I’m an Oakland School Kid (ft. Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch)

The students of Oakland have parodied  Rhiana’s  hit “Please Don’t Stop the Music” to help fight truancy in Oakland’s Unified School District (OUSD). They did an awesome job with this video, “I’m an Oakland School Kid”, and I am also impressed that Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch is a part of this effort. This video, a Portal A Production, is a great way for students to start out the school year. I am confident that there are many schools across the country that may be facing the same challenges that OUSD  is facing- students not showing up.  The beginning of the video was very telling, for me-even though nothing was said. With the ringing of the school bell and with a few of the students feet in the classroom, you can see right away that there are many empty chairs in the classroom. And then the voice over began:

“Good morning class and welcome. Today’s class is about attendance. If you put in the work today, tomorrow you can be whatever you want to be.” The students in the classroom were encouraged to complete a prompt:

“When I grow up I want to be…..Camron” and from there it appears as though the video is shot from the mind of Camron. Take a look at the video above.

There are some really good lyrics in this “I’m an Oakland School Kid” video:

OUSD appears to have launched an all out “war on truancy” with a multifaceted approach to make sure students come to school every day. OUSD even has a tip line that the public can call to report individuals under the age of 18 who are not in school during school hours. Apparently, they are getting results with up to a 32% reduction in truancy between school years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 at the K-8 grade levels. Take a look at the truancy rates of OUSD in the table below (click the image to see a larger version).

Stating the importance of reporting truant students, the site states to the public:

“When students are in school, we all benefit.

When students attend school regularly, their performance improves and their prospects brighten. Schools receive more money to pay for teachers and educational programs. Crime falls, neighborhoods blossom and all of Oakland benefits.

Truancy is society’s problem. Everyone has a stake in fighting it.  Parents can make sure that their children arrive at school on time and stay in regular contact with their students’ teachers.  Residents can notify the school district of potential truants they see in their neighborhood or on the streets.  Anyone can volunteer in the schools or the community to help our youth address the problems and fears that can lead to truancy.”