The Oakland Education Week in Review 12.9.2024

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 faces a costly lead remediation crisis, potentially requiring the reallocation of $35 million from Measure Y bond funds amid community resistance and a $100 million budget deficit.

In the Greater Bay Area |  Bay Area school districts, including Oakland, Alum Rock, Hayward, and Fremont, are grappling with massive budget deficits due to declining enrollment and expiring COVID relief funds, leading to proposed school closures, consolidations, and program cuts, with Alum Rock closing six schools and Oakland considering consolidating 10.

Throughout the State of California |  California faces critical educational challenges and advancements statewide. Chronic absenteeism among Native American students reached 33%, prompting schools to partner with tribal communities and implement culturally relevant solutions. A new law establishes Black-Serving Institution designations for higher education to address systemic barriers, while California leads in ethnic studies by launching the nation’s first Southeast Asian curriculum. Efforts to expand bilingual education and dual enrollment programs highlight the state’s push for multilingualism and college readiness. However, concerns over declining literacy in LAUSD and financial strains from declining enrollment, such as in Alum Rock and Oakland, underscore systemic challenges. Meanwhile, proposals like safe havens for immigrant students and bipartisan support for career technical education reflect the state’s evolving priorities to balance equity, safety, and workforce readiness.

Across the Nation |   U.S. education faces growing challenges, including steep declines in math scores on the 2023 TIMSS test, widening gaps by income and race, and ongoing debates over literacy instruction, with a lawsuit targeting outdated methods like “three-cueing.” A congressional hearing highlighted partisan divisions over critical race theory, while concerns about talent pipelines, teacher debt, and superintendent turnover emphasize systemic issues. The U.S. Education Department urged schools to adopt research-based cellphone policies to address youth mental health, and charter schools were encouraged to leverage autonomy to better serve students with disabilities. Meanwhile, dwindling high school exit exams and evolving state priorities reflect shifting approaches to accountability and equity.

City & State Roundup |  Philadelphia is investing $100 million to overhaul its curriculum with resources from six vendors through 2027-28, while Denver reports inequitable pandemic recovery, with low-income students lagging behind peers in reading and writing. Virginia’s new school ratings reveal racial and economic disparities, and D.C. may boost oversight of charter networks after Eagle Academy’s sudden closure. Wisconsin’s overturned collective bargaining law reignites labor debates, while Chicago faces union tensions over contract proposals impacting SEIU and CTU members. NYC expands its career education program, FutureReadyNYC, to 36 schools, and introduces a controversial special education proposal for private school families. Meanwhile, South Carolina takes financial control of a rural district, Arizona closes five schools but secures $34.8 million in federal charter funding, and New York’s school funding formula report prompts calls for significant changes.

Classroom Connections |  Innovative teaching methods and technological challenges dominate classroom discussions. Math specialist Phonisha Hawkins transforms abstract concepts into engaging, hands-on lessons, while a study identifies teacher absences, tardiness, and classroom disruptions as key factors costing students significant instructional time. Meanwhile, U.S. 8th graders’ digital literacy skills have declined, emphasizing the need for explicit computer science education to match global standards. AI’s potential in education gains attention, with applications in special education, tutoring, and personalized learning showing promise, though debates persist over ethical and practical implementation in classrooms. These trends highlight the urgency of addressing disparities in instructional time, technology access, and teaching resources.

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

OAKLAND

Credit: Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside

Fixing Lead Contamination in OUSD May Require Diverting Bond Funds By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside || Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) faces a costly lead remediation crisis, estimated between $15 million and $64 million, amid a $100 million budget deficit for 2025-2026. To address the issue, OUSD board members Mike Hutchinson and Jorge Lerma proposed reallocating $35 million from Measure Y bond funds initially intended for other facilities projects. The proposal, still under discussion, could face resistance from school communities relying on those funds for campus upgrades. Meanwhile, the district seeks grants, including $5 million from the EPA, and aims to utilize Proposition 2 funds and other state resources. Directors emphasize prioritizing health and safety, but balancing financial constraints and community promises remains challenging.

THE BAY AREA

13 Alum Rock schools in San Jose closing, consolidating By Amanda Quintana | KTVU FOX 2 ||  Facing a $20 million budget deficit driven by declining enrollment and expiring COVID relief funds, the Alum Rock Union School District in East San Jose has voted unanimously to close six schools and consolidate or redesign up to seven others. Enrollment has plummeted from 16,000 students in the early 2000s to 7,300 this year, leaving many schools operating at less than 45% capacity. Superintendent German Cerda stated that the closures aim to streamline resources and enhance education quality, though parents have expressed concerns about larger class sizes and longer commutes. Despite these measures, additional cost-cutting efforts will be needed next year.

