You have to be Effing crazy. I should know. I have helped folks start schools for 20 years. I run a school incubator, and that line about being crazy is the opening and closing line of my introductory training. And I am serious. We don’t have any hedge fund donors, aren’t drinking any free…
Bad Arguments Against Common Enrollment Part 1
As OUSD debates a proposal to create one unified enrollment system that includes charters and district schools the Contra Costa Times has framed the debate as whether we are creating, “a streamlined system that allows families to more easily navigate a daunting array of school applications to find the best fit for their child…(or) another…
A Moment of Silence, Make that Two
SF Chronicle, today, ”A 15-year-old boy has been charged in the Dec. 20 fatal shooting and robbery of a 17-year-old Torian Hughes in West Oakland. The suspect, whose name was not released because of his age, is also charged with robbing a 16-year-old boy who was with Hughes.” Please take a minute to breathe and…
Adolescent Depression and the Schools We Need
Roughly 11% of US adolescent students suffer from clinical depression according to a recent study. To quote the findings, “Studies estimate that each year up to one in five U.S. children experience a mental disorder. Approximately $247 billion is spent addressing the mental health challenges of children. Depression is one of the most common emotional health…
What to look for in 2016 from OUSD
Last week we recapped OUSD’s 2015, reviewing the Good the Bad and the Ugly, this week we look forward to the year that could be, and what success could look like. So in no particular order are our priorities for 2016. Fix/improve special education services Simplify enrollment for families and facilitate matching Stabilize high needs…