New Community of Practice Cohort Launched for 10 Promising Practices

In January, Oakland Starting Smart and Strong (OSSS) convened a group of Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) early educators for the first in a series of workshops aimed at improving outcomes for young Black boys. The workshops teach strategies, known as the 10 Promising Practices in Early Learning for Black boys. 

This year, 28 early learning teachers, instructional aides, site principals, and a family health navigator signed up to join the community of practice. 

​The 10 Promising Practices community of practice was developed by the OSSS Boys of Color Workgroup and is designed to move beyond theory into action. 

The community of practice meets once a month to talk about culturally sustaining practices, family engagement, self-reflection, and systems change. 

The first session, focused on trusting relationships, was held in person to facilitate building trust among participants. 

“I loved the energy in the room,” said a preK aide who attended the workshop. “I like that everyone was able to collaborate with each other.”

Another educator says she appreciates the practical nature of the workshop content. “For me, it was very helpful to be able to put these tips into practice with the children. Knowing a child’s background, culture, and family helps us greatly in understanding what activities to do with them, as well as the importance of using appropriate words so as not to misguide them.”

After the in-person launch workshop, the next three workshops are held virtually. In May, participants will meet in person again for an end-of-program celebration. 

Facilitating the community of practice are Dr. LaWanda Wesley, a former OUSD early learning administrator, and Dr. Tasha Henneman, whose research centers on disparate early child care expulsions.

So far, 76 educators and community health practitioners have completed the program. 

In the first cohort, educators from OUSD and Head Start were invited to join. In year two, community child care providers were included and priority was given to those who were based in East Oakland. Last year, Roots Community Health joined the effort as a partner and health navigators joined educators in the group. This year’s cohort is comprised primarily of school site teams, with seven schools sending at least two educators. Highland Child Development Center (CDC) has the largest team participating, with seven educators. Next is Sankofa with four.