Oakland Unified School District

August 10, 2022

What’s new this school year? Changing Covid protocols, universal TK, later start times and more

California's school year will begin with fewer Covid protocols, universal transitional kindergarten, more afterschool programs and community schools, and later start times for older students.

Diana Lambert

August 4, 2022

Poorer students still get the least qualified teachers, but California has made progress

There are 40% more teachers in poor schools who lack the required qualifications than in the richest schools, an EdSource analysis found.

Diana Lambert, John Fensterwald, And Daniel J. Willis

June 30, 2022

New program will put AmeriCorps public health volunteers in schools

The goal is to improve families' health and lure more young people to the field.

Carolyn Jones

June 23, 2022

How restorative justice transformed this Oakland school

Fremont High School in Oakland has seen its enrollment jump, and the number of students who qualify for college admission has nearly tripled.

EdSource staff

June 16, 2022

At this Oakland high school, restorative justice goes far beyond discipline

Five years after expanding its program, Fremont High has seen dramatic improvements.

Carolyn Jones

May 31, 2022

Pathways to postsecondary and economic success: A golden opportunity for California students

Pathways prepare high school students for college and work by creating rich learning experiences that combine rigorous academics with career training and quicker routes to higher education.

Kyla Johnson-Trammell and Jill A. Baker

May 12, 2022

California set to launch hundreds of community schools with $635 million in grants

The state's "whole child" model stresses collaborating with parents, teachers and community organizations; 265 districts are to receive initial funding.

John Fensterwald

February 16, 2022

Liaisons play pivotal role in connecting California homeless children to services

All students experiencing homelessness are entitled to certain supports under federal law, and homeless liaisons are tasked with providing that support. But will there be enough funding to support each homeless child once they are identified?

Betty Márquez Rosales

January 21, 2022

How California districts seek to recruit, retain Black teachers amid shortage

California districts are using pathway programs to hire more Black teachers and taking other steps to retain them.

Ali Tadayon

January 14, 2022

California schools get off to a shaky start after holiday break

Student absences, teacher shortages and high Covid rates marked the return to school. Some teachers are asking districts to tighten safeguards.

Diana Lambert

January 7, 2022

High Covid rates, staff shortages and confusing legislation challenge schools' reopenings

School officials are struggling to keep schools open amid Covid outbreaks and staffing shortages. Conflicting messages from California state officials are making it even more difficult.

Diana Lambert, John Fensterwald, And Ali Tadayon

January 4, 2022

Teachers are not therapists

Policymakers and administrators must have the courage to make big changes to provide students more access to mental health professionals.

Ellen Dahlke

September 21, 2021

Lessons from Oakland’s move to police-free schools

The story of Oakland’s efforts to eliminate school policing highlights four important lessons about what it truly takes to stop the criminalization of young people and their families. 

Jasmine Williams

September 15, 2021

Newsom celebrates recall victory and schools’ safety record, but warns: ‘We must remain vigilant’  

Visiting an Oakland Unified middle school, Newsom said he feels humbled and energized by the recall victory, and urges Covid safety measures.

Carolyn Jones

August 23, 2021

Sharing my pre-college journey of a lifetime

Recent high-school grad and first-generation college student advises other students: Stretch yourself and seek support from your school and communities.

Imahni Cheeks