Schools in Oakland, like many, if not most, cities across the country reflect the segregation of our neighborhoods more than the demographics of our city. We believe this reality undermines not only equity but the educational experience of all our children. Changing this requires changes in the individual choices families make and the policies that determine who gets to choose what schools. Our enrollment work is designed to work on both these issues with our end goal being schools that reflect the demographics of our City and give every child access to a quality education.
Integrated Schools Chapter
Equity Allies is partnering with the Oakland Chapter of the Integrated Schools Network to build a community of parents committed to integrated schools. Activities include:
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Hosting enrollment events to broaden exposure to a wider range of schools.
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Integrated schools podcast listening events.
Rethinking Enrollment Policy
Equity Allies advocates for enrollment policies in OUSD that will foster racially and economically diverse student bodies. Meaningfully integrated schools and classrooms produce better academic and life outcomes for all students with the biggest gains going toward historically marginalized communities. OUSD should consider these changes:
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adjust attendance boundaries to encompass more schools and a diverse set of neighborhoods, and
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introduce controlled choice measures in the student lottery by reserving a portion of seats for "vulnerable" populations.
The longer we keep the current system in place, the longer we perpetuate inequitable outcomes. We need to reduce the number of economically segregated schools to bring about more equitable access to resources and high-quality schools.