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95-607: The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) granted the charter to the school system and oversees it. The American Indian Model School system has its own school board and internal policies. Under the leadership of Ben Chavis ( Lumbee ), a Native American professor, AIPCS students made considerable progress in academic scores from 2000 to 2007, and enrollment increased at the school. The first middle school, AIPCS, received national recognition in 2007. Some of Chavis's disciplinary methods and his treatment of students and teachers generated controversy, and he resigned as principal in 2007. But

190-666: A for-profit company which had appropriated the Blue Ribbon School name. During its first 25 years of existence, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award was granted approximately 5,600 times, recognizing 5,200 different schools. (Some schools have been selected two or more times.) More than 133,000 public, charter, private and parochial schools serving grades K 12 are eligible for the award. More than 9,000 schools have been honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools — with more than 10,000 awards given in total — since

285-530: A "rising tide" of mediocre schools that threatened the nation's future. Secretary Bell created the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award to bring exceptional U.S. schools to public attention and to recognize those schools whose students thrived and excelled. Working with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals , Bell launched

380-533: A "white b --" [ sic ] while in the presence of students, and the school forcing a girl to clean a boys' restroom as a punishment for bad behavior. A poster in the AIPCS hallway included a quote from Chavis, saying, "You do outstanding things here and you'll be treated outstanding. You act like a fool and you'll be treated like one." Landsberg said in 2009 that the concept was still in use at AIMS schools but had been "toned down" since Chavis' departure as head of

475-578: A charter board member, among other financial issues. AIM Schools Board President Michael Stember defended AIPCS II, and Christina Chen, the charter system's new accountant, denied all charges. Given the outstanding student achievements noted in API, and numerous parents, staff, and students who spoke in support of the school, the OUSD board voted 4–3 to renew the AIPCS II charter for another five years. The board will return to

570-447: A charter school has more prospective students than space available to house them, it must hold a lottery. The AIM school system, as of 2009, has never held a lottery. Ben Chavis and Janet Roberts, a school principal in the AIM system, said that AIM never received enough students to require the system to hold a lottery. Oakland Unified School District Oakland Unified School District

665-580: A closed school to a new alternative education and administrative building, but are only one fifth of the district's calculated financial need for construction projects. In May 2023, teachers went on strike again citing pay and social issues as the reasons. On May 15, the union (Oakland Education Association) announced they had reached a deal with the district. The district-run schools includes 59 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, 19 high schools, with 9 alternative education schools and programs, 4 adult programs and early childhood education centers at most of

760-531: A decrease of 1 ⁄ 3 for students enrolled in the program). In 2016, OUSD launched an African American Girls and Young Women Achievement Program. In 2015 and 2016, OUSD forged partnerships with and secured grants from a number of technology companies, including Salesforce , Intel , Code.org , and Google , and set a goal to make computer science a graduation requirement for the freshman class that begins school in 2017. The first school in Oakland opened in

855-399: A diverse population of students. Nearly half of the students in district and charter schools speak a non-English language at home. For the school year 2016–17, 31 percent of OUSD students were English-language learners. OUSD also serves a large population of newcomer students. Seventy-three percent of students receive free or reduced-price meals. OUSD was among the first school districts in

950-707: A former AIPCS employee. The audit focused on the ASES grant for an after-school program, facilities lease and rent expenditures, and the Political Reform Act of 1974 regarding conflict of interest laws. Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Charter School Office Director, Gail Greely was responsible for delivering the FCMAT report and monitoring the process. She transferred to become the Director of Charter School Education for Alameda County working for Sheila Jordan. The FCMAT audit report

1045-456: A former American Indian system teacher, said "I don't see it as teaching to the test. I see it as, there are certain skills and knowledge that you're supposed to impart to your students, and the test measures whether your students have acquired those skills and that knowledge." The school system only allows instruction in arts to take place after school. The AIM system schools do not have laboratory equipment for science classes. Because of this and

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1140-647: A four-hour Saturday detention. Landsberg said that by the time students become eighth-graders, "discipline is not really an issue. Classes are preternaturally quiet and focused. Visitors may be startled to notice that students do not so much as glance at them. They have been told to keep their attention on their work. They do as they are told." During the Chavis era, students who repeatedly violated rules were humiliated by Chavis or by teachers. The administration often used name-calling, stereotypes, and profanities against students. Some students were forced to hold signs that insulted

