seniors to pass finance literacy, ethnic studies, and fentanyl danger courses. The senior class of 2031 will be the first to take the mandatory financial literacy course starting in 2027.

Why it matters: These laws reflect a broader trend towards comprehensive education reform to better prepare students for real-world challenges. These courses aim to equip students with critical life skills and address social issues like the fentanyl epidemic.

What’s next: Schools must implement Assembly Bills 2927 and 2429, and ethnic studies courses will begin in 2025. 

Notable quote: “It’s such an important life skill…  The stressors that young people face today — especially student loans, renting, buying a house, credit cards all those things are so critically important. And if you fall behind, the consequences have a serious impact later in life.”” – Kevin McCarty, Assemblymember

By Bo Tefu | California Black Meda | The Oakland Post | Post News Group 

In related coverage:  

In other California News…

ACROSS THE NATION

GOP education platform big on parents’ rights, short on details

What to know: The GOP platform includes plans to cut funding to schools teaching critical race theory, restrict transgender girls in sports, and deport pro-Hamas radicals from campuses.  The platform emphasizes parental rights, universal school choice, and includes controversial measures like requiring the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

Why it matters: The GOP’s education strategy reflects broader efforts to reshape American education through conservative values and policies. These proposed changes signal a significant shift in educational priorities, focusing on culture wars and parental rights amid ongoing political divides.

What’s next: Republicans aim to implement education savings accounts nationwide and overhaul school governance, including ending teacher tenure and adopting merit pay.

Notable quote: “We believe schools should educate, not indoctrinate,” – Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor

By Lexi Lonas | The Hill

In related coverage:  

Activist organizations seek to block Title IX rule in over 400 schools nationwide

What to know: Over 1,100 schools, including many in liberal states, are exempt from the new Title IX rule due to a lawsuit. The lawsuit, led by advocacy groups and conservative states, resulted in a preliminary injunction affecting numerous K-12 and higher education institutions.

Why it matters: School-specific injunctions further destabilize Title IX enforcement, highlighting the political and legal battles over LGBTQ+ protections. This development adds complexity and confusion to the implementation of Title IX regulations, impacting both liberal and conservative states.

What’s next: The U.S. Department of Education plans to challenge the injunctions in the 5th, 6th, and 10th Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Notable quote: “This is really uncharted territory when it comes to Title IX regulations,” – Kayleigh Baker, Association of Title IX Administrators’ advisory board member.

By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive

In related coverage:  

Bipartisan coalition issues call to cut chronic absenteeism in half as kids continue to miss school

What to know: A new bipartisan coalition has launched a campaign aiming to cut chronic absenteeism rates in half by the 2026-27 school year. The initiative seeks to reverse the significant increase in absenteeism that occurred during the pandemic. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of school days (about 18 days), has remained a persistent issue. The coalition plans to highlight successful strategies from various states and districts to tackle this challenge.

Why it matters: Efforts to improve attendance have included new tracking systems, community engagement, and incentives. Despite some recent reductions in absenteeism, rates are still higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Chronic absenteeism affects students’ learning and classroom dynamics, exacerbating existing educational problems. Reducing absenteeism is seen as crucial for addressing pandemic-induced learning loss.

What’s next: The coalition, which includes the American Enterprise Institute, The Education Trust, and Attendance Works, will focus on setting aggressive goals and implementing concrete plans to reduce absenteeism.

Notable quote: “This is everyone’s responsibility.” – Angélica Infante-Green, Rhode Island’s education commissioner. 

By Kalyn Belsha | Chalkbeat

In related coverage:  

In other National News…

City and State Roundup:

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