The Oakland Ed Week in Review 7/20/24-7/26/24 

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 |  Despite approval from both Oakland and Berkeley, and a 4-0-1 vote by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors approving the final agreement to implement Measure QQ, the Registrar has already stated that students may not be able to vote this fall. The Berkeley/Oakland AileyCamp at UC Berkeley, celebrating its 35th anniversary, provides East Bay youth with a unique blend of dance instruction and personal development. 

In the Greater Bay Area |  The West Contra Costa Unified School District is facing a lawsuit for chronic teacher vacancies and unsafe facilities, alleged to violate students’ civil rights, especially affecting low-income, non-white, and multilingual students. Meanwhile, San Jose Unified School District’s board disputes a critical Civil Grand Jury report on leadership and transparency.  Additionally, San Francisco’s Shirley Chisholm Village affordable housing project for educators has seen a high demand with 900 applicants for only 135 units.

Throughout the State of California | A federal lawsuit challenges the punishment of a first-grader for including “any life” below Black Lives Matter on a drawing. Small school districts are struggling with the Federal Program Monitoring review process, which imposes costly and extensive documentation requirements. Meanwhile, LAUSD reports improvements in math and English test scores post-pandemic, though proficiency levels remain below pre-pandemic benchmarks.

Across the Nation | New research shows that many students continue to fall behind academically, even four years after the pandemic shifted education to online learning. Chronic absenteeism remains a significant barrier, with data revealing persistent learning gaps, particularly among older students. Schools are exploring strategies to improve attendance and support recovery. Concurrently, schools face challenges with student focus and behavior post-pandemic, with efforts underway to address these issues through increased mental health support and policy adjustments.

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

OAKLAND

FIA students with OUSD Board Chair Sam Davis at the City Council vote last week.

Youth Voting Hits a Roadblock-Again

What to know: Despite action last week by the Oakland City Council to move forward with Measure QQ to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in OUSD School Board elections, the Alameda County Registrar of Voters TIm Dupuis in a Friday email stated that his office said it “not technically feasible to implement youth voting” this fall.  He cited such excuses as needing to test computer code and working with vendors to meet the requirements that both Berkeley and Oakland has set with their elections.

Why it matters: Nearly 4 years after Measure QQ was first adopted by voters in Oakland and 8 years since Berkeley approved its youth Measure Y1, 16 and 17 year old voters continue to be systematically disenfranchised, with the same statements about system limitations used in 2022. Instead of becoming a model for youth enfranchisement and being the first in the nation to do so, Alameda County might be embarrassingly upstaged by New Jersey’s statewide ballot measure that was introduced in May, as well as the city of Newark, NJ, where their approved youth vote implementation was delayed to 2025 because of voter registration issues.

What’s next: The Alameda County Board of Supervisors did approve the final agreement allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote in Oakland and Berkeley, which allows for BUSD and OUSD to reimburse the Alameda Registrar $19-$21 per youth voter to set up and operate the election systems. Your guess is as good as ours if students will be voting this fall in critical OUSD elections.

Notable quote: “All the way back to 2016, we knew that this was coming to us. We had eight years to prepare for this,” District 5 Supervisor Keith Carson said. “I don’t accept the fact that we’re not ready to implement this, and I think the smokescreen that I keep hearing from my colleagues on this board is just that.”

By Darwin BondGraham and Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside with additional coverage from Kiley Russell for Bay City News | Local News Matters, and Johanna Miyaki | KALW Public Media

Youth at Berkeley/Oakland AileyCamp learn much more than just dance

What to know: The Berkeley/Oakland AileyCamp at UC Berkeley offers more than just dance lessons; it emphasizes social awareness, self-confidence, and creative expression for East Bay youth. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this free, six-week camp provides professional-level dance instruction, field trips, and workshops to build critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. 

Why it matters: The program is part of Cal Performances’ commitment to honoring Alvin Ailey’s legacy, offering annual residencies, public talks, and master classes in addition to the summer camp.  The camp aims to instill self-esteem and social-emotional skills in participants, offering a transformative experience that extends beyond the dance studio.

What’s next: The camp concludes with a performance at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, showcasing the campers’ growth and achievements.