1235-474: A graduate student in 2007, OUSD officials asked the AIM governing board to direct Chavis to act in a different manner. In response, the AIM board fined Chavis $ 700. Kirsten Vital, an OUSD accountability head, said that this was not likely to correct such issues as the Mills incident. On March 15, 2007, Chavis told the AIM school board that he was leaving his post. The minutes of the board meeting said he would remain as

1330-464: A high school. The schools were recognized for academic performance, but controversy was generated by Chavis's discipline system and treatment of both students and faculty. He resigned in 2007 but retained influence at the schools. According to a California state "extraordinary audit" released in 2012, Chavis directed at least $ 3.8 million in school payments to businesses owned by him and his wife, Marsha Amador, without proper contracting. The charter board

1425-460: A part-time employee. But Chavis said he would return to Arizona. Mitchell Landsberg of the Los Angeles Times reported in 2009 that Chavis "remains a presence at the school." The website referred to Chavis as an "advisor emeritus." Janet Roberts, a former teacher, succeeded Chavis that year as the head of the school system. Roberts said that Chavis's resignation appeared to quiet criticisms of

1520-519: A public hearing for February 27, 2013. On March 20, 2013, the OUSD board voted 4–3 to revoke the AIMS charter effective June 30, 2013. Supporters vowed to appeal to the county and state boards of education. During the next months, the Alameda County Board of Education and California Board of Education were expected to review the issues and decide whether to overturn the OUSD trustees' decision to revoke

1615-456: A wildcat sympathy strike". Rallies continued as teachers from all around the Bay Area took a sick day on January 18, 2019, and gathered at Oakland Technical High School to march to city hall in the name of public education. In an interview at the “sickout”, an Oakland teacher said “We have not had a contract for several years….The district is currently offering a 5% raise amounting to $ 70 extra which

1710-537: A year later that financial instability was due to "the district's poor business practices and broken culture," rather than just outside pressures like declining enrollment. The report found that although the District ranked sixth in per-pupil state funding out of 37 Bay Area school districts, it had far above average spending on non-teaching costs and consultants, and lower than average spending on teachers and special education. Spending for supervisor and administrator salaries

1805-467: Is a United States Department of Education award program that recognizes exemplary public and non-public schools on a yearly basis. Using standards of excellence evidenced by student achievement measures, the Department honors high-performing schools and schools that are making great strides in closing any achievement gaps between students. The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for administering

1900-555: Is a public education school district that operates a total of 80 elementary schools (TK–5), middle schools (6–8), and high schools (9–12). There are also 28 district-authorized charter schools in Oakland, California , United States, serving a total of 48,704 students across both district-run and district-authorized charter schools (as of census day in 2020–21, with 35,489 of those students served by district-run schools). Located in one of California's most diverse cities, OUSD serves

1995-515: Is funneled to the private-sector charter schools a year. Leading up to the strike there was a meeting with the Oakland Unified School District Board of Education in which the community of Roots Academy, a school facing closure, testified a plea to keep their school open. Teachers gathered at the #RedforEd rally January 12, demonstrating that they are strike-ready. In show of solidarity, ten non-union charter schools "engaged in

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2090-518: Is not enough to keep up with the rising cost of housing in Oakland.” 1 in 5 teachers leave Oakland Unified School District because they cannot afford to teach in the city they live in. When asked if they had enough resources to succeed, three Oakland Tech students replied "No, we don't even have paper in some of the class rooms. Some kids do not have textbooks and they have to do their work at home, where they may not have internet. Our classes are overfilled. Sometimes students will try to print their work in

2185-661: Is one of the finest structures of its kind in the United States." A 1915 Board of Education guide to Oakland schools included 46 schools, many of which are still open today. They include Allendale, Claremont, Cleveland, Dewey, Elmhurst, Emerson, Franklin, Frick, Fruitvale, Lincoln, Manzanita, McClymonds, Melrose, Peralta, Piedmont, Prescott, Sequoia, Santa Fe, Fremont High, Oakland High, and Oakland Tech. High school departments included English, History, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Science, Commercial, Home Economics, Physical Training, Shop and Drawing. Oakland's first teachers' union,

2280-602: Is restricted. David W. Kirkpatrick, the Senior Education Fellow at the US Freedom Foundation, noted in an editorial titled, "Awarding Blue Ribbons: Recognizing Schools or Students?" that criteria for the awards do not take into account the socioeconomic status of the students and that studies show that students who come from homes with higher income and better educated parents do better than students without these advantages by virtue of their backgrounds. Thus,