At least 4 Bay Area school districts meeting over massive budget shortfalls By Amanda Quintana | KTVU FOX 2 ||  Facing declining enrollment and expiring pandemic relief funds, at least four Bay Area school districts—Hayward Unified, Fremont Unified, Alum Rock Unified, and Oakland Unified—are confronting significant budget deficits. Declines in student numbers, attributed to lower birth rates and rising living costs, have strained resources tied to state funding. Oakland Unified anticipates a $95-million shortfall and is considering consolidating 10 schools, while Alum Rock faces a $20-million deficit with plans to close seven schools. Hayward and Fremont districts are exploring cuts to programs and staffing but have yet to finalize decisions. Community input is being sought 

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

One-Third of Indigenous Students in California Were Chronically Absent Last Year By Betty Márquez Rosales and Emma Gallegos | EdSource ||  Chronic absenteeism among Native American students in California reached 33% in the 2023-24 school year, significantly higher than the statewide average of 20.4%, continuing a longstanding disparity. Contributing factors include poverty, systemic discrimination, historical trauma tied to federal boarding schools, and a lack of cultural representation in education. Schools like Bonsall Unified and Humboldt County districts are addressing the issue through partnerships with tribal communities, culturally relevant curriculums, and enhanced support systems like transportation assistance and tribal advisory committees. These efforts aim to foster belonging and improve attendance while rebuilding trust with Native families.

Black California Students Seek More Support: New Law Creates Black-Serving Institution Designation By Lylah Schmedel-Permanna and Jasmin Shirazian | CalMatters ||  Starting Jan. 1, California’s SB 1348 establishes a Black-Serving Institution designation for colleges and universities excelling in supporting Black student success. The initiative aims to address systemic barriers limiting Black student enrollment and graduation rates, with schools required to demonstrate programs, retention efforts, and a five-year improvement plan. While campuses like Sacramento State and Compton College already lead in Black-centered initiatives, the designation hopes to replicate an HBCU-like experience within California. However, data inconsistencies, such as enrollment counts, highlight challenges in implementation, and some students express mixed feelings about whether the designation can fully address their needs.

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Over Controversial Ethnic Studies Curriculum in LAUSD By John Fensterwald | EdSource ||  A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and the creators of the Liberated Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Consortium over allegations of antisemitism and bias in their ethnic studies materials. The lawsuit, filed by Concerned Jewish Parents and Teachers of Los Angeles, claimed the curriculum was hostile to Jewish educators and included anti-Zionist content critical of Israel. U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin ruled the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence of harm or civil rights violations, and their proposed remedies would violate First Amendment rights. The ruling may influence other lawsuits in California over ethnic studies curricula, as debates over academic freedom and cultural education intensify statewide.

California Must Invest in Bilingual Education to Fulfill Promises, Report Urges By Zaidee Stavely | EdSource ||  California lags behind other states in enrolling English learners in bilingual education, with only 16.4% of students participating compared to 36.7% in Texas, despite public commitments to multilingualism through initiatives like the English Learner Roadmap. A new UCLA Civil Rights Project report calls for mandates requiring districts to offer bilingual programs if 20 or more students in a grade share a home language, alongside increased funding and prioritized enrollment for English learners. Researchers also highlight the need to rebuild bilingual teacher preparation programs dismantled by Proposition 227, which was repealed in 2016. Advocates argue that California must match its rhetoric with investments and policies to realize the proven academic and social benefits of bilingual education.

In other California News:

