Chronic Absenteeism: A Silent Crisis in Oakland’s Education System

Chronic absenteeism is a silent crisis plaguing Oakland schools, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it worse. Despite many students believing they have satisfactory attendance, the harsh reality is that far too many are missing critical instructional time. This disconnect has severe consequences for student learning, engagement, and long-term success.


Addressing the Disconnect: Grades vs. Proficiency in Oakland Schools

Attaining a high grade in a class doesn’t necessarily mean a student is proficient. Energy Convertors student researchers unpack this issue in their 2024 report, which was recently released.


Energy Convertors 2024 Oakland Report: Demanding Proficiency Over Pageantry

Welcome to the 2023-24 Energy Convertors Report on Oakland public schools. We’re excited to share with you the findings from this year’s report. Our student researchers examined learning in the classroom and how students are impacted through two key areas of focus: 1. Learning and Proficiency; 2. Classroom Management and School Culture.  Check out our key findings here and download the report.


The State of the [Black Education] Union

Ladies, gentlemen, and fellow citizens, the state of the Black Education Union is not strong. The nameless and faceless “system” is still failing Black students. To be clear, they are failing nearly every major subgroup, but especially Black students, and add on poverty, or a disability, or any other subgroup, and the numbers get worse in regards to literacy and numeracy.


South Star Classroom Podcast Episode 121: Examining Black Student Representation in Top Private Colleges

How does the underrepresentation of Black students at selective private colleges and universities impact the overall educational environment and opportunities for these students? What are institutions doing to increase Black student enrollment, and why have they not been more effective in achieving a representative student body? What else needs to be done?