Education Activist Dirk Tillotson Was as Real as They Come

Last Friday, October 1, Oakland education activist Dirk Tillotson was murdered in his home. He was as real as they come, self-described as the “patron…

Better Late Than Never, OUSD Commits to Housing on Unused Properties

In California, growing numbers of school districts are putting their vacant land and buildings to work to house vulnerable students and families. In November, Oakland…

How Low Will Standards Go for Underserved Parents? Oakland Families Are About to Find Out.

“My baby wants to go to Stanford,” an irate grandmother told me, “and this is what they give me.” She sent me a series of texts…

I’m Thankful for the Activists Who Are Knocking Down Doors and Taking Their Seats at the Table

Picture this—it’s Thanksgiving, the whole family’s waiting to eat but as usual, dinner is delayed and hangriness is a whole ass mood—but no one can…

Let’s Get This Bag From the Government to Build Our Freedom Schools

Black people, it’s time to claim our bag and finally build an educational system that works for us! Back in March I wrote about how…

Some Kids Need a Brick and Mortar School. I Know Because I Was One of Them.

The most terrifying and dangerous experiences I had as a child were at home. I am not alone. My mother battled demons and heard voices,…

Every School District Needs a Good Online Learning Platform. Right Now.

Everywhere you look, school districts are announcing plans to begin the fall with remote learning to continue slowing the spread of the coronavirus. It’s happening…

Without Internet Access, Our Most Vulnerable Children Are Locked Outside the Digital Schoolhouse Door

Philadelphia’s problem is America’s problem. If you want to go to school, see a doctor, apply for a job, enroll in training or receive government…

Haifa Was Forced to Choose Between Her Faith and School, She Chose Faith

There are students who admire the change and influence of great women in history. And then there are students who use their own influence to…

14 Percent of Your Students Have an Actual Plan to Commit Suicide

Fourteen percent of your students have a suicide plan. Thirty-one percent report suicidal thoughts, but 14 percent of them actually have a plan. One in…