2375-603: The East Bay Express reported that the demographics had become "homogenous" and that the demographic change was "an ironic twist for a school that was originally intended to serve American Indians—and which is still thought of by many as a haven for a population that's struggled mightily with institutional oppression." Cushing said that "one prominent member of the Bay Area American-Indian community" who asked to be anonymous said that many Native Americans feel upset by

2470-419: The Los Angeles Times reported, "Five minutes per passing period might not sound like much, but over the course of a year, American Indian saves the equivalent of more than a week's worth of instruction." A middle school teacher is assigned to stay with the same class for all three years until the class graduates. However, Landsberg reported in 2009 that this policy seemed to be more theoretical than real, given

2565-519: The Lake Merritt area. AICPS also admits students living in other areas of Oakland. The school states that it will consider the applications of students who live outside of Oakland. In 2009 Kevin Drum of Mother Jones said "[...] AIPC is a super-strict, teach-to-the-test, no-goofing-off kind of place that apparently gets good results." Mitchell Landsberg of the Los Angeles Times reported in 2009 that

2660-553: The RedforEd campaign and were organized by the Oakland Education Association (OEA)--a union for teachers—and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America (EBDSA). Oakland Unified School District is under populated with a total of 87 public schools, so they have a plan to close some public, unionized (and predominantly low-income) schools over the next few years in order to save money. $ 57 million meant for public-sector schools

2755-466: The 1850s and was located in a rented room in the back of a fandango at Second and Washington Streets. On July 12, 1853, the city held a parade to the first official school building. The schoolhouse was at the corner of Fifth and Clay and cost $ 1,000 to construct. The first school house had 16 students and was taught by a woman named Hannah Jayne. She was the only teacher in Oakland until 1855. Franklin Warner

2850-434: The 2010–2011 school year, the AIM system had more than 86% Asian American students, while the overall Oakland Unified School District was 13% Asian. In 2010-2011, the school had no Native American students. As of 2012 more than 90% of the AIPCS student body was Asian American. The next largest ethnic groups were African Americans and Hispanic Americans . In 2009, almost all of the students were low-income. Ellen Cushing of

2945-471: The AIM Schools. Columnist George Will said he favored the charter school system because its "new paternalism" could close achievement gaps between socioeconomic classes. Students are required to wear school uniforms . Students wear white shirts and dark-colored trousers. The school does not permit students to wear makeup, jewelry, or brightly colored hair accessories. From 2000 to 2012, the demographics of

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3040-479: The AIM governing board dated July 9, 2007, that during a visit to the AIPCS, she witnessed, in the words of Nanette Asimov of the San Francisco Chronicle , "incidents bordering on educational malpractice, and that came close to child endangerment." Vital cited Chavis using the words "darkies" and "whities" to refer to racial and ethnic backgrounds in front of students, Chavis referring to a former employee as

3135-407: The AIM students "are subject to disciplinary procedures redolent of military school ." At AIMS schools, students who are late to class, do not complete homework, or violate the dress code automatically receive detention . A student who misbehaves once a week gets one after-school detention lasting one hour. A student who misbehaves again in the same week will receive another after-school detention and

3230-491: The AIM system middle schools are required to attend four weeks of summer school each summer. In addition, AIMS students must complete a lot of homework, even on weekends and "breaks," such as summer and spring break. All AIM middle school students take Algebra I during the eighth grade. In the State of California, charter schools are required to take all students who apply to the school if they have enough capacity to house them. If

3325-716: The AIMS charter. On July 15, 2013, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Evelio Grillo granted the Model Schools system a preliminary injunction, allowing all three campuses to continue to operate. In consideration of student scores and a change in management of the board and charter system, the AIMS charter was renewed for five years. On January 25, 2017, the OUSD Governing Board renewed the charter for another five years, from June 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022. However, due to changes in California State law, AIPCS II's charter term

3420-449: The Council for American Private Education nominate eligible schools for the annual award. Eligible schools must demonstrate high or strongly improving student scores on state or nationally normed assessments in the last year tested; schools must also make Annual Yearly Progress in accordance with No Child Left Behind . Nominated schools submit applications describing school operations such as

