The Oakland Ed Week in Review 9/14/24-9/20/24 

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 |  Teen climate activist Aniya Butler blends poetry and advocacy to address environmental injustices in marginalized communities, channeling Oakland’s revolutionary spirit through her work with Youth Vs. Apocalypse. Youth Together, a multiracial leadership organization founded in Oakland, is fostering solidarity among students across racial divides to empower youth to combat stereotypes. OUSD is expanding its high-dosage tutoring program in partnership with Hoot Reading, aiming to support literacy for nearly 600 students across 18 elementary schools. Meanwhile, OUSD faces legal battles over $1.5M in unpaid election costs, and local schools struggle with lead contamination in water, highlighting health concerns for students.

In the Greater Bay Area |  San Francisco protesters are opposing SFUSD’s school closure plan, citing concerns over equity and rushed decision-making, with a revised proposal expected in October. SFUSD Superintendent Matt Wayne resigned amid ongoing challenges like budget issues and low enrollment, leaving the district searching for a new leader to stabilize the situation. In other news, Salesforce is investing in Bay Area schools, supporting artificial intelligence education, while local voters will decide on bond measures for schools and medical facilities. Additionally, San Francisco has narrowed the college enrollment gap through a kindergarten savings initiative, and a mayoral candidate forum has been organized by the SF Parent Coalition.

Throughout the State of California |  Schools face the loss of critical funding for homeless students, as conflicting definitions limit their eligibility for support. Meanwhile, the state is finally distributing delayed career pathway grants to 300 schools, aiming to boost student access to high-paying jobs but struggling with execution. Los Angeles Unified will enforce a district-wide cell phone ban in 2024, aligning with statewide trends to reduce classroom distractions. Additionally, Governor Newsom signed new protections for children on social media, while battles over trans student policies and school gender issues continue to make headlines across the state.

Across the Nation |  Schools continue to face a slow recovery from pandemic setbacks, with chronic absenteeism, staffing shortages, and resource disparities affecting vulnerable students, especially those with disabilities and experiencing homelessness. Vouchers for private Christian schools are sparking debates over the separation of church and state, as more churches open schools using public funds. Superintendent stress remains high, with large districts grappling with political issues and small districts focused on budget constraints. Meanwhile, new reports highlight significant setbacks for special education students and English learners, raising concerns about long-term academic recovery and the effectiveness of post-pandemic interventions.

City & State Roundup | Ohio schools were forced to close due to a false campaign claim that sparked panic, while North Carolina’s governor vetoed bills on private school vouchers and immigration enforcement. Chicago’s new 5-year education plan focuses on bolstering neighborhood schools, while the Chicago Teachers Union raises concerns about potential school closures, despite denials from district leaders. In New York City, the school system faces mounting scrutiny, from special education service cuts to protests over teachers’ support for Israel, while Colorado’s attorney general offers grants to reduce student cell phone use. Meanwhile, Texas school districts are urging the state to halt a new student data reporting system, and Detroit struggles with low completion rates for online credit recovery courses post-pandemic.

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

OAKLAND

Channeling Oakland’s ‘revolutionary spirit, a teen climate activist makes herself heard through bullhorns and poetry

What to know: Oakland teen Aniya Butler uses poetry and activism to fight for climate justice, blending social and environmental advocacy.  Butler leads Youth Vs. Apocalypse’s hip-hop and climate justice initiative, organizing youth and addressing environmental injustice in marginalized communities.

Why it matters:  Butler’s activism reflects Oakland’s revolutionary ethos and her work highlights the disproportionate environmental burdens on Black and brown communities and amplifies youth voices in the fight for climate action.

Notable quote:  “Being surrounded by a culture that has that revolutionary spirit…has shaped what I think community is.” – Aniya Butler

By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside

Oakland Students Learn to Foster Solidarity Through Multiracial Leadership Organization

What to know:  Youth Together, an Oakland organization, promotes multiracial leadership among students to reduce racial tensions, fostering solidarity through social justice.  Founded by Raquel Jimenez at Castlemont High School, the group was born out of tensions between Black and Latino students.

Why it matters:  The organization helps students connect across racial divides, addressing the racial history and dynamics of Oakland, while also empowering students to fight stereotypes., while also emphasizing a need for a curriculum that  incorporates racial history to break down barriers , address racial struggles and foster unity. 

What’s next: The organization continues hosting Unity Day at local schools, promoting dialogue on race and encouraging long-term solidarity.