Notable quote:  “Excellence is the theme for the camps this year and is part of Mr. Ailey’s legacy to the world. Mr. Ailey — as an accomplished leader and a visionary artist — is woven into Black history that’s celebrated across the globe.” — Spencer Pulu, Associate Director, AileyCamp.

By Lou Fancher | East Bay Times | Bay Area News Group

THE BAY AREA

This Bay Area school district is being sued over teacher vacancies. Is it violating students’ civil rights?

What to know: West Contra Costa Unified School District faces a lawsuit over chronic teacher vacancies and unsafe facilities, alleged to violate students’ civil rights. The lawsuit focuses on Stege Elementary, Helms Middle, and Kennedy High, citing systemic failures impacting low-income, non-white, and multilingual students.

Why it matters:  Persistent administrative lapses and unaddressed complaints contribute to high teacher turnover and negatively affect the district’s highest-need students.  The district’s failure to address these issues undermines California’s 2004 Williams v. California settlement guaranteeing basic educational tools and safe learning environments.

What’s next: Plaintiffs seek a court order for immediate district action to remedy violations and ensure safe, healthy school conditions.

Notable quotes:  “The district has completely disregarded the process every step of the way.” — Karissa Provenza, Law Fellow, Public Advocates.  “This system is not supportive for my child, or any child at Stege.” — Darrell Washington, Parent and Community Activist.

By Katie Lauer | East Bay Times | Bay Area News Group 

San Jose Unified board slams Civil Grand Jury, rejects findings that it’s ‘adrift’

What’s happening: San Jose Unified School District’s board unanimously rejected a Civil Grand Jury’s critical findings in its 42-page report that raised concerns over district leadership, safety, and transparency. The district’s response criticized the grand jury’s findings as unsubstantiated and narrow, citing lack of representative interviews.

Why it matters: The dispute reflects broader issues of public oversight and transparency in San Jose Unified, with mixed reactions from parents and community members. The district’s rejection of the grand jury report highlights ongoing tensions over accountability and transparency in the school system.

What’s next: The board plans to explore options for improving board meeting access and safety planning while continuing to address the issues raised by the grand jury.

Notable quotes: “I am concerned about the ethnic makeup of this grand jury,” -Wendi Mahaney-Gurahoo, board president. | “The findings are already areas that have been identified…as areas of growth for the district,” – Renata Sanchez, president of San Jose Unified’s Teacher Association.

By Molly Gibbs | Mercury News | Bay Area News Group

Massive demand for S.F.’s new teacher housing: 900 applicants for only 135 apartments

What’s happening: San Francisco’s new affordable housing for school employees faces overwhelming demand with 900 applicants for 135 units. The Shirley Chisholm Village project, costing $105 million, is a major step in addressing educator housing needs. Despite high interest, it will be years before additional teacher housing projects are available, with new developments planned in Golden Gate Ave. and Mission St.

Why it matters:  This initiative underscores a broader challenge of retaining educators amid rising living costs, with potential future projects aiming to provide more affordable options.  The high demand highlights the critical shortage of affordable housing for public employees in high-cost cities like San Francisco.

What’s next: The district is seeking to expedite development on two more sites to address the ongoing need for educator housing.

Notable quote: “This will really be a model for San Francisco to help provide the missing middle,” -Warren Ritter, associate director of production at MEDA.

By Ida Mojadad | San Francisco Chronicle

‘Where have all the preschoolers gone?’ new UC Berkeley study asks 

What to know: UC Berkeley study finds transitional kindergarten’s growth might be diverting students from established preschool programs. Enrollment in community-rooted preschools has stagnated or declined as TK expands, raising concerns about overall access to quality early education.

Why it matters: Declining birth rates and increased use of childcare vouchers add complexity to the state’s preschool landscape, affecting demand for public preschool programs. Governor Newsom’s $2.7 billion TK program aims to offer universal preschool, but it may not be increasing overall preschool attendance, merely shifting enrollments.

What’s next: Researchers call for a streamlined approach to preschool programs and expanded childcare options for infants and toddlers to address enrollment imbalances.

Notable quotes:“Our findings do raise the question of, ‘is the governor overall expanding access to quality pre-kindergarten or is it the same kids moving among different programs?’” — Bruce Fuller, Co-Author, UC Berkeley Study.