3515-712: The Havenscourt Campus in East Oakland, achieved a 91 percent graduation rate. The school serves about 450 students and a large percentage are English language learners (170 students in 2014–15). CCPA's ethnic breakdown for the 2013–14 school year consisted of 42.7% Hispanic or Latino students, 28% Black or African American students, 13.2% Asian students, 9.8% White students, 2.6% students of two or more races, and 1.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Notable Oakland public school graduates include: National Blue Ribbon Award The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program

3610-945: The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which is supported through ongoing collaboration with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Association for Middle Level Education , and the National Association of Secondary School Principals . Since the program's founding in 1982, the award has been presented to more than 9,000 schools. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools: public schools including Title I schools , charter schools , magnet schools , and non-public schools including parochial and independent schools . The schools are urban, suburban, and rural, large and small, traditional and innovative, and serve students of every social, economic, and ethnic background. In 1982, then-Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell , best known for commissioning A Nation at Risk , described

3705-650: The National Blue Ribbon Schools and the National Distinguished Principals Programs. Both programs highlighted outstanding models of American schools and school leadership. Initially, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program honored only secondary schools ; it was later expanded to include primary schools . It was changed again to honor secondary schools and primary schools in alternate years and now honors secondary, middle, elementary, and K-8 and K-12 schools each year. In 2003,

3800-513: The OUSD Office of Indian Education, recruited Ben Chavis ( Lumbee ), to serve as principal. Formerly a professor at San Francisco State College , Chavis was then teaching at the University of Arizona . Lamenti believed that he would succeed due to his background in education, interest in charter schools, and knowledge of children living in inner-city communities. In 2000, Chavis became the head of

3895-526: The OUSD board held its AIPCS II charter renewal hearing. OCS recommended denying and revoking the charter. President London of the OCS suggested OUSD could deny the charter and AIPCS II could renew with Alameda County, pending expected results of the state's FCMAT "extraordinary audit". OCS noted that Chavis had served as both lessee and lessor, that his personal car insurance was paid by the school (the school does not have any cars), and that school checks were made out to

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3990-596: The Oakland Federation of Teachers, was first organized on May 3, 1943, as the Alameda County Federation of Teachers, Local 771 of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to "improve the educational facilities for the children of the nation and to improve the working conditions of the teachers in the public schools." Oakland's first African American Superintendent was Marcus Foster , who was also

4085-467: The Oakland School Board voted to issue a "Notice of violation to American Indian Public Charter School." School Board President Jody London, David Kakashiba, Jumoke Hodge and Gary Yee voted to issue the notice. Chris Dobbins and Alice Spearman voted against it, and Noel Gallo was absent. After issuing the notice of violation, Board Members Yee and Hodge urged concerned parents to recognize that OUSD

4180-563: The Plan for Fiscal Vitality, released between the Grand Jury's investigation and the publication of its report, had already addressed some of the Grand Jury's recommendations. The Board of Education also disagreed or partially disagreed with many of the report's findings. Oakland Unified teachers went on strike for seven days, beginning on February 21, 2019, for fully funded public education, higher wages, and smaller class size. The strikes were part of

4275-541: The United States than in Oakland. There are twenty-two public school buildings, and according to the figures of the City Assessor (which, upon municipal property are naturally low) the school land valuations amount to One Million, Ninety-three Thousand, Two Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ... Connected with the High School is a completely equipped observatory, in which the study of astronomy is made effective and interesting with

4370-490: The aid of the most modern instruments." A City of Oakland Chamber of Commerce brochure from 1915, which includes a photo of Oakland Technical High School, states: "The pride of Oakland is its schools. This, the Technical High School, with forges, machine shops, a great auditorium seating 1600 people, chemical laboratories and many other education features which prepare young men and women for an active and useful life,

4465-462: The award is usually given to schools with students from wealthy backgrounds. As evidence to support his case, he pointed to the distribution of awards given in Pennsylvania one year; of the eight schools receiving the award, only one was in a district whose income level was near the state average, and the rest went to districts with an above average income, including two in the wealthiest communities in

4560-499: The award within the five prior years. Must have excellence in the fields of academics, arts, and athletics. Although at one time schools self-nominated for the award, this is no longer the case. At the invitation of the U.S. Secretary of Education, Chief State School Officers, including Washington, D.C. , the Department of Defense Education Activity , the Bureau of Indian Education , and

