Partnership for Quality Education

We must have a vision of what all of our children can be, regardless of their station in life when they are born. We need partnerships with everyone in the community in order to ensure this vision is realized.

Every child possesses a unique set of talents, skills and inclinations which we should seek to develop fully. We want the best outcomes for them and should build and sustain our schools, after school programs, park and recreation activities and character development opportunities to those ends. The supports, protections and opportunities for their growth should be promoted by every function of City government.

As we rebuild our school system to produce leaders and workers for the information age, we must provide choices for parents and students; alternatives for those who have dropped out or been pushed out; and meaningful connections to higher education and the world of work. Our goals should include:

• 21st Century literacy (every child should be a well-read critical thinker, who is multi-lingual, and who is proficient in the use of technological resources);

• 21st Century numeracy (every child should be math proficient, starting with algebra proficiency by the 8th grade); and

• 21st Century participation (actively engaged in civic life as a basic/competency)

We must have a vision for what it means to be a young adult in Oakland, and then begin to build an infrastructure that will actualize that vision. Our city must be an attractive and welcoming place which provides the opportunity for young adults to take part in civic life - in its economy, its recreational activities, its night life and its spiritual well-being. As a world class city-in-the-making, Oakland must promote the possibilities of freedom to be your self while enjoying a vibrant and dynamic exchange with others.

We must provide an abundant supply of resources so that all of our community members can cultivate a healthy lifestyle. This achievement will depend entirely on the engagement and commitment of ALL community members.

We must have a vision of how our elders, those with life experiences and wisdom, can engage in working with youth as volunteers; to have meaningful interactions with the community at-large; feel safe and care for through an inter generation system of care. We often leave our seniors to sit and waste away in care facilities and isolated in their homes.

Our city, and it’s partners, must demonstrate a capacity to care for them, be inspired by them, learn from them and cherish their contributions as workers, volunteers and mentors.