Education for Change: Transforming Oakland Through Innovative Public Education
Education for Change (EFC) is a charter management organization dedicated to providing a superior public education to Oakland's most underserved children. Through a network of schools, EFC focuses relentlessly on student academic achievement, striving to create a system where every child is known, challenged, and celebrated. This article explores the mission, approach, and impact of Education for Change in Oakland, California, highlighting its innovative models and commitment to fostering a brighter future for its students.
A Bold Vision for Oakland Students
Education for Change began with a bold idea: that every Oakland child deserves a public school where they are known, challenged, and celebrated from the very first day. Founded by families in Oakland who envisioned more for their children, EFC sought to create schools where high expectations meet genuine care, where students grow faster, dream bigger, and feel like they belong. Starting with just two schools, EFC has grown into a network of six campuses, each with its own unique identity but united by a common purpose.
At EFC, students discover more than just classrooms; they find joy, confidence, and real momentum. Teachers know every student by name and help them rise to their full potential. Whether students are just starting their school journey or looking for a better fit, EFC welcomes them with open arms.
The Education for Change Model
Education for Change operates four elementary and two K-8 charter schools within Oakland, CA, with a focus on turning around failing district public schools and dramatically improving outcomes for the students it serves. Built on a belief in Oakland students and in what education can do right now, EFC educators and staff share a clear standard: meaningful learning starts now, and students deserve joy.
EFC's approach is rooted in several key principles:
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- Student-Centered Learning: EFC prioritizes the individual needs and potential of each student, creating a learning environment where they feel seen, challenged, and supported.
- High Expectations: EFC sets high academic standards for all students, believing that every child can achieve at a high level with the right support and resources.
- Personalized Learning: EFC utilizes innovative models, such as blended learning, to personalize the learning experience for each student, allowing them to progress at their own pace and focus on their individual needs.
- Real-World Application: EFC emphasizes the application of knowledge to real-world problems, equipping students with the skills and self-confidence to become problem solvers and change-makers.
Innovative Programs and Initiatives
Education for Change is committed to innovation and continuous improvement, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the learning experience for its students. Some of its notable programs and initiatives include:
- EPIC Charter School: Recognizing the need to rethink the design of secondary schools, EFC launched EPIC Charter School, a blended learning, STEAM school that builds on the best of gaming to engage, motivate, and personalize learning. EPIC aims to develop innovators and engineers who have the skills and confidence to design and implement creative solutions to real-world problems.
- EPIC's student-centered school model is framed around a hero's journey, empowering middle school students with a sense of unity and purpose in life. Students feel part of a culture with a shared experience and with more opportunities to experience growth and accomplishment.
- Design and engineering are central to EPIC's curriculum, and game mechanics drive the school model. A gradual release blended learning model, personalized workplans, and self-paced adaptive learning content push students to take increasing responsibility for their time, learning, and work.
- Guides help students navigate their online learning, monitor their progress, and support students’ social-emotional development. EPIC emphasizes engineering and design and organizes all units of study so that they culminate in a quest-applying knowledge in a live action real-world challenge.
- Game-based design principles are integrated into the instructional program and the school culture. The Epic Chronicles, a heroic tale of the world that exists in the school, engages students in an epic journey, reinforces school culture, and rewards students for demonstrating the school’s characteristics, making academic growth, and demonstrating acts of heroism.
- EPIC is organized as four distinct multi-age houses, each with its own story as part of a larger school narrative. House culture is centered around its Sandbox, a learning space designed explicitly to enable students to work productively in different configurations.
- Latitude High: Latitude High is an innovative, community-connected high school where students don't just prepare for the future, they shape it. Latitude's charter was recently approved for another five years, demonstrating the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education to its students.
- Alder Bay Teacher Residency Program: EFC partners with the Alder Graduate School of Education to offer the Alder Bay Teacher Residency Program, which provides aspiring teachers with the training and support they need to succeed in the classroom.
- Gates Next Gen Systems Initiative: EFC is a formal partner with Oakland Unified School District in the Gates Next Gen Systems Initiative, a district-wide initiative aimed to support the development of personalized learning.
- Elevate Teacher Residency: The Elevate Teacher Residency program reflects the power of recruiting and preparing talented educators from local communities and the partnership it takes to do it well. The program partners with mentor teachers and school partners like Caliber Public Schools and Education for Change Public Schools to provide supportive learning environments to prepare aspiring teachers to grow and thrive.
Education for Change Achieve Academy: A Closer Look
Education for Change Achieve Academy, located at 1700 28th Ave in Oakland, opened in 2006 to serve underserved students in 4th and 5th grades. The school offers a quality, safe learning environment with small classrooms and dedicated teachers.
The student body at Education for Change Achieve Academy is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population (87%), followed by Asian (5%), African American (4%), Filipino (2%), and white (1%) students, with a small percentage unspecified.
In addition to core subjects, Education for Change Achieve Academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including dance, ceramics, drawing, drama, film production, photography, and computer arts. Sports offered include baseball, basketball, football, soccer, yoga, and physical education classes. Community service is also available. However, the school does not currently offer any student clubs.
Parents have expressed their satisfaction with the small class sizes and the dedication of the teachers, staff, and administration, who provide the necessary tools and encouragement for student success. Students have expressed a desire for more student clubs to join. Most parents agree that the school is a welcome addition to the community.
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While the Academic Performance Index showed a slight decline in academic growth from 819 to 795, the school continues to strive towards the statewide goal of 800. The California Standards Tests are used to assess student mastery of core subjects. The percentage of students passing the exams at Education for Change Achieve Academy varies, with some percentages above and below state averages. For example, 81% of 4th graders passed the math exam, compared to the state average of 71%, while 28% of 5th graders passed the science exam, compared to the state average of 60%.
Overall, Education for Change Achieve Academy provides a quality education to students in the region who were not being served as well by traditional schools. Prospective parents are encouraged to tour the school to determine if it is the best learning environment for their child.
Community Engagement and Support
Education for Change recognizes the importance of community engagement and support in creating a successful learning environment for its students. The organization actively seeks to involve parents, families, and community members in its schools and programs.
EFC also partners with local organizations and businesses to provide additional resources and opportunities for its students. For example, EFC participated in Urban Compassion Project's community clean-up event over Labor Day weekend, emphasizing the importance of service and community involvement.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
Education for Change is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and respected. The organization celebrates diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and religion.
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EFC actively promotes cultural awareness and understanding through its curriculum and programs. For example, EFC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx community. EFC also proudly supports its LGBTQIA+ staff, students, and families during Oakland Pride Month.
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