More than 3,000 teachers and other workers in the Oakland Unified School District went on strike Thursday, saying the district failed to bargain in good faith on a new contract that asks for more resources for students and higher pay for employees.
Among the very first steps a new director of diversity, equity, and inclusion took was a leadership trip to the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.
While kids probably aren't going to suddenly stop using social media, educators and other adults can work to turn the often-vilified online platforms into a more positive influence in the emotional lives of students.
The ultimate goals of these often traumatic takeovers are, of course, to improve student achievement and achieve financial stability but, when it comes to the former, a growing body of research finds little evidence of success.
"This is yet another attempt by LAUSD to silence the voices of workers," said a spokesperson for Local 99. "The three-day strike proved that workers will not be stopped in their demands for respect."
The agreement includes 30% wage increases, full benefits coverage for support staff and $1,000 appreciation bonuses for those who worked during the 2020-21 school year.
Florida school choice programs are now open to all students after Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed legislation that eliminates financial eligibility restrictions and an enrollment cap.
Teachers’ aides, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers and other support staff are asking for a 30% wage increase and better working conditions. LAUSD has offered a 23% raise over the next five years.
As tens of thousands of teachers and staff strike in a call for better pay, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho says, "I made myself available alongside my team for hours today, hoping that we would be able to have a conversation for a whole host of reasons, some of which I do not understand. We were never in the same room, or even in the same building."
