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?
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.
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).
On November 5, 2020, Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and the City of Alameda’s Social Service Human Relations Board honored this year’s recipients at the Seventh Annual Community Service Awards Ceremony. This year the awards honor individuals, businesses, and organizations that made noteworthy contributions to our community, particularly in advancing racial justice or responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
Alameda Education Foundation won the Non-Profit of the Year award and three AUSD students won Youth Service awards.
On October 8th, AEF was honored to receive an “Impact in Education” award by Representative Rob Bonta of the 18th assembly district. We are delighted to be recognized for our work!
» Read more about: Assembly member Rob Bonta recognizes AEF »
Bay Farm middle schoolers studied lunar landscapes taken by the Hubble Telescope to inspire their artwork. Franklin students were inspired by Jackson Pollack and Ruby Bridges students by Monet. Academy of Alameda students thought about individuals who have made a difference in the world and honored them with collage portraits.
These are just a few samples of student artwork now on display as part of the Alameda Education Foundation’s “Art Across the Island,”
