In February 2013, the Oakland School Board voted to completely close what was left of their Adult School.
Everything was going to end in June.
In the past, Oakland Adult School served over 20,000 students.
Oakland Adult School is 142 years old. It used to be the fifth largest Adult School in California.
But after many cuts, it was very small.
Just a few classes remained.
6 family literacy classes, some GED, and a few career tech classes.
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| La Escuelita Family Literacy Class in their REd for Adult Education Unity |
And Oakland School Board wanted to close them.
But... those classes are mighty!
Look what they did:
The students stood up.
They wore their red tshirts.
They held up their signs.
They wore caps and gowns and talked about GEDs.
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Adult education supporters (from left) Sandro Uribe, Gustavo Sandoval, Angelica Pacheco, Isela Palma Marcelino and Ivon Reyes urge the Oakland school board to keep adult education programs. Credit: Carolyn Chin
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Isela Palma Marcelino, a GED student said, “I really need the class. I want to work in a day care center and they require a GED.” Marcelino also plans to go to college and says studying for the GED has made it possible for her to help her children with their homework. (Edsource)
A young boy told the School Board, "Keep my mom's class open!"
They said, "Adult Education matters!"
And guess what?!
At a meeting Wednesday evening, May 22nd, the School Board changed their minds.
For the first time, every member of the Oakland School Board voted YES, keep the Adult School classes open.
Oakland Adult School is still very small. There are only a few classes.
But these classes are mighty!
They are the little acorn that can grow into a big oak to once again serve all the people in Oakland.
They are the little engine that could... that says, "I think I can... I think I can... " Si, se puede!
This is a good day.
It is a good day for Oakland.
It is a good day for California.
It is a good day for all of us.
We see that even after great loss and difficulty, good can happen.
Life is strong. People are strong.
We can rebuild and renew Adult Education. (Sign and share the petition!)
Remember the little engine: "I think I can... I think I can... " Si, se puede!
All photos of the Oakland Adult School Students are courtesy of La Escuelita Family Literacy class.
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