By Carol Lee Tolbert

Boost African American and Black student literacy skills this school year by attending the 2026 ‘Right-To-Read’ film viewing on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. An award-winning documentary exposing the literacy crisis impacting many African American and Black students in our public schools.

In the words of the film’s director, “It’s a game changer.” After the audience views this eye-opening film, our experienced panelists will provide information to parents, guardians, and advocates on how to help children become proficient readers, close the literacy gap, and share why literacy matters.

Here is an example of a comment by a past attendee: “Excellent experience!” “The panel was amazing!”

Why is the film important? In 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported standardized test reading score results of six selected student groups: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Two or More Races, and White.

Sadly, African American/Black students ranked last in fourth-grade reading scores and 5th in eighth-grade reading scores. So, what’s the big deal? According to NAEP, just 10 points can mean a grade-level difference between two students in the same class!

THE MORNING ALSO INCLUDES: A Backpack Giveaway, Fun Activities for Kids, Breakfast, Lunch, Prizes, and Materials!

To be sure, some African American/Black students are thriving in public schools, but far too many are not – as the data reveals. By watching this inspiring film and hearing from panelists, WCCUSD parents, guardians, and advocates can give children a jumpstart on the 2026-2027 school year. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed!

This event is sponsored by the Oakland Eastbay Alliance of Black Educators (OEABE), in partnership with Easter Hill United Methodist Church and United Women of Faith.

Pre-register by July 29 at www.oeabe.org. Space is limited. Inquiries can be emailed to oeabe.info@gmail.com. Event location is 3911 Cutting Blvd, Richmond.

About the Author

Carol Lee Tolbert, M.A., M. Ed., is a former School Board Trustee, Education Consultant, and Vice President of OEABE.

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By Denise Saddler, OUSD Superintendent, Special to The Post

Oakland schools announce their plan to prohibit access to wireless devices with exceptions for emergencies, special needs

As we approach the start of the 2026-27 school year on Monday, Aug. 10, there is a significant change coming to all schools about student cell phone use. Based on a new state law, every school day is now a Cell Phone Free Day.

That means during class, between classes, and during lunch, students will NOT be allowed to use their cell phones except in limited circumstances which are described below. 

Because of the state law, the Board of Education voted in June to make all day, every day, in every school completely cell-phone free for all students. For purposes of this policy, “cell phone” means a smartphone or similar wireless communication device capable of calling, texting or accessing the internet; it does not include a device that a student needs for a documented medical condition or under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, which are addressed below.

There are two ways that schools will be able to put the phone-free policy into effect. They are single lock boxes in classrooms into which all students will be required to place their cell phones at the start of the day. This will primarily be at the elementary level.

At the secondary level, there will be what are called Yondr Pouches, into which students will place their phones at the start of the day. With their phones secure, the students will get to carry around the pouches, with no ability to access them, until the end of the day when they will be unlocked.

All pouches will be unlocked at dismissal, giving students access to their phones after school is over.

Consistent with state law, a student may access a stored phone only

• (1) In a genuine health or safety emergency, as determined by a teacher or school administrator, or
• (2) when a teacher, administrator, or the student’s physician authorizes it

A student who believes they need emergency access should tell a teacher or the front office. In situations in which families need to immediately contact their student, calling the school is the recommended option.

Family members may also choose to email their student; however, this is recommended only for routine, non-urgent contact. During a school safety emergency, the district’s separate emergency communication and reunification procedures, not this phone policy, will govern how families are updated and reunited with students. 

The district’s communication is done through ParentSquare. Through Aeries, all families automatically have a ParentSquare account. It is a good idea to ensure you are registered to receive notifications from ParentSquare.

The basis for the state law and our Board Policy (BP 5131.8) is a need to eliminate distractions from learning in school. We know that when students are playing with their phones, they are not paying attention in class. Likewise, phones along with social media can cause not only distractions but also conflict between students.

This new policy is intended to help keep those conflicts to a minimum.

Phone use can also slow the growth of social skills in some students, which is partly why phone use will not be allowed during lunch and longer breaks so students can more easily engage with each other in person.

Likewise, as we adults well know, smart phone use can be addictive. This new policy will help students better control their phone use and prevent them from excessively engaging online.

We recognize some students may need continued access to a phone or similar device during the school day because of a documented medical need or because it is required under an IEP or Section 504 Plan. Families seeking an accommodation should contact their school’s front office or their student’s IEP/504 case manager, before the first day of school. 

The district will provide schools the resources they will need to implement and enforce the cell phone-free school days. Please inform your student about what is coming regarding the elimination of student cell-phone use during the school day.

We deeply appreciate the support from our families and all staff to ensure that this new policy is in place and effective starting on the first day of school, Aug. 10.

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In Oakland on July 13, Gov. Newsom signed AB 179 — the state’s new housing budget trailer bill that cuts red tape, modernizes how California finances affordable housing, and lowers the cost of building a unit by up to $70,000.

The legislation builds on the governor’s efforts that have reversed decades of inaction on housing and homelessness — creating more homes and the largest reduction in unsheltered homelessness in more than 15 years. 

Oakland is the first pro-housing city in the Bay Area, and it’s not slowing down. Oakland is cutting through bureaucracy, unlocking new financing, and clearing the path for more affordable homes to get built faster.

Special thanks to East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBADC), State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk Silva, and California Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez.

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