The Oakland Ed Week in Review 08/31/24-09/06/24 

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 |  Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is facing a severe lead contamination crisis in over twenty schools, with delayed notifications exacerbating trust issues and risking further enrollment decline. Additionally, the Marcus Foster Education Institute is being sued for financial mismanagement, raising concerns about nonprofit accountability.

In the Greater Bay Area |  San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is addressing lead contamination in drinking water at several elementary schools, with bottled water being provided and remediation plans underway. The issue, particularly severe in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. SFUSD is working on installing filtered water access points and seeking support through a $10 billion bond, but legislative gaps persist.

Throughout the State of California | California’s K-12 education system faces challenges with data transparency, as complex and scattered websites make it difficult for parents to assess school performance, earning the state a “D” grade for data transparency. A proposed bill, SB 98, aims to shift from attendance-based to enrollment-based funding, potentially providing more financial stability to schools. Meanwhile, recent discussions around cell phone bans in schools, spurred by a school shooting in Georgia, highlight concerns about balancing safety and communication. Additionally, new toolkits and webinars focus on improving education for English learners and teacher compensation reform.

Across the Nation | A recent analysis shows that 23% of school districts find their chronic absenteeism interventions ineffective. State report cards are criticized for their poor usability in tracking COVID-19 learning loss. Legal battles continue as 26 states block new Title IX protections for transgender students, creating uncertainty for schools on gender-inclusive policies. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $179 million in grants to support literacy and assessment improvements. Additionally, national discussions include extended ESSER funding deadlines, debates on universal school choice, and the role of AI in education.

City & State Roundup | Across the Nation | NYC schools are updating their literacy curriculum amid ongoing issues with special education services and federal investigations into the schools’ chancellor. Milwaukee is revitalizing early grade math teacher training, and New Jersey is tackling school segregation with new strategies. Newark’s AI camera installation is delayed, Denver is debating public comment rules, and Massachusetts is probing enrollment discrimination. An Indianapolis CEO lost his job over a racial slur, while Michigan allocates $25M to improve math scores. Ohio’s AG threatens legal action over busing decisions, and Texas sees a surge in home-schooling. Teacher shortages persist in New Jersey, and homeless students nationwide may lose extra aid. St. Louis faces a rocky start due to leadership issues, and CPS is at odds with the City Council over pension payments.

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

OAKLAND

What Do Progressive Parents Owe Their Public Schools? 

What’s happening: OUSD informed parents about hazardous lead levels in drinking water at more than twenty schools, exposing serious health risks across multiple campuses.  OUSD delayed informing parents for months, with the highest lead contamination levels occurring at schools serving predominantly white and Asian students.

Why it matters: This failure underscores ongoing trust issues between the district and families, especially in a system already struggling with safety, academic performance, and declining enrollment.  The lead crisis raises questions about the district’s ability to prioritize student health and safety, potentially fueling calls for stricter accountability measures in school infrastructure management.  

What’s next: Middle- and upper-middle-class parents are reconsidering their commitment to public schools, with some choosing to leave the district altogether, risking further enrollment decline and financial instability for OUSD.  OUSD leadership must address the fallout, rebuild trust, and prevent further enrollment loss by prioritizing student safety and transparent communication.

Notable quotes:  “There are limits to how much nonsense we’ll put up with…in terms of public safety, corruption, and inept government.” — Dave, concerned parent | “The lack of communication was completely unacceptable.” — Superintendent of Oakland Schools

By Jay Caspian Kang | The New Yorker

Oakland education nonprofit sued for allegedly defrauding public agency

What’s happening: Oakland’s Marcus Foster Education Institute is being sued for allegedly mismanaging and misappropriating funds entrusted by the Youth Ventures Joint Powers Authority.  Youth Ventures claims the institute failed to manage its funds properly, resulting in an $800,000 shortfall and the misuse of $343,117 of its assets.

Why it matters:  The Institute’s alleged misconduct and refusal to provide financial records raises broader issues about nonprofit governance and the efficacy of regulatory oversight. The lawsuit highlights serious concerns about financial accountability and transparency within nonprofits, potentially affecting other organizations and stakeholders relying on the institute.

What’s next:  A court hearing is scheduled for November to address the lawsuit, while other affected organizations are seeking intervention from the California attorney general.

Notable quotes:  “Youth Ventures has made a complaint to the attorney general’s office. At this time, MFEI has not returned JPA funds owed.” – Melanie Moore, CEO of Oakland Thrives | “At this time, MFEI has not returned JPA funds owed.” – Melanie Moore 

By Eli Wolfe | Oaklandside

In other Oakland News:   

THE BAY AREA

SF students drink bottled water while district seeks solution to lead-contaminated schools 

What’s happening:  San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is grappling with lead contamination in drinking water at some of its elementary schools, particularly in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood.  Lead levels in water at Dr. George Washington Carver and Bret Harte Elementary Schools exceeded the state limit, leading to the provision of bottled water and plans for remediation. Some parents are skeptical about the district’s ability to address the problem effectively.

