For many students in our city, last week was the first full week back to in person classes in almost a year in a half. For others, today was that first day! We are still anticipating numerous changes as the school year progresses but one huge development is that vaccines are now required for all…
Oakland REACH
The Digital Divide, Parent Access and How We Can More than Survive During the COVID Crisis
By Director Jumoke Hinton-Hodge Oakland’s reality is that families are struggling to meet their basic needs and now carry the additional burden of trying to guide their children’s education. Oakland parents are ready to work on behalf of their children, but now the district must authentically understand what it means to address equity and create…
Oakland Parents and Civil Rights Groups Lead a Citywide Literacy Revolution
One of the most frustrating, yet enduring tropes in the realm of education debates is the idea of black and brown parents as disinterested, disconnected and ignorant. Far too often you hear about how the dismal outcomes for the nation’s students of color are the byproduct of their parent’s and families’ lack of interest in…
What’s Really Wrong with Closing Schools and How the “Opportunity Ticket” Fixes It
Closing schools balances the district’s budget woes on the backs of the already most underserved parents. The reality of closings is that it does nothing for those parents who have been dis-served and will be displaced. Typically, they attend an equally low-performing school that is further away and/or less familiar. And while the district may…
Choice Is Not Access: A Parent’s Journey in Oakland’s School “System”
Micshell Bunton an Oakland resident, a proud mom of two boys, and a parent leader with The Oakland REACH. If you are a parent who wants to get involved in The Oakland REACH, please email [email protected] I would do anything for my sons, especially when it comes to their education. I’ve spent more than a decade volunteering…