Notable quote:  “Maybe that change we all crave for will come.” – Seanna, lead organizer

By Magaly Muñoz | Oakland Post | Post News Group

OUSD Expands Partnership With Hoot Reading for High-Dosage Tutoring Program

The pilot program involving Oakland Unified School District and three literacy tutoring providers, including Hoot Reading, saw almost 600 students at 18 elementary schools receive high-dosage tutoring in the 2024 Spring semester. Expansion strategies are in place for the 2024/2025 school year.

By Hoot Reading via Globe News Wire

In Related Coverage…

In other Oakland News:   

THE BAY AREA

San Francisco protesters push back against SF Unified’s ‘rushed’ plan to close schools

What to know:  Parents, teachers, and students protested SFUSD’s plan to close several schools due to declining enrollment.   Superintendent Matt Wayne delayed announcing specific closures after backlash over the rushed process and lack of detail.

Why it matters:  The proposed school closures have sparked debates about equitable resource distribution and the need for a transparent, inclusive decision-making process.Critics argue school closures will disproportionately harm Black and brown students, causing academic setbacks and social disruption.

What’s next:  SFUSD is expected to release a revised closure plan in October, following review and community input.

Notable quote:  “We’re ready to fight for a more equitably designed process.” – Erica Gangsei, SFUSD parent

By Alise Maripuu |  Bay City News via Local News Matters

In Related News…

S.F. school board plans emergency meeting amid calls for embattled superintendent’s ouster

What’s happening:  San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Matt Wayne announced his resignation, effective immediately.   Wayne’s departure comes amid ongoing challenges, including significant budget shortfalls and low student enrollment.  His resignation follows a tumultuous period for the district, marked by strained relationships with teachers and staff as well as declining academic performance.

Why it matters:  SFUSD is at a critical juncture, with the potential for further destabilization if swift and effective leadership is not established.  The leadership change raises concerns about the district’s ability to navigate its financial and operational hurdles effectively.

What’s next:  The school board will begin the search for a new superintendent while community stakeholders demand transparency and collaboration in the selection process. The new superintendent will need to address pressing issues like teacher retention and student engagement to restore confidence in the district.

Notable quotes:  “We need someone who can stabilize the district,” – A school board member; “This is a pivotal moment for SFUSD,” – A local education advocate.

By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle

In Related Coverage…

In other Bay Area News:   

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Why are students often ineligible for homelessness funding? | Quick Guide

What’s happening:  Schools are grappling with the end of historic Covid-era federal funding aimed at supporting students experiencing homelessness.  While adult homelessness receives heightened media and political attention, child homelessness remains largely unaddressed in policy discussions, reflecting a troubling oversight.

What else to know:  California has invested significant state funds to combat homelessness, yet many students remain ineligible for essential support due to narrow funding definitions.

There are two main definitions of homelessness, with the McKinney-Vento Act encompassing more students living “doubled-up,” while HUD’s definition excludes them, limiting access to services.

Why it matters: Current policies fail to adequately address the unique needs of homeless students, leading to underreporting and insufficient resources in schools.  The disparity in definitions and funding eligibility undermines the ability to support a significant portion of homeless youth, jeopardizing their education and well-being.

What’s next: Schools must explore diverse funding sources and strengthen outreach efforts to effectively support families facing homelessness, especially in rural areas.

Notable quotes: “People aren’t talking about children,” – Barbara Duffield, SchoolHouse Connection  |   “We should be preventionary, not reactionary,” – Jennifer Kottke, LA County Office of Education.

By Betty Márquez Rosales | Ed Source

In Related Coverage: 

California rolls out career path grants to schools – nearly a year late

What’s happening: California is distributing $450 million in grants to 300 schools for career pathway programs, but delays have hindered student participation.  The funding aims to establish internships and enhance dual-enrollment programs, connecting students to high-paying jobs in various fields.

What else to know: Initial plans for the Golden State Pathways Program faced setbacks due to budget issues and administrative mismanagement, delaying its rollout by nearly a year.

Why it matters: Career pathways significantly improve graduation rates and future earnings, making timely implementation crucial for student success and economic recovery.

The bigger picture: Schools are struggling to support students recovering from COVID-19, and delays in funding exacerbate existing challenges like absenteeism and academic decline.

What’s next:  The state must address communication and execution inefficiencies to ensure these funds effectively bolster career education initiatives.Urgent calls from districts and nonprofits emphasize the need for swift distribution of funds to avoid losing opportunities for student engagement and support.

