O.U.S.D. OFFICE OF CHARTER SCHOOLS - * PARTNERSHIP AROUND LITERACY STRATEGIES

Open Houses

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:54:34 -0800

If your school is interested in joining the Partnership, please register for an Open House to observe literacy instruction at BMA during the weeks of May 24-28 & June 1-4. Or, to learn more about PALS, you can schedule a consultation.

For scheduling and additional information, contact: Sarah Woulfin at sarah.woulfin@gmail.com or Rebecca Adams at rebecca.adams.ousd.k12.ca.us.

Spring Orientation

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:51:23 -0800

OUSD educators visited Berkley Maynard Academy in April and May to learn about Aspire's model of instruction, the Partnership's approach to professional learning, and to collaborate.

PARTNERSHIP: Summer PD Visit

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:12:16 -0800

On July 15 and 16 OUSD Leadership attended Aspire-led summer professional development for new and returning teachers focused on the Aspire balanced literacy approach. Attendees observed model lessons, listened in on small group discussions, viewed the teacher materials and resource room and witnessed the Aspire method of using lead teachers as a primary resource for staff development.

While much of what was observed was not necessarily "new", learning how Aspire pieces its program together is assisting OUSD in continuing to research best practices to inform the over-all approach to literacy within the District. By learning from the successes of both District schools and local charter schools, OUSD leadership hopes to reinforce quality literacy instruction for all children. A possible partnership to engage in shared inquiry around literacy instruction is in the works.
SEE THE SIDEBAR FOR DETAILS...

PARTNERSHIP AROUND LITERACY STRATEGIES: Berkley Maynard Visit

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:05:48 -0800

A journey of 1000 steps begins with one. Contemplating a multi-year partnership to share and learn best practices in literacy, OUSD leadership attended a discussion facilitated by the Office of Charter Schools at Aspire's Berkley Maynard Academy. Participants learned about Aspire's approach to balanced literacy, conducted classrooms observations, and held a debrief discussion about what had been learned, what more did participants wish to learn, and how might that learning best occur. Keep your eye out for more news on this exciting possibility.

OAKLAND SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS VISIT

Fri, 08 May 2009 01:32:09 -0800

Oakland Unified School District visited Oakland School for the Arts charter school. Attendees included Chief Academic Offer, Brad Stam; District Principals, Matin Abdel-Qawi of East Oakland School for the Arts, Beverly Jarrett of Arts Far West High School, and High School Network Officer, Alison McDonald.

OSA Executive Director, Donn Harris hosted the visit, which included a tour of the school's new facility located in the restored Fox Theatre in downtown Oakland, as well as discussions about the unique supporting conditions for Arts schools including audition requirements, additional funding, specialized course offerings, and talk of future opportunites to collaborate in the use of OSA's new performance space.

MONARCH / MILLSMONT VISIT

Fri, 08 May 2009 01:18:22 -0800

Oakland Unified School District visited Monarch Academy and Millsmont Academy elementary charter schools. Both schools are operated by Aspire Public Schools. Attendees included Interim Superintendent, Dr. Roberta Mayor; Chief Academic Offer, Brad Stam; District Principals, Kimi Kean, David Silver, and Leo Fuchs. Aspire was also represented by their Bay Area Vice President, Gloria Lee. The visits included discussions regarding teacher collaboration, school-wide literacy initiatives, behavior management plans, and back-office support structures.