EdTrust-West

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EdTrust-West Working to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in California’s education system.

EdTrust-West is an evidence-driven advocacy organization committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the California education system. For over two decades, EdTrust-West has worked to improve racial equity in education by engaging diverse communities and increasing political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners will thrive.

"District leaders also reported that many teachers lack the knowledge and skills to teach math in ways aligned with curr...
10/16/2026

"District leaders also reported that many teachers lack the knowledge and skills to teach math in ways aligned with current state standards… Only 77% of the state’s math classes are taught by teachers fully credentialed to teach the subjects, students and grade levels they are assigned, said Melissa Valenzuela-Stookey, the director of P-16 research at EdTrust-West.”

🔗 Read the full article from EdSource here: edtrustwest.info/media-26

📌 If you're wondering if students in your community have access to fully prepared teachers, including math teachers in particular, explore the data in your area through the Teacher Assignment Monitoring Outcomes (TAMO) data tool: edtrustwest.info/TAMO-2026

"Once again, the results show glaring gaps in outcomes for Black and Latino students, Native American students, English ...
10/15/2026

"Once again, the results show glaring gaps in outcomes for Black and Latino students, Native American students, English learners and students from low-income households, which suggests that our systems still aren’t providing the supports and opportunities they need to reach their full potential." - Melissa Valenzuela-Stookey, Director of P-16 Research

🔗 Read the full article from EdSource here: edtrustwest.info/media-25

📌 Read EdTrust-West's response to the release of the 2026 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results and California School Dashboard data here: edtrustwest.info/2026-CAASPP

"These data prove that California has been stuck in a cycle of incremental change while other states with fewer resource...
10/15/2026

"These data prove that California has been stuck in a cycle of incremental change while other states with fewer resources are making real strides. The status quo is not working for our students. We need leaders willing to take bold steps forward. In a few short weeks, California voters will choose which new governor, lieutenant governor, superintendent of public instruction, and other elected officials to trust with the power to change this. If state leaders are willing to commit genuinely adequate and equitable funding to education and strengthen our accountability system, then they can." -Rachel Ruffalo, Deputy Director of Strategic Advocacy at EdTrust-West

Read the full statement here: edtrustwest.info/2026-CAASPP

Educators of color make a measurable difference for students; yet, they remain underrepresented in California classrooms...
10/15/2026

Educators of color make a measurable difference for students; yet, they remain underrepresented in California classrooms. Board resolutions are one of the most direct tools school boards have to change that.

Join us on October 22 for a webinar to dig into our new Board Resolutions Toolkit (edtrustwest.info/board-reso-guide) and hear from a panel of board members and leaders on what it takes to move a resolution from idea to adoption.

📅 October 22, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 PM PT
🔗 Register: edtrustwest.info/Policy-That-Delivers

🚨Public dollars belong in public schools.That's why EdTrust-West and a growing coalition of education, advocacy, and com...
10/14/2026

🚨Public dollars belong in public schools.

That's why EdTrust-West and a growing coalition of education, advocacy, and community partners are calling on the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom to reject the Federal Voucher Tax Credit Program.

Our latest Equity Alert outlines why California should opt out and uphold its commitment to public education. Join us and add your organization’s voice to the growing call to keep public dollars in public schools.

🔸Read our Equity Alert: edtrustwest.info/Equity-Alert-Voucher

🔸Sign your organization on today: edtrustwest.info/SignOnRejectVouchers

🔸Directly tell Governor Newsom: opt out of the Federal Voucher Tax Credit Program: edtrustwest.info/Tell-Your-Governor

  EdTrust-West seeks a Director of TK-12 Policy. The Director leads the vision, strategy, and ex*****on of a policy agen...
10/14/2026

EdTrust-West seeks a Director of TK-12 Policy. The Director leads the vision, strategy, and ex*****on of a policy agenda focused on advancing education equity through systems change, guiding the development of clear, high-quality policy positions and resources while adapting to evolving policy landscapes. This role serves as a key external and internal thought leader, building relationships and influencing stakeholders, policymakers, and funders to elevate organizational priorities and demonstrate policy impact.

Available immediately, this role is based in our Oakland office. Applicants located in the Greater Los Angeles and Sacramento regions are also encouraged to apply. Oakland and Sacramento based employees are eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week. Greater Los Angeles based employees may work remotely, with travel to Oakland and Sacramento as required. The Director of TK-12 Policy reports to the Deputy Director, Strategic Advocacy, and will supervise a small team.

📌 Learn more details and apply here: edtrustwest.info/hiring7

Join us for the Education Justice Lab—Pathways to Opportunity: Rethinking College and Career Readiness in California.📆 O...
10/14/2026

Join us for the Education Justice Lab—Pathways to Opportunity: Rethinking College and Career Readiness in California.

📆 October 26, 2026 | 9:30am - 2:30pm
📍Los Angeles, CA

Every student deserves access to coherent, equitable pathways that prepare them for college, career, and lifelong economic mobility.

In this Lab, we'll be bringing together practitioners, community partners, and systems leaders to examine what's working, where inequities remain, and how California can better align policy and practice. Come learn, share, and build advocacy strategies alongside community and equity-focused partners. No expertise needed, just your voice and lived experience.

🔗Register here by October 21, 2026: edtrustwest.info/Pathways-to-Opportunity

10/13/2026

California's math achievement gaps are not inevitable. They reflect unequal access to opportunities, resources, and support. Today, our Director of P-16 Research, Melissa Valenzuela-Stookey, joined the Assembly Education Committee to share our research on the disparities that continue to leave too many students behind and the evidence-based solutions that can help close those gaps. Thank you to Chair Patel for the invitation and for convening this important conversation on the future of math education in California.

Big news! We are thrilled to announce that our Black Student Success Data Tool won an Eddie Award at the PIE Network con...
10/12/2026

Big news! We are thrilled to announce that our Black Student Success Data Tool won an Eddie Award at the PIE Network conference in Chicago! This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of so many who helped bring this equity-driven tool to life, specifically our colleagues Vanessa Romo for her collaborative leadership and Kelsey Hernandez for her leadership in the widespread sharing of this incredible tool.

We are especially thankful to community stakeholders who contributed to the development of the tool and those who are using this data to drive positive change for students.

The Black Student Success Data Tool shows how LAUSD schools serve Black students, using publicly available data, academic outcomes, and BSAP funding.

To learn more, please visit: edtrustwest.info/BlackStudentSuccessTool

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous communi...
10/12/2026

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous communities. As we celebrate, we also recognize the importance of ensuring students learn accurate, inclusive histories that center Indigenous voices and experiences.

📌 Please take a moment to check out these resources for educators and advocates from the National Education Association: edtrustwest.info/NEAresources

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580 2nd Street, Suite 200
Oakland, CA
94607

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