Notable quote: “We’re missing an opportunity to reach more students,” – Kirk Anne Taylor, Executive Director, Climate Action Pathways for Schools

By Carolyn Jones | Cal Matters

Los Angeles Unified is set to enforce a district-wide cell phone ban. Here’s what you need to know

What to know:  Los Angeles Unified will implement a district-wide cell phone ban in 2024, aiming to minimize disruptions and improve student focus.  The district already has a cell phone policy from 2011, but it’s inconsistently enforced. The new ban offers stricter, unified guidelines.

The bigger picture:  The cell phone ban aligns with California’s statewide “Phone Free Schools Act” and follows national trends of limiting classroom phone use.  California joins other states like Florida, Indiana, and Louisiana in banning phones in schools, reflecting growing concerns over tech’s impact on youth.

What’s next:  LAUSD will work with communities to create tailored solutions, such as phone storage pouches or lockers, with policies set to roll out district-wide soon.

Notable quotes:  “Students were even saying themselves, it’s nice to not feel distracted.” – Tanya Ortiz-Franklin, LAUSD board member

By Katie VanArnam | LA School Report

In Related Coverage: 

In other California News…

City & County Roundup:

ACROSS THE NATION

Pandemic recovery in schools will be a ‘long slog,’ says sobering national report

What’s happening:  A national report reveals a slow and challenging recovery for students impacted by the pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations.  The Center for Reinventing Public Education’s report highlights persistent educational inequities affecting young, disabled, English learners, and homeless students. Chronic absenteeism, staffing shortages, and poor teacher morale are hindering efforts, with significant long-term implications for students’ futures.

Why it matters:  The report calls for targeted support for struggling groups, emphasizing the need for proactive measures rather than reactive ones in education systems.  If educators and policymakers fail to prioritize effective interventions, the educational fallout from the pandemic could persist for years, worsening economic disparities.

What’s next:  Schools should adopt successful strategies like tutoring and extend learning opportunities to help struggling students catch up.

Notable quotes:  “If policymakers and educators do not get serious…we will continue to see the educational impact,” – Robin Lake, Executive Director, CRPE  |   “Getting help for their disabled students required constant fighting,” – Parent of a disabled student.

By Emma Gallegos | Ed Source

In related coverage:

Vouchers ease start-up stress for churches seeing demand for more Christian schools

What to know:  Several states, including Florida and Ohio, have expanded voucher programs, leading to a nationwide debate on the role of religion in education, school choice, and accountability for private schools receiving public funds.  

What else to know:  States are seeing an increase in churches launching Christian schools, with support from state-funded school vouchers, allowing families to send their kids to private religious schools. Pastors are responding to concerns about secular teachings in public schools that conflict with Christian values. These church-based schools aim to offer an education grounded in biblical principles and Christian discipleship.

Why it matters:  With the rise of school vouchers, which use taxpayer money to help families pay for private school tuition, more churches are opening schools. This trend is sparking debate over religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Proponents  see this movement as a necessary alternative for Christian families. Opponents argue that public funding for religious schools undermines public education and violates religious freedom principles.

What’s next:  Advocates like the Ohio Christian Education Network aim to expand the number of church-based schools, with some churches converting unused space into microschools. Organizations like the Southern Baptist Convention are calling for a “Christian education reformation” to meet what they see as a moral and educational crisis.

Notable quotes:  “We’re making disciples and we’re doing it not just on Sundays, but all week long.” – Melvin Adams, pastor  |  “We’re not trying to burn anything down. We’re trying to build something constructive.” – Jimmy Scroggins, pastor

By Associated Press via San Diego Tribune

In related coverage:

Budgets and politics top sources of superintendent stress

What to Know:  Rand researchers surveyed 190 school district superintendents this spring. The annual survey is part of the research company’s State of the Superintendent Series. Small districts have fewer than 3,000 students, and large districts more than 10,000 for the purposes of the study.

Conclusion:  District budgets are the No. 1 source of stress for superintendents of small school districts, while superintendents of larger districts said the intrusion of political issues and opinions into education is their biggest problem, according to the latest Rand American School District Panel survey.

Other Key findings:  Superintendents of large districts said that external and internal communications take up most of their time, while superintendents at small districts said budgets, school facility maintenance and operations are the most time consuming;  The percentage of superintendents reporting that political issues and opinions are causing them stress declined from 88% in 2023 to 60% this year; About 6 out of 10 superintendents reported that the stress of their job is worth it.

By Diane Lambert | Ed Source

In other National News & Reporting:

City and State Roundup:

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