  • California Launches First Southeast Asian Studies Curriculum By Jireh Deng | Los Angeles Times ||  California has introduced the nation’s first Southeast Asian Studies Model Curriculum, offering K-12 teachers resources to teach the histories and contributions of Cambodian, Hmong, and Vietnamese Americans. Developed with community input, advocates see it as a milestone in addressing historical erasure and promoting inclusivity, with hopes it will inspire similar initiatives in other states.
  • How California requires all high school students to know workplace, union rights By Brendan Clarey | The Center Square ||  California high school juniors and seniors are now mandated to learn about workplace rights and the role of labor unions under AB 800, passed last year. The law requires schools to teach topics like wage protections, worker safety, union organization, and labor movement history, integrating these lessons into classes such as U.S. History, Economics, and Advisory. Schools must also distribute a UC Berkeley Labor Center handout detailing workers’ rights and share information on state-approved apprentice programs. 
  • California High School Students Embrace Dual Enrollment By Nanette Asimov | San Francisco Chronicle ||  Nearly 300,000 California high school students are earning college credits through dual enrollment, a rapidly growing trend aimed at increasing college attendance, particularly among students of color. Programs like College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) allow students to take college-level courses at no cost, saving tuition and boosting college readiness. 
  • High Schools Revive Career Training Amid Political Support, But Questions Remain By Carolyn Jones | CalMatters ||  Career and technical education (CTE) is gaining bipartisan momentum as a key educational focus, with programs in fields like welding, computer science, and agriculture becoming central in California high schools. Proponents tout CTE as a pathway to high-paying jobs and improved student outcomes, but concerns linger about its funding and potential trade-offs with college-prep programs. While initiatives like California’s Golden State Pathways aim to integrate CTE with academic learning, critics warn of risks, including “tracking” students into less lucrative career paths or losing educational oversight if CTE is moved to the Department of Labor under a proposed federal shift. Advocates stress the need for balanced programs that expand career options while preserving pathways to college.
  • State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Meets with Members of Congress, Leading Effort Across States to Protect the United States Department of Education By Communications Division | California Department of Education ||  California could face devastating consequences if efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education (ED) succeed, warned State Superintendent Tony Thurmond in meetings with Congress. Federal education funds provide $7.9 billion annually to California schools, supporting critical programs like Title I for low-income students, IDEA funding for special education, and civil rights protections. 
  • Reading Crisis in LAUSD: ‘This is … a Problem with a Responsibility that Falls on All of Us’ By Olga Corona de la Cruz | LA School Report ||  LAUSD continues to struggle with low literacy rates, with only 43.1% of students meeting reading proficiency in 2023-24, reflecting a decline since before the pandemic. Families in Schools, through its ReadLA initiative, is advocating for literacy improvement via evidence-based approaches aligned with the science of reading, emphasizing foundational skills like phonics and comprehension. Inspired by successful strategies in Mississippi, the group calls for professional development for teachers, data monitoring, and greater family engagement. Highlighting systemic responsibility, ReadLA stresses collaboration among educators, families, lawmakers, and community leaders to address the crisis effectively.
  • California Bill Would Protect Schools, Child Care Centers From Immigration Raids By Daisy Nguyen | KQED ||  Amid fears of mass deportations under the Trump administration, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi has introduced a bill to designate California schools and child care centers as safe havens, limiting ICE access without valid identification, a court order, and superintendent approval. With one in five California children living in mixed-status families, the bill seeks to reduce fear impacting attendance and learning. Building on existing protections, the proposal also considers creating buffer zones around schools to safeguard immigrant families, addressing heightened concerns as Trump administration policies threaten sensitive location guidelines.
  • Conflicts Over Race and LGBTQ Issues Cost Schools $3 Billion Nationwide By Diana Lambert | EdSource ||  Conflicts over race, LGBTQ+ rights, and book bans cost U.S. school districts an estimated $3.2 billion in the 2023-24 school year, with expenses related to legal fees, security, staff turnover, and other disruptions. A study surveying 467 superintendents across 46 states found that two-thirds experienced moderate to high levels of cultural conflict, exacerbated by misinformation, violent rhetoric, and political division. In California, tensions have grown over the past few years, with concerns mounting that Donald Trump’s election could intensify cultural attacks on schools. Researchers warn these conflicts undermine trust, disrupt learning, and strain educators, with staff turnover and absenteeism adding to the financial and emotional toll on schools.
  • Commentary: Facing Financial Constraints, LAUSD Must Rethink Priorities By Julie Slayton & John Pascarella | LA School Report ||  LAUSD avoided severe budget cuts in 2024–25, thanks in part to COVID relief funds, but looming state revenue shortfalls and declining enrollment may force significant reductions in 2025–26. To adapt, the district must prioritize programs proven to improve learning outcomes and consider eliminating initiatives with little demonstrated impact. Despite past reorganization efforts and resource allocations, there’s insufficient evidence linking initiatives to student achievement, underscoring the need for data-driven evaluations. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are crucial to balance fiscal limitations while sustaining quality education. Supporting educators’ growth remains key to expanding learning opportunities under tighter budgets.

NATIONAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

U.S. math scores drop on major international test By Erica Meltzer | Chalkbeat ||  The U.S. saw steep declines in math scores for fourth and eighth graders on the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), with American students falling behind countries they once outperformed. The lowest-performing students were disproportionately affected, echoing patterns from the NAEP and other assessments showing growing gaps by income and race. While many countries also faced pandemic-related setbacks, some in Eastern Europe and the Middle East improved, highlighting disparities in recovery. Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing widening performance gaps, absenteeism, and socioeconomic inequities to prevent further declines in foundational math and science skills.

