by Vicki Sedlack, Executive Director of AEF
Equity is a word we hear a lot these days, even more so since the pandemic.
But what exactly is equity? How do we achieve it? And how do we know if we have?
It is easier to say what equity is not, and it is not equality. The illustration below is often used to make this distinction.
But does this illustration truly depict equity?
AEF recently awarded a mini grant to AUSD student support services to purchase a bicycle for a student in need. Here’s the scoop from the program manager:
“AUSD’s Coordination of Services team is so proud of the way this student has begun the school year—so positively! She recently got a job and she really wants to arrive at school and work on time this year. She mentioned to our attendance clerk that she is frustrated that she doesn’t have a lot of say of when she gets places,
A visit to Maryln Mori’s studio will inspire students to...
The pandemic and remote teaching and learning made teachers, students and families painfully aware of just how vital technology is to student learning. No longer just optional, today technology is a crucial interface for learning.
» Read more about: Alameda Municipal Power a Valued Partner in Technology Support »
AEF is proud to announce that students at Paden Elementary school (Ruby Bridges has dropped out of the program) will be raising their voices and singing out proud in the 2021-22 school year with Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir’s Community Voices Choir. Through engaging songs and community-building musical games, students will build an understanding of their voice, musical skills in rhythm and matching pitches, and learn to read music.
Fall Enrichment classes have started! All classes are being held outside as an added precaution as advised by the Alameda Unified School District. This school year AEF is offering a variety of favorite enrichment programs in science, arts, chess, tennis and cross country running as well as new ones like golf and choir. AEF is requiring full vaccination of all instructors (coaches, etc.) by Oct. 15. So far, all instructors are already fully vaccinated. AEF will monitor AQI (air quality) on smoky days and will cancel outdoor classes if the AQI reaches 151 or more.
» Read more about: Fall Enrichment Classes Are Beginning Outside »
AEF’s Art Across the Island (AATI) program will soon be spinning off into two programs. AATI will remain a showcase for AUSD students’ artwork displayed in a variety of venues across Alameda. The newly named “Art Changes” program will be an amazing resource for teachers who want to supplement art instruction in the classroom. The program features videos of artists from many ethnic backgrounds discussing their work along with related art projects for students.
» Read more about: Art Changes Program an Inspiring Resource for Teachers »
With a focus specifically on need and equity, our new Teacher Mini-Grants provide an opportunity for teachers to apply for items that will benefit their students but that are not covered in the school budget. Many of these grants focus on teachers at Title I schools and special programs, such as Special Ed and English Language Learning. (The Teacher Mini Grant program replaces AEF’s previous Adopt A Classroom program and enables your donation to more effectively reach those most in need).