Why it matters:  High lead levels in school water supplies pose serious health risks, particularly for children, and reflect broader issues of environmental justice in historically marginalized communities. The situation highlights the need for effective policies and funding for lead remediation in schools, particularly in underserved areas, and raises questions about the adequacy of current legislation and enforcement.

What’s next:  SFUSD plans to install filtered water access points and has applied for funding through a proposed $10 billion bond issue. Legislative and policy gaps, however, remain a concern, with some recent bills addressing the issue falling short.

Notable quotes:  “I give her water and milk in her backpack every day. I do it because of the lead.” – Melody Jackson, parent | “This should be talked about more because these are little kids, most of them are Black and brown.” – Jessica Camilli, parent

By Rowan Ings | Local News Matters

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California schools release a blizzard of data, and that’s why parents can’t make sense of it

What to know: California’s K-12 school data is dispersed across multiple complex websites, making it difficult for parents to understand their child’s school performance.  California received a “D” grade in data transparency, while states like Connecticut and Michigan were ranked higher for user-friendly portals.

Why it matters: Without accessible data, policy decisions may be disconnected from parent concerns and student needs.  Confusing and scattered data hinders parents’ ability to advocate for their children’s education, especially in underperforming schools.

The bigger picture & what’s next: Complex data systems contribute to grade inflation and parental complacency, masking potential educational crises post-pandemic. Critics urge California to improve data transparency to allow for more informed parental involvement and equitable school improvements.

Notable quotes:  “Parents don’t understand what the data means… making it difficult to get a sense of a particular school.” – Crystal Trull, San Diego Unified parent  | “Experts raise alarm bells but parents don’t seem concerned… the lack of accessible data is likely one significant reason.” – Morgan Polikoff, USC professor

By Carolyn Jones | Cal Matters

A California bill that could change the way schools are funded awaits Gov. Newsom’s signature

What’s happening: SB 98, could alter the way schools in the state are funded, potentially sending more money to districts by switching from attendance-based to enrollment-based funding.  If signed by Governor Newsom, the bill would direct a study on the effects of this change, to be completed by 2026. The current funding model penalizes schools for student absences, impacting districts with higher absentee rates. The bill has already passed the Assembly and Senate with overwhelming support.

Why it matters: Changing the formula to enrollment-based funding could provide more financial stability and equitable funding for schools, particularly those serving low-income and English learner students.

The bigger picture: With dwindling COVID relief funding and declining enrollment, California schools are facing significant financial challenges. A shift in funding methodology could provide relief but also requires careful evaluation of long-term impacts on attendance and school budgets.

Notable quotes:  “Enrollment-based funding ensures that California schools are funded more equitably and have greater financial stability.” — Senator Anthony Portantino | “When students are absent, we do not pay school staff less, nor do the cost of utilities or building maintenance decrease.” — Alberto M. Carvalho, LAUSD Superintendent

By Molly Gibb | Bay Area News Group | via East Bay Times

In Related Coverage: 

Ban cell phones in California schools? Georgia shooting raises questions

What’s happening: A school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia has reignited the debate over cell phone bans in schools.  While efforts to ban phones focus on reducing distractions, the tragic incident highlights parental fears about losing communication during emergencies.

Why it matters: States like California are pushing for widespread cell phone restrictions in schools while balancing the need for emergency communication.  Cell phone restrictions raise concerns about students’ safety and parents’ ability to connect with their children during critical situations like school shootings.

What’s next: California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to sign legislation limiting phone use in schools but ensuring allowances during emergencies remain in place.

Notable quotes:  “The fact that LAUSD is going to remove my child’s phone frightens me.” — Joel Delman, concerned parent | “School officials, not parents, need to be executing emergency plans and communicating.” — Nick Melvoin, LAUSD board member

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | East Bay Times

EVENTS AND RESOURCES: 

  • Newly Arrived Immigrant Student Education Webinars:

The California Department of Social Services, the California Department of Education, California Newcomer Network and Californians Together are holding a series of webinars on resources for understanding and supporting newly arrived immigrant students and their families. Sign up for each webinar separately here | via Ed Source

  • Toolkit for Implementing the English Learner Roadmap in Preschool and TK

Californians Together is offering a webinar with Dr. Laurie Olsen to discuss the new toolkit she authored that is designed to enable district and school leaders to implement the California English Learner Roadmap in early education settings like preschool and transitional kindergarten. Sept. 12, 4 p.m. Register here | via Ed Source

  • WestEd webinar on teacher compensation reform

The webinar will be held on Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. Despite growing public and political support for improving teacher pay, school systems must navigate the tension between the push to pay teachers more and shrinking district budgets in the wake of declining K–12 enrollment and the expiration of federal Covid relief funds. Hear how some state and district leaders are navigating these challenges and increasing teacher pay within their local context. Learn more or register here | via Ed Source

  • Bay Area summit on tutoring: 

The Bay Area Tutoring Association, Santa Clara Office of Education and Silicon Valley Education Foundation are hosting a High Dosage Tutoring Summit on Friday, Oct. 11, to provide “insights into the transformative power of high dosage tutoring to accelerate learning gains.” Panelists will include Susanna Loeb, founder of the Stanford National Student Support Accelerator; Sadie Jefferson, executive director of the University of Chicago Ed Labs; and Manny Barbara, vice president of the East-Side Education Foundation. The event for education leaders, parent advocates, researchers, elected officials and funders will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the county office. Go here to register by Oct. 4 | Via Ed Source

In other California News…

City & County Roundup:

ACROSS THE NATION

Are chronic absenteeism interventions working?

