Oakland Achievement Gap Initiative Gains Momentum

Dr. Vajra Watson praised the school district for “raising the bar for the nation [with] a model for institutionalizing efficacy and disrupting barriers to achievement.”A public schools program aimed at reducing and eliminating the Black male achievement gap has been praised by a University of California, Davis researcher for offering “a beacon of hope.”

Now in its fifth year, the Manhood Development Program, a five-day-a-week, in-school elective course in Oakland, California, has been touted as a national model for school districts nationally.

“I am fascinated by the seeds of courage and determination that spurred a school district to make an unprecedented commitment to the education of Black males,” says Dr. Vajra Watson, director of research and policy for equity at UC Davis. Watson’s recently released report, “The Black Sonrise,” examines the Manhood Development course and mentoring initiative.

Taught by African-American men, the Manhood Development classes for African-American male students feature history and heritage lessons, college and career guidance, and conversations about Black men in U.S. society that support identity development.

The initiative began in 2011 with 50 students at three Oakland schools and quickly expanded in enrollment and reach. This academic year, 450 students are enrolled in Manhood Development across 17 elementary, middle and high schools. There is a wait list for participation.

Blacks make up about 30 percent of Oakland Unified School District enrollment.

The Manhood Development recommended reading list contains respected titles such as Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On The Mountain and Alex Haley’s Roots. Course instructors try to relate the content of the stories to their students’ lives.