top of page
DSC01847.jpg

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

PLAN YOUR PATH

Copy of 44-2_white.jpg

Keynotes & Can't Miss Sessions

Copy of OLC_Sypmosium_digital_HomeBanner.jpg

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

8:45 AM TO 12:15 PM
COMMUNITY SITE VISITS

Our Friday morning site visits will highlight literacy and learning in Oakland schools. Join us for live classroom observations and discussions. Site visits are open to all registered Literacy & Justice for All Symposium attendees, and seats are extremely limited.

Thank you to our partners FULCRUM, Oakland Starting Smart and Strong, and OUSD Library Services for hosting and facilitating site visits.

 

This opportunity is exclusively offered to registered attendees. If you haven't registered yet for the symposium, please start here: www.LiteracyandJusticeForAll.org/register
 

Grass Valley Elementary School

Our K-5 learning walk will provide participants an opportunity to see comprehensive K-5 evidence-based literacy implementation, including small group foundational skills with early learning tutors, whole group language comprehension, and specialized academic instruction of core curriculum implemented in a self-contained classroom for students with IEPs. Attendees will be equipped with tools for conducting their own learning walks and have the opportunity to engage with leaders, seeking advice on implementation while addressing potential roadblocks and pitfalls. 
(Sold out - contact symposium@oaklandliteracycoalition.org for waiting list)

Cox Academy, Education for Change Public Schools

Our learning walk experience is designed to inspire participants by showcasing successful models of early literacy instruction and offering the chance to observe effective K-2 classroom practices in action. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools for conducting their own learning walks and will have meaningful opportunities to engage with educational leaders, seek guidance on implementation, and address potential roadblocks or challenges.

Oakland International High School: Newcomer Multilingual Learners

Spend the morning getting to know what foundational literacy looks like in the context of Newcomer Multilingual Learners in a high school context. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the current state and history of the literacy department at OIHS and see what systems are in place to allow all students to develop English language and literacy skills. Attendees will also observe mixed-grade (9th-11th grade) literacy classrooms with time to debrief and ask questions at the end.

Unity Council Head Start: De Colores Head Start Center

Located in the heart of the vibrant Fruitvale neighborhood, the Unity Council’s De Colores Center provides early care and education programming at the Fruitvale Village, a multi-use development. During your visit, you'll have the unique opportunity to observe De Colores' Head Start program in action. Watch as children engage in their play-based curriculum, thoughtfully designed to build crucial school readiness skills with a special emphasis on early literacy and language development. We will have an interactive Q&A session with teachers and staff and engage in an in-depth discussion of De Colores' approach to integrating literacy into daily activities.

Emerson Elementary, OUSD Library Services

Join us for an insightful visit to explore how OUSD libraries support literacy and learning across K-12. Participants will tour an elementary library, hear from both elementary and secondary librarians about their programs and services, and learn about the state of OUSD libraries. Discover how expanding access to print and digital resources is transforming student engagement with reading and research, and gain a deeper understanding of the vital role libraries play in fostering academic success. This site visit is intended for all community organizations and educators.

CAPACITY IS LIMITED AND IS RESERVED FOR SYMPOSIUM ATTENDEES.  BE SURE TO ARRIVE EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SEAT!

4:00 - 6:00 PM
OPENING RECEPTION

IMMERSIVE PODCAST EXPERIENCE

Melissa & Lori Love Literacy
Melissa Loftus and Lori Sapperton

Join the Oakland Literacy Coalition as we kick off Literacy and Justice for All 2025 with an Immersive Podcast Experience. You'll have the chance to participate in a live recording of the popular "Melissa & Lori Love Literacy" podcast.

 

Featuring:

Leroy Gaines

Elementary Network Superintendent for Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)

 

Tala Kauzer

Literacy Coach for OUSD

Copy of OLC_Sypmosium_digital_HomeBanner.jpg

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
MORNING PLENARY

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul

Co-Founder, Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy & Author of Antiracist Reading Revolution: A Framework for Teaching Beyond Representation Toward Liberation

dr-sonya-cherry-paul-lj4all-2025-keynote-speaker.png

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
BLOCK 1 WORKSHOPS

Concurrent session offerings include:

SUPPORTING ENGLISH LEARNERS THROUGH A MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS

Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan

President, Valley Speech Language and Learning Center

+ 5 ADDITIONAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS

12:00 PM - 1:20 PM
LUNCH SESSIONS

LUNCH TABLE TALKS

+ 3 ADDITIONAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS

1:30 PM - 2:20 AM
AFTERNOON PLENARY

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Dr. Bettina L. Love

Co-Founder, Abolitionist Teaching Network & Author of Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal

dr-bettina-love-lj4all-2025-keynote-speaker.png

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
BLOCK 2 WORKSHOPS

Concurrent session offerings include:
claude-goldenberg-lj4all-2025.png

WHAT'S "READING SCIENCE" GOT TO DO WITH ENGLISH LEARNERS? 

Dr. Claude Goldenberg

Professor Emeritus, Stanford University

+ 8 ADDITIONAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS

3:50 PM - 4:50 PM
BLOCK 3 WORKSHOPS

Concurrent session offerings include:

INCLUDING LANGUAGE VARIATION TO IMPROVE READING PERFORMANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN

Dr. Julie Washington

Professor, University of California - Irvine

julie-washington-lj4all-2025.png
+ 5 ADDITIONAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS
lj4all-2025-closing-plenary-panel.png

5:00 PM - 6:00 AM
CLOSING PLENARY

SYSTEMS APPROACH-STEERING POSITIVE CHANGE IN EVIDENCE-BASED LITERACY INSTRUCTION

​Guadalupe Guerrero

CEO of The Partnership for LA Schools

 

Staci Taylor

Deputy Superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System

Kareem Weaver

Co-Founder & Executive Director of FULCRUM

moderated by

Dr. Claude Goldenberg

Professor Emeritus, Stanford University

bottom of page