BayCES Key Accomplishments   

For the last seven years, BayCES has focused its efforts on partners in our "core geographies" of Oakland, Emeryville, and Berkeley. We have chosen to work with fewer partners for longer periods of time out of a commitment to seeing the work through to a profound and lasting impact on children and youth. This strategy has allowed us to support powerful leaders to create extraordinary change. Currently we are investigating new geographies and partners.

Key Accomplishments

• BayCES co-led the Oakland small schools movement, supporting the design and launch of over 40 new small schools.

• BayCES developed and managed the new small school incubator until it was transferred into the Oakland Unified central office in 2004, becoming the New School Development Group.

• BayCES co-developed and co-led Expect Success, the Oakland Unified comprehensive reform, until it was transitioned into the central office in 2007.

• In the past seven years, BayCES has coached leaders and teachers in over 30 schools in Oakland, new and old, leading to improved outcomes in achievement tests, API, attendance, school climate, graduation and retention rates, and more. These improvements have been confirmed by external evaluation (see Oakland Small Schools Evaluation).

• BayCES supported a district redesign of Emery Unified and has coached the district's two schools and leadership since 1999, leading to increased student achievement and sustainable plans for continued progress.

• At Berkeley High School, BayCES has supported the creation of an internal small school structure allowing for choice and a personalized education for every student.

• BayCES has guided over 400 leaders, teachers, and coaches in Leading for Equity and Coaching for Educational Equity seminars to increase their will and skill as education reformers.