In related coverage:

Literacy materials dropped by many schools face new pressure from struggling readers’ parents By Carolyn Thompson | Associated Press ||  A lawsuit filed by Massachusetts families highlights growing opposition to outdated reading instruction methods, such as the “three-cueing” strategy, which focuses on context and pictures rather than phonics-based word decoding. This approach, associated with “balanced literacy,” has faced criticism for failing struggling readers. Plaintiffs accuse literacy advocates, including Lucy Calkins, of promoting ineffective methods, allegedly harming students. The suit seeks a free, evidence-based literacy curriculum. Despite a nationwide pivot to the science of reading, many classrooms continue using three-cueing practices, sparking debate about its impact on students’ learning outcomes.

In related coverage:

Is CRT taught in K-12 schools? Congressional hearing highlights divide By Brendan Clarey | The Center Square ||  A congressional hearing underscored partisan divisions over whether critical race theory (CRT) is taught in K-12 schools. Republicans, led by Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL), argue that CRT influences classroom instruction under the guise of promoting racial equity, citing examples like “privilege walks.” Democrats, including Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT), contend that CRT is a legal theory taught only in law schools and not in K-12 education, emphasizing local control over curricula. Ian Rowe of the American Enterprise Institute stated that while CRT isn’t explicitly taught, its principles appear in school practices addressing systemic racism. The hearing reflects broader national debates on education, race, and how history is taught in schools.

In other National News:

  • To find people with the right skills, employers may need to start with K-12 By Kathryn Moody | K-12 Dive ||  Nearly 60% of employers surveyed said they aren’t confident their talent pipelines will meet their needs over the next decade, a recent survey found.
  • Here is the No. 1 reason for superintendent turnover By Matt Zalaznick | District Administration ||  Retirement is the leading reason for superintendent turnover across districts, accounting for nearly half of departures in small (47%), medium (53.8%), and large districts (47.3%), according to Burbio. Large districts saw the highest rate of resignation or termination (37.7%), while small districts were most likely to see leaders transition to new educational roles. Most open positions this year were filled by external candidates.
  • Student Loan Debt Is an Overlooked Crisis in Teacher Education By Jeff Strohl, Catherine Morris, & Artem Gulish | Education Week ||  The median teacher debt of $72,000, largely from graduate education, highlights the need for upfront federal grants tied to teaching commitments to address financial burdens and worsening educator shortages.
  • U.S. Education Department Urges Cellphone Policies in Schools By Shauneen Miranda | Stateline ||  USDOE has called on schools and districts to establish clear, research-informed policies on student cellphone use. While not prescribing specific rules, the department emphasized balancing the benefits of connectivity in emergencies with growing concerns over social media’s impact on youth mental health.
  • High school exit exams dwindle to about half a dozen states By Elaine S. Povich | Stateline ||  The number of states requiring high school exit exams has dwindled to seven. Critics argue these standardized tests disproportionately harm English learners and students with learning disabilities, while supporters contend they ensure basic skills for graduates. 
  • Opinion |  Trump’s Path to Target Gender Ideology in Schools By Max Eden | Wall Street Journal ||  A federal court ruling in Pennsylvania may empower Donald Trump to curb gender ideology in schools by affirming that promoting such teachings without parental consent violates constitutional rights to religious freedom and parental authority.
  • Republicans Preview Their Education Priorities in a Second Trump Term  By Brooke Schultz | Education Week ||  During a House subcommittee hearing, Republicans outlined education priorities for a second Trump term, emphasizing civics education, restricting lessons on race and gender, and expanding school choice. Both parties agreed on the importance of civics but diverged on approaches, with Democrats advocating for more teacher professional development funding. 
  • Charter schools can leverage autonomy to serve students with disabilities By Briana Mendez-Padilla | K-12 Dive ||  A Center for Learner Equity study identifies several areas of focus where charters can create systemic change in teaching and learning.
  • School Closures Are Way Down, but Delaying These Hard Choices Makes Things Worse  By Chad Aldeman | The74 ||  Aldeman: Many districts closed their eyes to financial reality. Students are better off if leaders seek proactive solutions sooner rather than later.