4655-431: The board voted to maintain him in an influential executive role at the school and with the model school system. In 2012, Chavis ended his ties with the charter system (although his children remained as students) and returned to his home state of North Carolina . For a period, the charter system's charter from the OUSD was at risk, but the school gained a court injunction in 2012, which allowed it to continue operating. With

4750-491: The change in management and in view of the students' achievements in academic scores, the Model School system's charter was renewed in 2013 for a 5-year term. This included an expansion to serve grades K–4 at AIPCS II. Established as a small charter school to serve Native American students in Oakland, AICPS had difficulty improving academic performance from its founding in 1996 until after 2000. That year Ben Chavis ( Lumbee ),

4845-518: The charter school system board between April and June. Jean Martinez was elected as President of the AIPCS Model School governing board. As reported by SF Gate, "The allegations against American Indian charter schools officials include $ 3.7 million in payments to businesses owned by founder Ben Chavis and his wife, including money for rent, storage fees, construction projects and the administration of summer school programs." On September 27, 2012,

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4940-420: The country to implement restorative justice practices to limit or eliminate suspensions. During the 2015 school year, 96.1 percent of students were not suspended. Started in 2010, OUSD's African American Male Achievement Initiative enrolls more than 400 students. Students in the program have experienced success, including higher GPAs, higher graduation rates (up over 10 percent), and lower suspension rates (with

5035-476: The district had opened more schools (Rudsdale Newcomer School, which serves immigrants, and the School of Language, a bilingual middle school ), rather than closing them in response to declining enrollment, the report found. The report also criticized "system-wide failures" including "no accountability, lack of trust, and high teacher and administration turnover." Another Alameda County Civil Grand Jury Report published

5130-432: The district vote on whether or not to push the state for a moratorium of charter schools. In 2012, voters passed Measure J, a $ 475 million school facilities bond. The 2018–19 Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report found that mismanagement led to delays in the 21 projects that were to be funded with Measure J, and in 2018, nine of those projects were paused due to budget overruns and the district running out of funds. As of

5225-566: The district, citing family health issues. School board member Dr. Gary Yee was named the acting superintendent. In September 2014, Antwan Wilson became OUSD's fourth superintendent in six years. After just two years at the helm, Wilson resigned in November 2016 to become chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools . Devin Dillon, OUSD's deputy superintendent of Academic Social Emotional Learning,

5320-493: The elementary schools. There are 38,000 K–12 students in district schools and more than 5,000 employees. In 2015, Montclair Elementary was recognized with the nation's highest honor for a K-12 school, the Blue Ribbon award, which recognizes "exemplary teaching and learning". Only 10 schools in the Bay Area, public or private, received the award that year. Nearly half the students (47 percent) who attend Montclair come from outside

5415-454: The end of the 1870s, there was a public high school and nine public grade schools. In the 1880s, the first kindergarten and the first night school in Oakland opened. A 1909 Chamber of Commerce guide to the city includes this description of Oakland public schools: "Oakland's chief pride is its public school system and the fact that her schools rank among the highest in the United States. No more modern school buildings can be found in any city in

5510-496: The first all-electric school bus fleet in the United States. Oakland Unified School District has experienced ongoing financial difficulties in recent years. A 2018 Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report noted that the District had been "in financial peril" for the prior 15 years, with an average $ 20 million to $ 30 million in debt each year, due to budgetary errors and out-of-control spending. Enrollment had dropped from 54,000 to 37,000 students, resulting in decreased state funding, but

5605-459: The first black man to head a major U.S. school district. Born in Athens, Georgia, Dr. Foster arrived in Oakland in 1970, "already a celebrated and proven educator". Foster viewed the three Rs and critical thinking as the building blocks of education. He also emphasized the need for art programs, team sports, and school activities that reflected the life circumstances of the students. In the short time he

5700-439: The high teacher turnover. Each middle school day begins with three hours of language arts and mathematics classes. For middle school students English and mathematics make up 90 minutes per day. Afterwards, students have a thirty-minute lunch period. During each day, students have 60 minutes' worth of physical education instruction. The school system has few classes that do not directly affect standardized test scores. Carey Blakely,

5795-444: The issue in two years to verify training of the AIPCS governing board and more rigorous accounting practices at the school. The approved charter allowed AIPCS II to expand to include elementary grades K–4. It became a K–12 school. See minutes. See minutes. In early June 2012, the FCMAT audit was published. Evidence of fraud was listed, with recommendations to forward the audit to the local District Attorney. Michael Stember resigned from

