PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
PLAN YOUR PATH
Keynotes & Can't Miss Sessions
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
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
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
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