City & State Roundup:

  • Here’s how Philadelphia is spending $100 million on its curriculum overhaul By Carly Sitrin | Chalkbeat ||  Some 6 vendors will provide resources for students in English, math, and science through the 2027-28 school year.
  • Analysis of new Va. school ratings shows racial, economic disparities By Karina Elwood | Washington Post ||  Projections that estimate how Virginia schools might fare under the state’s new accountability model show disparities in school performance, a Post analysis finds.
  • After D.C. school’s collapse, council may boost oversight of charters By LAuren Lumpkin |  Washington Post ||  The D.C. Council is set to consider a measure that would mandate training for officials who run the city’s more than five dozen charter school networks, the latest fallout from the abrupt closure of Eagle Academy just days before classes were to start.
  • What to know about Wisconsin’s collective bargaining law for public workers By Scott Bauer | Associated Press ||  A Wisconsin judge overturned Act 10, the 2011 law limiting collective bargaining for most public-sector workers, reigniting a contentious labor rights debate.
  • Denver students experiencing ‘inequitable recovery’ from pandemic test score declines, report says By Melanie Asmar | Chalkbeat ||  Denver students from middle- and higher-income families have more than caught up on reading and writing. Students from low-income families have not.
  • SEIU threatens lawsuit over CTU contract negotiations with CPS By Nell Salzman | Chicago Tribune ||  Service Employees International Union 73, the union that represents special education classroom assistants in Chicago Public Schools, is threatening to sue the district over a Chicago Teachers Union proposal that it says would effectively take jobs from SEIU and give them to CTU.
  • Long-awaited report on updating NY school funding formula calls for ‘significant change’ By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat ||  A more than 300-page report on how to revise the state’s school funding formula prompted mixed initial reactions from advocates and lawmakers.
  • Report on Updating New York School Funding Formula Calls for ‘Significant Change’ By Julian Shen-Berro |  Chalkbeat ||  A more than 300-page report on how to revise the state’s school funding formula prompted mixed initial reactions from advocates and lawmakers.
  • NYC offers to restart special education services for private school families — with a big catch By Michael Elsen-RooneyandAlex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat ||  NYC is trying to convince thousands of private school families to waive their legal rights. Here’s what legal advocates say they should consider before signing.
  • NYC expands career education program, offering students experience in HVAC industry and more By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat ||  FutureReadyNYC, which helps schools launch career tracks in education, technology, business, and health care, is expanding to 36 new schools, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday.
  • Indianapolis Public Schools middle school launch spurs some families to leave. Others are pleased.  By Amelia Pak-Harvey | Chalkbeat ||  The district’s new middle school model had a rough start for some students at schools like Broad Ripple Middle School. But other families are celebrating the new classes and activities.
  • Report: More money for schools doesn’t always lead to better outcomes By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square ||  Georgia schools spent twice the amount allocated to them from the Quality Basic Education fund, but tracking individual programs is not possible, according to a report from the state auditor’s office.
  • Arizona school district votes to close five locations By Madeline Armstrong | The Center Square ||  The governing school board members voted 4-1 to close these schools despite some pushback from parents.
  • Arizona wins charter school federal grant funding By Cameron Arcand | The Center Square ||  The state received a $34.8 million cut of the over $143 million awarded through the Expanding Opportunities Through Quality Charter Schools Program.  Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said the funds will go toward creating more charter schools in areas where students are “educationally disadvantaged.”

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS

How This Curriculum Specialist Brings Math to Life for Students By Emily Tate Sullivan | EdSurge ||  Phonisha Hawkins uses innovative, student-centered methods to make math engaging and accessible by emphasizing conceptual understanding over procedural shortcuts. She incorporates real-world tools, like using chocolate chip cookies to model fraction division, transforming abstract concepts into hands-on activities that reduce math anxiety and improve comprehension. Hawkins also focuses on the “why” behind math operations, such as explaining the reasoning behind “keep, change, flip” for dividing fractions, to deepen students’ reasoning and application skills. By tailoring lessons to diverse learning styles and addressing teachers’ math anxiety through professional development, she ensures inclusive, effective instruction that empowers both educators and students.

The 3 Reasons Why Students Lose the Most Instructional Time By Caitlynn Peetz | Education Week ||  A new study highlights that minor classroom interruptions, student tardiness, and teacher absences can collectively cost students hundreds of hours of learning annually, compounding disparities in instructional time across states. While some states mandate up to 1,300 hours of classroom time annually, others require fewer than 1,150, amounting to a 1.5-year instructional gap over a K-12 career. Researchers recommend reducing disruptions, improving teacher attendance, and optimizing class schedules to maximize the quality of instructional time.

U.S. Students’ Computer Literacy Performance Drops By Lauraine Langreo | Education Week ||  U.S. 8th graders’ digital literacy skills dropped significantly between 2018 and 2023 on the International Computer and Information Literacy Study, with scores in computational thinking falling below the global average. Experts emphasize the need for explicit teaching of digital and media literacy, which remains under-prioritized in many schools despite growing reliance on technology. Comparisons with higher-scoring nations like South Korea highlight the importance of clear mandates and resources for computer science education.

In other Classroom Connections:

  • Artificial Intelligence
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