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5890-418: The library but there will be no paper if there is no librarian. We did not have a librarian this whole school year until last week." Bread for Ed raised more than $ 175,000 to feed children and families out of school, because "73 percent of [Oakland] students depend on free or reduced lunch from their school". The teachers struck for seven days. "97% of students were out of school, and tens of thousands were on

5985-570: The main campus of American Indian High School occupy a converted church located off MacArthur Boulevard, in the Laurel area of Oakland. AIPCS II is located on another campus in the city's Chinatown . Students at AIPHS who attend dual credit classes with Merritt College attend some classes at the Merritt campus. AICPS II shared a campus with Little Hands School. AICPS II serves students living in Chinatown and

6080-405: The needs of students. OCS noted the following strength of the model school system: AIPCS II did pursue its measurable student outcome in its current charter and met its AYP. The following challenges were noted: adherence to the proposed educational program and compliance with regulatory elements (financial audits, reporting, enrollment, admissions, Brown Act, Political Reform Act). On April 4, 2012,

6175-741: The neighborhood. The East Bay Times reported, "One of the school's secrets to success is what (Principal Nancy) Bloom calls the morning intervention acceleration model. Used in the kindergarten, first and second grades, children meet once a week in groups with no more than four or five students and get targeted instruction that meets their individual needs. On the other days, the students are outside doing physical education." The school serves an increasing number of English language learner students and students who receive free and reduced-price meals. In 2016, Collaborative for High Performance Schools praised Montclair Elementary's energy efficient design. In 2015, Coliseum College Prep Academy (CCPA), located on

6270-473: The picket lines", according to Oakland Education Association. On February 28, 2019, OUSD "reached a tentative agreement" with OEA. On Sunday, March 3, Oakland Education Association teachers voted to authorize a new contract to implement an 11 percent increase in teachers' salary for the next four years, plus a 3 percent bonus to account for losses during the strike. The agreement also demands to decrease class size, hold off school closures for five months, and have

6365-538: The program was restructured to bring it in line with the No Child Left Behind Education Law , placing a stronger emphasis on state assessment data and requiring schools to demonstrate high academic success. Schools must show how data are interpreted and used and how curriculum, instruction, professional development, and student support promote student success. In 2012 the program was renamed the National Blue Ribbon Schools program to distinguish it from

6460-659: The program's inception. States, territories, the Bureau of Indian Affairs , and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools have joined the competition over the years. Special emphases have changed from year to year based on national priorities. Among National Blue Ribbon Schools there is much diversity: the award recognizes rural, urban, and suburban schools; large and small schools, and public and non-public schools. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program accepts nominations from both public and non-public schools that meet one of two criteria: Eligible schools must have been in existence for five years and cannot have received

6555-498: The proportion and number of Native American students in AIPCS and the new schools decreased. In 2005, twenty percent of the students were Native American. In 2006, the percentage of Native Americans was 13%. However, Mills College visitors to the school in March 2007, report that at the time of their visit, the student body of the school was "10% American Indian." By that year, the school began to receive many Asian Americans from Laurel . In

6650-521: The public Westlake Middle School. Cushing reported that "AIPCS II is mere blocks away from Lincoln, making it a defacto neighborhood school." She reported that Gary Yee, an OUSD board member and husband of a Lincoln Elementary teacher, said AICPS II had a "rigorous teaching style [...] similar to what you might find in an elite East-Asian school, perhaps making it more appealing to Lincoln's overwhelmingly Asian-American parent base." Several Chinese-American parents of AIMS students expressed support in 2012 for

6745-521: The publication of the Grand Jury report, $ 12.5 million of bond money had been spent over the prior four years on rented office space for central offices at 1000 Broadway following a flood in the administration building in 2014, despite questions about the legality of this practice. In November 2020, Measure Y will ask voters whether to issue $ 735 million in additional bonds. If passed, the bonds will fund more than 20 projects, including upgrading and expanding seven schools, safety improvements, and converting

6840-536: The school had a high staff turnover rate and insufficient funds for textbooks and computers. In 2000 the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) considered closing the school. Nanette Asimov of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the school, which had 37 students, was "sinking fast," could not keep its students, and did not have "viable test scores." Evelyn Lamenti, an employee with

