Despite the chorus of moaning, groaning, and bemoaning at OUSD Board meetings, things are going relatively well. Graduation rates are up among Black and Latino students, and overall, continuing significant trends. The District is showing a positive fund balance, and approval from the public is at the highest point in decades. Obviously the job isn’t…
When the District Gets it Right- Study Abroad for Flatlands kids
When Thrival Academy’s co founder described their program, a year abroad for 20 Oakland kids, studying and learning about the culture of a faraway land and themselves through academic internships, I thought it was a great idea. But the District would never approve it. There are a million reasons to say no and only one…
Making a Monster- The Tragedy of Victims Becoming Victimizers
I knew “Gene” before he was a monster. When he was a victim. Repeatedly, ritually abused by older “family” members-plural. I am not just saying this, but he was a really nice kid, gentle, caring. If something was being planned at the group home, where someone might get hurt he is the kid who might…
When Good Intentions Go Bad, Opportunity Hoarders and Equity in Oakland
Existing rules and the dynamics of choice tend to increase inequality. There don’t need to be any bad actors. As parents we all do try to do the best we can for our children. But that pattern of choices, and neighborhood assignment, tend to reinforce and increase the distance between children of advantage and those…
Choosers, Losers, Abusers and “Opportunity Hoarding” in Oakland
School choice can divide us into winners and losers. In fact it already has. I am talking about charters. But not just charters, also those lucky enough to be able to choose where they live, with corresponding quality neighborhood schools, or have the resources to hustle their kid into an-out-of neighborhood or private option, the…