Today, during a special meeting on “Educational Issues Impacting African American and Other Students of Color” in Washington, D.C., Congressman Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) heard from members of CTA’s delegation to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51^st Annual Legislative Conference.

The congressman is the chair of the House Education and Labor Committee. He joined the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), West Ed and other thought partners.

Also joining the meeting was the Chair of California’s Legislative Black Caucus, state Senator Steven Bradford, as well as the incoming CAAASA Chair who currently serves as Superintendent of Mount Diablo Unified School District, Dr. Adam Clark.

CTA President E. Toby Boyd provided an overview of how CTA’s community schools work disrupts poverty and can address racial, economic and other inequities. Boosted recently by $4.1 billion in state funding over the past two state budget cycles, it is estimated that up to a third of California’s public schools could become community schools over the next five years.

CTA Board Member Taunya Jaco spoke about CTA-sponsored AB 101, a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year in California to establish ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement. We recognize that California has one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, diversity that we celebrate by promoting respect and understanding among races, supporting student academic success, and teaching lifetime critical thinking skills for the 21st century.

CTA Board Member Angela Normand spoke about Oakland Education Association’s ongoing equity work and the Reparations for Black Students campaign.

CTA Board Member Erika Jones spoke about the bargaining proposal from United Teachers Los Angeles regarding Black Student Achievement Plan schools.