Oakland SOL
Created over three years of hard work and careful planning by a motivated group of local parents and educators, Oakland SOL paints a different picture of school creation — one that is squarely grounded in the aspirations of the families and children who will comprise its community core.
Oakland SOL is a dual-immersion middle school in the Flatlands section of Oakland, California — and the city school district’s first new school in more than a decade. Created over three years of hard work and careful planning by a motivated group of local students, parents, and educators, Oakland SOL paints a different picture of school choice — one that is squarely grounded in the aspirations of the families and children who will comprise its community core.
“If we can provide programs that help them make the choice to stay in our district, I think that’s fiscally responsible,” said Katherine Carter, SOL’s founding principal. “It shows the district cares about creating quality experiences for our kids and our families.”
Oakland SOL is a 180 production co-produced by Rob English and Sam Chaltain.
Resources:
- 70-second version of the film
- Op-ed about what makes a public school district successful: The secret is not through flash and dazzle, but by linking talented teachers, a challenging curriculum, and engaged students. This op-ed offers a look at the commitment, process and support that is created to help students and communities reach their highest potential, and yes in a public school.
- Study Finds Dual-Language Programs Boost Student Achievement in English: English-language learners assigned to dual-language-immersion classrooms in the Portland, Ore., school district were more likely to be classified as English proficient by 6th grade when compared to peers enrolled in traditional classes, a new study by the RAND Corp. found.
- When More Means Less: Mapping the Gaps between Expert and Public Understandings of Dual Language Learners: The state of language education and related education policies leaves children’s potential sorely underdeveloped. How can advocates working in this area more effectively communicate the importance of supporting dual language learners? First, by knowing where the breakdown in understanding exists. Shared Story partner, FrameWorks Institute, recently released a new research report that identifies differences in understanding between members of the public and education experts on dual language learners.
Tweet it: Oakland SOL what public education can look like when students are at the center, educators and families work together with mutual trust and respect, and learning goes deeper. https://futureforlearning.org/oakland-sol #DualImmersion #FutureforLearning