Here’s Why Oakland Parents Are Suing California

It might be the holidays, but we’re not slowing down our fight with our children’s futures at stake.  That’s why the week after Thanksgiving, The…

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…

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…

If You’re Black and Low-Income in Oakland, You Have to Fight for the Right to a Good School

Every family should have the right to a good school for their kids. But it turns out that if you’re Black and low-income in Oakland,…

Coffee Break: Oakland’s Lakisha Young Is Done Waiting for Superman and Ready for Parents to Take the Lead

Lakisha Young is executive director of The Oakland REACH. She has dedicated her career to promoting access to quality schools because she knows firsthand that…

VIDEO: In Oakland We Believe in the Greatness of Our Black Male Students

Imagine walking into a school every day and being taught by someone who looks like you. Imagine that person shares your upbringing, the music you listen to, or simply represents a living roadmap to the future—a walking embodiment of success.…

Chris Emdin’s SXSWedu Talk Just Might Have Converted Me From a Frenemy of Education to a Friend

I recently received a text from a friend: “Watch this. Worth every minute. Eager to hear your thoughts.” She had forwarded me Chris Emdin’s 2017…

Don’t Talk to Me About ‘Privatization,’ Because Your ‘Public’ School Is Hardly Public

In Oakland, one of the highest achieving schools in the city is Hillcrest Elementary. It’s a “public” school that is 5 percent free and reduced-price…

Guess What, Liberals Support Charter Schools Too

It’s not easy being a political progressive and a charter school supporter. In these polarized times, it’s easy to forget how many of us support…