By Molly Gibbs | East Bay Times | Bay Area News Group

After a trying year, Berkeley superintendent reflects on state of the school district

What to know: After two years as superintendent, Enikia Ford Morthel reflects on the district’s significant events and progress in Berkeley Unified. Despite setbacks, Ford Morthel emphasizes continued action and data-driven improvements in literacy and educational outcomes.

Why it matters: The district’s efforts are part of a broader mission to close opportunity gaps and foster a safe, inclusive environment for all students. The district faces challenges including budget cuts and addressing antisemitism and other biases, but remains committed to educational equity and student well-being.

What’s next: Berkeley Unified is set to implement a new K-5 reading curriculum and create a comprehensive strategic plan including a graduate profile.

Notable quote:  “We still have work to do — but the data is showing we’re moving in the right direction.” — Enikia Ford Morthel, Superintendent.

By Annie Sciacca | Berkeleyside

In other Bay Area News:   

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California first-grader punished for Black Lives Matter drawing. Were her free speech rights violated?

What’s happening: A 7-year-old student was punished for adding “any life” below Black Lives Matter on a drawing, leading to a federal lawsuit.  The lawsuit questions whether young students have First Amendment rights, challenging the school’s disciplinary actions. The case, currently with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, could impact elementary students’ free speech rights nationwide.

Why it matters: The case highlights ongoing debates over student speech rights and racial politics in schools, particularly for very young students. The ruling could set a precedent affecting how schools handle student expressions related to race and free speech.

What’s next: The 9th Circuit will decide the appeal, with potential further appeal to the Supreme Court if the decision favors the district.

Notable quotes: “If that decision is allowed to stand … it is a precedent,” – Caleb Trotter, attorney for the Pacific Legal Foundation. | “An elementary school … is not a marketplace of ideas,” – Judge David Carter.

By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle

One-size-fits-all bureaucracy strangling small school districts

What’s happening: Small school districts are struggling with the Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) review process, a review process designed to evaluate a district’s compliance with providing federally-funded, but state-managed services to students.  The FPM review demands extensive documentation and compliance, disproportionately impacting small districts with limited resources. 

Why it matters: The FPM review’s one-size-fits-all approach imposes unrealistic demands on small districts, threatening their operational stability.  Small districts face financial strain and resource diversion due to bureaucratic requirements, affecting their ability to support students effectively.

What’s next: Proposed changes include recording seminars, limiting review scope for small districts, and offering direct funding for consultants.

Notable quote:  “The bureaucracy of one size fits all is strangling us. It’s time for a change,” says a district superintendent. “It is set up for large districts… but it forces small districts to invest thousands of dollars,” – Louise Simson, Mark Twain Union Elementary School District.

By Louise Simson | Ed Source

LAUSD math and English test scores rise after pandemic learning loss

What’s happening: LAUSD test scores in math and English have improved since the pandemic, though many students still fall below state standards.  Superintendent Alberto Carvalho highlighted gains in proficiency rates: English increased from 41% to 43%, and math rose by 2.3 percentage points to 32.8%.  Despite these gains, proficiency levels are still below pre-pandemic benchmarks, but students are nearing standard expectations in some grades.

Why it matters:The progress reflects LAUSD’s recovery efforts from pandemic setbacks, though scrutiny remains over financial management and implementation of educational technology.  The improvement marks a rebound from pandemic-related learning losses, though the district still faces challenges in reaching pre-pandemic achievement levels.

What’s next: LAUSD plans to launch new initiatives, including a principals’ academy and various support programs, while also reviewing and possibly revamping its AI student assistance project.

Notable quotes: “Simply put, you are closing the achievement gap,” – Alberto Carvalho, LAUSD Superintendent.

By Howard Blume | The Los Angeles Times

In other California News…

City & County Roundup:

ACROSS THE NATION

Four years after covid, many students still losing ground

What’s happening: New research shows many students are falling further behind academically, even four years after schools transitioned to online learning due to COVID-19.  Test scores from winter and spring 2024 indicate that gaps between current students and their pre-pandemic counterparts are widening. Chronic absenteeism is identified as a significant barrier to academic progress.  Data from NWEA, Curriculum Associates, and Renaissance reveal that while some younger students show signs of recovery, older students continue to struggle, with significant gaps in proficiency compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Why it matters: The persistent academic challenges underscore the ongoing impact of the pandemic on education and highlight the urgent need for targeted strategies to support students’ learning and attendance.  Despite federal relief funding, many students remain significantly behind, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current recovery efforts and the need for additional strategies to address absenteeism and learning loss.