6935-694: The school year 2006–2007, Chavis and his board founded the American Indian Model School system, adding the American Indian Charter High School at the beginning of the school year in September 2006. In 2006, AICPS became the first public school in Oakland to win the National Blue Ribbon Award . Due to complaints from parents and teachers about his treatment, and a provocative incident with Mills College faculty and

7030-677: The school's emphasis on learning from textbooks, Landsberg said "it is hard to imagine that American Indian will turn out the next Darwin or Edison ." As of 2011, AIM classrooms do not have computers and televisions. Additionally, AIMS lacks a playground, science lab, or any of the amenities found in a typical public school like Lincoln, just a couple blocks away. Chavis disapproved of the use of computers since he believed computers could cause students to easily access pornography. He believed they could invite theft and lead to unforeseen expenses. Students are assigned homework, so they generally have at least three hours of work to do each night. Students at

7125-429: The school's name, and "If anything, I just wish they would change their name—it's misleading, and potentially damaging to our community." In 2012, the original AICPS drew students from several elementary schools. During the same year, John Melvin, the principal of Lincoln Elementary School, a high-performing OUSD elementary school, said that 75% of his students went to nearby AICPS II, although they had previously attended

7220-653: The school's rigorous methods. As of 2009, most AIM system teachers were young, had degrees from first-rate universities, and were, in the words of Mitchell Landsberg of the Los Angeles Times , "self-confident" and "mature." In the AIM middle schools, one teacher is intended to teach all of the subjects for a given class and to accompany them for all three years as part of developing a close relationship with all students. The regular teacher does not teach physical education. In most American middle schools, teachers specialize in different subjects and teach different classes, with students moving among teachers. Mitchell Landsberg of

7315-793: The school. As reported by Katy Murphy of the Oakland Tribune , Roberts said, "Many assumed that the academic success of the American Indian schools was personality-driven[...] but the program didn't lose its edge after Chavis left." On June 2, 2009, the first class of the high school AIPHS, consisting of 18 students, graduated. Each of the students had been admitted to a good college. In August 2011, California's Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) announced that American Indian Model Charter Schools would undergo an "extraordinary audit." Alameda County School Superintendent Sheila Jordan had recommended it based on an anonymous complaint from

7410-472: The school. He fired most of the school's employees and eliminated the Native American cultural classes. Chavis said that he recruited new teachers who had "strong" academic backgrounds and "didn't see the students as victims, even though their lives often are incredibly difficult." By 2001, he had replaced all but one teacher. By 2002, the school's enrollment tripled, and its test scores were increasing. For

7505-419: The schools in this charter system changed markedly, and by 2012 served a student body that was 90% Asian American . In 2000, the small AIPCS had a 62% Native American student body. In 2001, the school increased its enrollment to about 100 students. Fifty-two percent of the students were Native American. According to Chavis, during that year, 12 to 15 percent of the children were homeless. During Chavis's tenure,

7600-456: The state. While Kirkpatrick proposed an alternative to recognizing "blue ribbon students", he wrote, "...a more accurate indication of a good school would be one that adjusts for such socioeconomic factors and identifies those in which students do better than would normally be expected, based on their backgrounds." From the program's inception through 2003, schools were permitted to nominate themselves. As of 2003, nominations are handled through

7695-401: The students. Robert Gammon of the East Bay Express reported in 2007 that "Chavis's boorish behavior has been tolerated because of his school's incredible test scores." Simone Sebastian of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that in the Chavis era, such disciplinary practices were criticized. Kirsten Vital, accountability head of the Oakland Unified School District , said in a letter to

7790-436: The system. Under Chavis, the school system's administration opposed U.S. liberal philosophies, and it promoted free-market capitalism . Chavis opposed teacher's unions . Landsberg reported that the AIM system schools "sometimes seem like creations of television's Colbert Report " and that the AIM system schools "mock liberal orthodoxy with such zeal that it can seem like a parody." American conservatives praised Chavis and

7885-492: The use of assessments and assessment data, instructional methods, curricula, professional development, leadership, and community and family involvement. A total of 420 schools may be nominated in any year; state quotas are determined by the number of students and schools. The Blue Ribbon award is considered the highest honor an American school can achieve. A school's use of the National Blue Ribbon Schools logo

