Low income students in Oakland are 18.3 times more likely to be in lowest scoring schools in reading than their more advantaged peers. That was one of the most striking results in the recent CRPE study. And while that was the most jarring stat, putting Oakland in dead last among the 50 cities studies, every…
How is Oakland Education Measuring Up?
Great content and food for thought in the Center for Reinventing Public Education’s latest report, Measuring Up; Educational Improvement and Opportunity in 50 Cities, which compares 50 cities, including Oakland, across a range of measures of academic growth, achievement, and opportunities. There are highlights, lowlights, and yawning achievement and opportunity gaps, but the biggest takeaway…
“Yes means Yes” Sex Ed. Law is the Right Move for CA
Teaching sex education in schools is a cringe worthy task. The schools are forced to confront painful realities that many parents would rather be in denial about, leading to uncomfortable confrontations, raw emotions, and sometimes schisms. But sometimes not… Years ago in West Oakland, one of my schools faced down these issues, and found community…
After Arne, What’s Next for the Feds when Secretary Duncan Resigns
In case you missed it Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has announced his upcoming resignation, with former NYS State Education Commissioner, John King expected to take his place. I worked with John over several years, and being two of the four or so Brothers in leadership positions in NYC we sat on several panels together…
Good News, Mostly, in the Latest Survey of CA Teachers, but Belief Gap Persists
The latest survey shows that 75% California teachers are satisfied with their jobs, 78% saw developing critical thinking as a priority, roughly 80% support the Common core standards, though nearly half of teachers had reservations (quite reasonably) about them, and almost all teachers consider themselves knowledgeable about what should be done for college and career readiness. That’s…