UCOP partners with Oakland public schools
October 26, 2009 •
The new superintendent of Oakland’s public schools wants nothing less than a community-wide partnership to “interrupt the historic oppression” that has held back Oakland students.
More than 50 participants joined Dr. Anthony Smith at the Franklin building’s rooftop garden reception on Oct. 20. Education Partnerships at UCOP and the Center or Educational Partnerships at UC Berkeley hosted the event.
The education partnership programs at UCOP and UC Berkeley work closely with California’s public schools to improve student achievement.
Claudia von Vacano, UCOP’s Accountability Coordinator, and the producer of the event says it was a great opportunity for educational leaders from different circles to meet and discuss ways to help Oakland Unified School District.
Claudia von Vacano and Yvette Gullatt, of UCOP's Education Partnerships
“It was inspiring to see a variety of program leaders make a commitment to help Dr. Smith bring his vision to fruition, said von Vacano. “UC Berkeley has been working in partnership with OUSD for several decades and the Office of the President has been in Oakland ten years now. UC has deep roots in Oakland.”
Dr. Smith’s vision for Oakland’s schools largely depends on the entire community coming together. He wants to bring together various stakeholders—including policymakers and administrators—to build the support needed for students to succeed.
UCOP’s Education Partnerships provides California’s educators with research on best educational practices, support for curriculum development and instructive innovation. The programs promote college access and preparation, and work to end disparities in academic achievement among groups of students.
UC Berkley’s Center for Educational Partnerships has helped thousands of Oakland students attend college. Their staff and trained students provide free services including academic and college advising, SAT preparation, academic enrichment and financial aid information and advice. Additionally, CEP partners with the Oakland district to help it achieve the goal of graduating high school seniors who are ready for college or careers.
“I appreciate the commitment, expertise, and creativity that is shared as we jointly formulate our work and build our partnership with OUSD. It is inspirational to see the impact our partnership has had on teaching and learning,” said Angienette Estonina, Site Director CRLP San Francisco State for the California Subject Matter Project.
Harry Le Grande, UCB Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Mark Yudof, UC President; Anthony Smith, Superintendent of OUSD; Gail Kaufman, Deputy Director of UCB Educational Partnerships; Lawrence Pitts, Interim Provost and EVP; Gibor Basri, Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion
Did you know?
• OUSD currently has over 46,000 K-12 students, 32,000 adult students, and 6,000 employees.
• Dr. Smith is the first superintendent to have control of Oakland schools since the district’s state takeover in 2003. Read more about him.
• Seventy-five staff work in UCOP’s Education Partnerships. The department is led by Executive Director Yvette Gullatt.
• The Center for Educational Partnerships at UC Berkeley is directed by Marsha Jaeger. They manage ten programs that provide services free-of-charge to at least 22,000 students at 30 schools and 30 community colleges each year.
