Embracing Equity And Centering Community Knowledge In Our Education Strategies

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation has been funding early literacy efforts in Oakland for more than 15 years and we remain committed to our vision of a world where every Oakland child has the literacy skills to thrive. Our new Education Strategic Framework is the result of a two-year review of our early literacy strategies and opportunities for impact. In this video our Education Team-Dana Cilono and Nicole Kendrick-walk you through our new strategies, which embrace equity and center community knowledge.
TRANSCRIPT
[Dana Cilono] Imagine a future where every Oakland child has the skills to thrive, where the power of
literacy unlocks a future of endless possibilities.
[Nicole Kendrick] This is the Kenneth Rainin Foundation's vision for Oakland's children, and today we're excited to announce our new strategies that embrace equity and community knowledge to create this future.
[Dana] Despite challenges, the foundation of Oakland's literacy efforts is strong. Awareness of literacy is growing. Schools are investing in research-aligned curricula and practices, and partnerships are flourishing. Over the next three years, we will build on this strong foundation to help children from birth to age eight in underserved Oakland communities have the skills to thrive. At the heart of each new strategy is Structured Literacy, a proven approach that strengthens children's knowledge of written words and language.
[Nicole] Our first strategy is centered on increasing the number of proven literacy programs in schools and community-based organizations that explicitly and systematically support the skills that are crucial to helping students communicate, learn and thrive.
[Dana] Our second strategy emphasizes enhancing teaching practices. We aim to improve educators’ approach to Structured Literacy and language, along with anti-racist and culturally affirming practices that support children learning.
[Nicole] Our third strategy focuses on strengthening the bonds between families and educators. We're committed to nurturing partnerships that expand families’ roles in literacy development, ensuring that every parent and caregiver is recognized as a leader in their child's education.
[Dana] We are so grateful to our community for helping shape these new strategies. The Rainin Foundation remains committed to centering community perspectives in decision-making and learning.
[Nicole] Together with our partners and grantees, we can create a future where every child in Oakland has the skills to thrive and achieve their full potential.