What’s happening: A recent Rand Corporation and CRPE analysis reveals that 23% of school districts find their chronic absenteeism strategies ineffective.  Since the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are struggling with increased absenteeism and are exploring new engagement strategies, but results vary widely.

Why it matters: Despite efforts to combat rising absenteeism, the problem remains severe, with national rates peaking at 28% in 2022, underscoring the challenge of reversing post-pandemic attendance trends. Persistent chronic absenteeism undermines student learning and school performance, prompting urgent calls for more effective and innovative interventions.

What’s next:  The lack of effective solutions highlights the need for a reevaluation of current strategies and encourages the development of more adaptive and context-specific approaches.  Districts are advised to refine their approaches by improving engagement strategies, communicating the importance of attendance to families, and fostering stronger student connections to school.

Notable quotes:  “The low proportion of districts that identified one of their own approaches as the most effective at reducing absences indicates that absences are a stubborn problem.” …   “Schools can use their existing interventions but should be monitoring their effectiveness and impact on certain student populations.” – Rand and CRPE report

By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive

Study: State Report Cards Need Big Improvements in Tracking COVID Learning Loss

What’s happening:  A recent study reveals that state report cards are failing to effectively track and communicate COVID-19 learning loss and recovery.  State report cards are criticized for poor usability, making it difficult for parents and advocates to find meaningful data about school performance and student outcomes.

Why it matters:  Despite the federal mandate, many state report cards are seen as compliance-driven rather than genuinely useful tools, missing an opportunity to improve public understanding of school effectiveness.  Ineffective report cards hinder transparency and accountability, impacting parents’ ability to make informed decisions about schools and undermining efforts to address learning loss.  

What’s next: The study highlights the urgent need for redesigning report cards to improve data accessibility and usability, potentially leading to more effective public accountability and educational improvement. States are encouraged to develop best practices for report card design, focusing on clarity, usability, and meaningful data presentation to better serve parents and educational stakeholders.

Notable quotes:  “The high-level takeaway from our report: It is extremely difficult on most state report card websites to track longitudinal performance data.” – Morgan Polikoff |  “States need to think clearly about whom they’re serving and redesign their report cards from the ground up.” – Morgan Polikoff

By Morgan Polikoff | The74

26 states have blocked Title IX, nearly 700 schools won’t comply

What’s happening: Title IX revisions expanding gender identity protections are blocked in 26 states, with nearly 700 colleges and universities exempt due to ongoing legal battles.  A Kansas judge’s injunction halts the enforcement of Biden’s Title IX rules in schools affiliated with Young America’s Foundation or Female Athletes United, impacting institutions in 48 states.

Why it matters:  The broad injunction complicates the implementation of federal guidelines, potentially stalling future efforts to standardize gender protections in educational institutions. The legal challenges and resistance to Title IX revisions spotlight the deep divide over gender identity policies in education and raise concerns about student rights and safety.

What’s next:  Further legal battles are expected as Young America’s Foundation and other groups continue to challenge the Biden administration’s Title IX policies, potentially reshaping future federal protections.

Notable quotes:  “YAF’s preliminary injunction stops the Department of Education from penalizing and endangering students with novel, illogical rules.” – Spencer Brown, Chief Communications Officer, Young America’s Foundation | “This lawsuit is a way for YAF to defend every student’s right to say what they believe.” – Spencer Brown, Chief Communications Officer, Young America’s Foundation

By Tate Miller | The Center Square contributor | Chalkboard News

HIn Related Coverage:  

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $179 Million to Support Academic Acceleration Efforts Focused on Improving Literacy and High-Quality Assessment Systems 

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today announced $179 million in grants focused on supporting academic acceleration for every child, building on the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to improve academic achievement nationwide. These grants include $149 million in new Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant (CLSD) awards—the largest number of awards ever for this program—and nearly $30 million in Competitive Grants for State Assessments (CGSA) awards. These grant awards were highlighted as part of the Department’s Back to School Bus Tour at an event headlined by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden.

U.S. Department of Education Press Office

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Additional Actions to Drive Academic Success for all Students

  • Awarding $149 million to support states in implementing evidence-based reading interventions
  • Awarding $30 million to support comprehensive assessment systems that inform teaching and support learning
  • Issuing new school improvement guidance focused on evidence-based practices to support students and educators and accelerate academic achievement
  • Releasing a new resource for educators on evidence-based strategies for increasing student literacy and math achievement
  • Support states, districts, schools, and families in addressing chronic absenteeism and increase student engagement

White House Briefing Room | Statements & Releases

In other National News…

City and State Roundup:

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