Oakland Literacy Coalition July 2010 General Meeting Recap!

Oakland Literacy Coalition July 2010 General Meeting Recap!

Thank you to everyone who came out to the OLC General Meeting on July 21st!  We had a fantastic turnout, an indication of the level of member dedication as well as the extent to which the OLC’s vision is spreading throughout the community.
 
During Wednesday’s meeting, Principal Adam Taylor gave an inspirational welcome and indicated his excitement for collaborating with the OLC at Brookfield Elementary.  He expressed that our work at Brookfield can be a model demonstration school where everyone around the country flocks to see what we’re doing.  He also pointed out that the OLC’s work at Brookfield is not only an opportunity for the kids, faculty and community, but for the members of the Coalition to be enriched through the work we do.  What a wonderful welcome to Brookfield!
 
Special guest Melanie Moore Kubo spoke about “Evaluation – The Difference Between Outputs, Outcomes and Impact on a Population.”  She reminded us to “think from the summit” and noted that by working collectively we, as a Coalition, have a great opportunity to make real social change.  The full presentation is attached.
 
Lynne Rodezno, Director of OUSD's Early Childhood Education Programs, provided an update on the funding crisis facing Early Childhood programs next year.  Next year, they will maintain half day preschool, but will have to cut full day preschool and school aged afterschool care.  The following 7 CDC sites will be closed due to budget cuts: Golden Gate, Hintil Kuu Ca, Jefferson, Manzanita, Piedmont Avenue, Santa Fe and Sequoia.  Parker CDC was also scheduled to close prior to the cuts.
 
Each OLC Task Force reported on progress made toward strategic goals. 

• The Collaboration Task Force has done wonderful work incorporating members of Headstart, OUSD and the community into the task force and setting a stage for future collaboration.  They are looking for additional Task Force members, especially in the school age (K-5) community.  Please contact me if you are interested.  They are also planning a Family Literacy Night at MLK Elementary School in West Oakland for the Spring.
• The Effective Practices Task Force is hard at work planning the Volunteer Training Series for September 13-16 (see attached flyer).  The Collaboration Corner, provided an opportunity for members to hear about successful OLC collaborations.  Reading Partners and Super Stars Literacy discussed the success they’ve had collaborating at Think College Now.  We invite you to post other collaborations and recommendations on the website's forums! (http://oaklandliteracycoalition.org/forums/collaboration-tools-and-document-sharing)
• The Brookfield Literacy Zone and Resource Task Forces provided an update on the Brookfield/OLC collaboration and the resources secured for the project (see attached document for details).  The task force is preparing to start at Brookfield this fall and will meet on Thursday, July 29th at 11 AM at the East Bay Community Foundation.  Oakland Literacy Coalition members will work with current service providers and staff at Brookfield Elementary, Brookfield CDC and Brookfield Head Start over the next 3 years in order to create a coordinated coalition of programs and resources resulting in all Brookfield third grade students reading at a proficient level by the end of 2013. 

 
Upcoming Dates and Reminders:

• Brookfield Task Force Meeting – Thursday, July 29, 11AM-1PM – East Bay Community Foundation, 200 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
• Remember to fill out the OLC Member Survey!  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYJZKNW
• OLC Volunteer Training Series: September 13-16, 4-6PM Daily – Westlake Middle School
• Next Steering Committee Meeting - September 15 at 9:30 -  Rogers Family Foundation
• Next General OLC Meeting - October 27 at 9:30 – East Bay Community Foundation