7980-442: Was automatically extended to June 30, 2025, without requiring any action by the OUSD board. As of 2017, the system includes three schools, American Indian Public Charter School (AICPS), a middle school with grades 5–8; American Indian Public Charter School II (AIPCS II), K–8; and American Indian Public High School (AIPHS), a high school (9–12). The school system has two campuses. The original American Indian Public Charter School and

8075-567: Was criticized in the audit for lax financial management and accounting. The Oakland School Board had already requested in 2011 that the California Board of Education revoke and deny renewal of American Indian Public Charter School II's (AIPCS II) charter; this action would have closed that school after the 2011–2012 academic year. The school system gained a preliminary court injunction to allow its three facilities to continue to operate. The American Indian Public Charter School opened in 1996. It

8170-529: Was expected to be released in mid-2012. During the 2012 charter renewal process for the second middle school, AIPCS II, the Oakland Office of Charter Schools (OCS) found practices in violation of the charter and applicable law. OCS also found a lack of responsible governance on the part of the AIPCS governing board, and poor financial accountability. The shortcomings of the school adversely affected parents and students; financial resources were not used to address

8265-647: Was fired and Governor Gray Davis approved a $ 100 million emergency loan, the biggest school bailout in California history. Chaconas was replaced by a state-appointed administrator, Randolph E. Ward. Ward resigned in July 2006 after being appointed superintendent of the San Diego public school system. Kimberly Statham was named Ward's permanent replacement, but she resigned suddenly on September 17, 2007, ostensibly under pressure from state officials. OUSD Chief of Staff Vincent Matthews

8360-462: Was found to be more than six times the statewide average. Under Superintendent Antwan Wilson, the report said, millions of dollars were wasted as capital projects were halted in the planning stages, and $ 172 million was spent on new construction projects, leaving the district's finances "in shambles." The Board of Education responded that the new Blueprint for Quality Schools, the Citywide Plan, and

8455-493: Was hired soon after as Oakland's first principal. Frederick M. Campbell was hired as Oakland's first Superintendent. Reading, writing and arithmetic were stressed, as well as American history. Paper and books were scarce, so a lot of learning was done out loud. In 1860, there were about 400 students in one-room schoolhouses taught by one teacher, and another school building at Fifth and Broadway taught older students. The first public high school opened in 1869 with 29 students. By

8550-762: Was in Oakland, Foster created a climate that gave life to a number of firsts: the Arts Magnet School, Far West School, Street Academy, Montera Film Festival (now the National Educational Film Festival), and the Oakland Education Institute (now the Marcus Foster Education Institute). Foster was murdered by the Symbionese Liberation Army in November, 1973. In 2003, OUSD Superintendent Dennis K. Chaconas

8645-630: Was intended to serve Native American students in the Oakland, California ; historically Native Americans had low academic performances in the public schools. Martin Waukazoo, the executive director of the Native American Health Center, was one of the founders of the school. But, shortly after the school was founded, Waukazoo withdrew his support because he believed it put too much emphasis on Native American cultural classes and not enough emphasis on basic educational skills. After its founding,

8740-422: Was named acting superintendent, effective February 1, 2017. The school board selected Kyla Johnson-Trammell to replace Wilson as superintendent in July 2017. Johnson-Trammell grew up in East Oakland, attended Oakland public elementary and middle schools, and had served the district as a teacher, principal, and administrator. In August 2024, OUSD, in partnership with transportation startup company Zum , introduced

8835-459: Was named interim superintendent. In 2008, the state turned control over OUSD back to the city. The local school board hired an interim superintendent, Roberta Mayor, in July 2008 while the school board undertook a year-long search for a permanent leader. Anthony "Tony" Smith was hired in July 2009 as the district's permanent superintendent. Smith resigned suddenly in April 2013 after four years leading

8930-544: Was not closing the school but "curing it." American Indian Public Charter School's Board sued the Oakland School Board and OUSD for what they said was an effort at a hostile takeover of the school. Gail Greely, in the OUSD Charter office, provided concerned parents with an outline of a school closure process. On January 23, 2013, the OUSD Board voted to issue a "Notice of Intent to Revoke" to the AIMS charter system and scheduled

9025-467: Was recruited as principal of the school. He recruited new teachers and imposed strong discipline and study protocols. Test scores increased dramatically over the next several years and student enrollment also increased. Student demographics changed, reflecting the diverse population with more students of Asian, African American and Latino ancestry. The AIM system was established in 2007, expanding to an additional two charter schools: another middle school and

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