What’s next: Schools are focusing on improving attendance and addressing academic setbacks through various measures, including increased support for students and interventions to combat chronic absenteeism.

Notable quotes: “We’re a long way from pre-pandemic levels of student achievement,” – Dan Goldhaber, an education researcher.|  “If kids aren’t in their classroom, how can they be learning?” asked Karyn Lewis of NWEA. “Recovery is a little bit all over the place,” – Jennifer Sattem, Curriculum Associates.

By Laura Meckler and Lauren Lumpkin \ The Washington Post

In related coverage:  

‘Look at What These Students Have Gone Through:’ Data Reveal Behavior Concerns

What’s happening: Schools face persistent challenges with student focus, disruptive behavior, and safety issues post-pandemic.  75% of schools report students’ lack of focus severely affecting learning and staff morale.Trauma, political division, and restrictive policies contribute to students’ disengagement and behavioral problems.

Why it matters: Ongoing pandemic impacts highlight the need for strategies addressing both mental health and academic needs.Addressing the root causes of focus issues is essential for effective learning recovery and improving school environments.

What’s next: Schools are exploring phone bans and increased mental health support to enhance student focus and behavior.

Notable quote: “The research is heavily in favor of following a really good curriculum that’s standards-based and content-rich,” – Ron Astor, UCLA professor of social welfare and expert on bullying, school violence and culture. 

By Marianna McMurdock | The74

In related coverage:  

Should teachers customize their lessons or just stick to the ‘script’? 

What’s happening: Teachers are debating whether to use district-provided curricula as-is or adapt lessons to better meet student needs and ensure cultural relevance.  Many teachers feel that district curricula often lack cultural relevance and do not always meet their students’ needs. As a result, they spend significant time adapting or creating their own materials.  Experts warn that mixing district curricula with materials from sources like Teachers Pay Teachers can dilute content quality. Research supports using a well-designed, standards-based curriculum, but teachers often face challenges with pre-written materials.

Why it matters: Effective curricula are crucial for student success, but teachers often need the flexibility to adapt materials to address specific classroom dynamics and student backgrounds.  The quality and relevance of curricula impact students’ learning experiences and outcomes. There is a growing push for more teacher involvement in curriculum selection and development to ensure materials are both rigorous and culturally responsive.

Notable quotes: “The research is heavily in favor of following a really good curriculum that’s standards-based and content-rich,” – David Steiner.|  “I don’t see a robust curriculum, at the district or state level that ensures that, so that’s why I always want autonomy over my own materials,” -Chris Dier, Teacher

By Javeria Salman | The Hechinger Report

Kamala Harris strongly backs public education, upbring and career show

What to know: Vice President Kamala Harris’s commitment to public education stems from her personal experiences, including attending public schools and law school in California. Her views on education have evolved through her career, emphasizing access and equity. Harris has been vocal about education as a fundamental right, advocating for universal pre-K and debt-free college. She played a significant role in promoting President Biden’s education programs and has a history of addressing school truancy and targeting predatory for-profit colleges.

Why it matters: Harris’s education policies are informed by her personal and professional experiences, and her potential presidency could lead to significant changes in the education system, addressing both long-standing issues and new challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Harris’s positions on education reflect her broader agenda of making education more accessible and equitable, which will likely influence her policies if she becomes the Democratic nominee for president.

What’s next: If Harris becomes the Democratic nominee and potentially president, her education agenda will likely align with and expand upon Biden’s initiatives, focusing on issues like universal preschool, teacher pay, and support for historically Black colleges and universities.

Notable quote:“I wouldn’t be here except for the strength of our teachers and of course, the family in which I was raised.” — Kamala Harris, Vice President.

By Louis Freedberg | Ed Source

In related coverage:  

In other National News…

City and State Roundup:

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