As a Black man, who works hard to support Black children and families, there are a lot of choke on your own vomit moments watching the public school wars. Neither public school sector serves Black kids well consistently, not the districts and not charters. We need to acknowledge that and own that truth. But there…
School Choice
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…
The Geography of Opportunity in Oakland and How We Change it; Mapping Inequality in Housing, Health and Schools
“An African-American born in West Oakland can expect to die almost 15 years earlier than a White person born in the Hills” –Alameda County Public Health Department Report Some neighborhoods in Oakland provide ample opportunities, safe parks, high achieving schools, clean air, and a wealth of opportunities. Other neighborhoods don’t. And it is not a…
Accidents of Birth that become Harbingers of Death- A Tale of 4 Schools and 4 Miles and the Different Opportunities they Offer
Babies born less than 4 miles apart here have radically different chances. You can go to public school A in West Oakland, which is 92% free and reduced lunch, where not a single child scored at or above grade level in reading, and 1% are proficient in math. Or, not far down the block, less…
A Better Enrollment Process, a Frustrating Enrollment Season, and the Deeper Problem it Signifies
This was a historic year for public school enrollment in Oakland, but not everyone is happy. Parents in Oakland had better access and information about the public schools than ever. Families also participated in the district and charter open enrollment at historic levels. And kudos to the district enrollment office and Enroll Oakland, they pulled…