Dr. Rex C. Fortune’s new book, “Bridging the Achievement Gap, What Successful Educators and Parents Do,” was the focus of a book launch event and discussion Saturday afternoon at Underground Books in Oak Park. Following a warm introduction by host Mother Rose, proprietor of Underground Books, Fortune, who earned his PhD in education from Stanford University in 1972, conveyed the inspiration, insight and leadership that have been the hallmark of his distinguished career as an educator. Fortune first shared his heartfelt gratitude towards his son, Rex C. Fortune III, and Phawnda Moore, both of whom were present at the event and were instrumental in seeing the book through to completion. F

“How can low-achieving minorities close the achievement gap?” Rex Fortune asked. If you’re a parent, teacher or educator, that’s a complex question. After several years of meticulously researching 20 California public schools, and personally visiting 7 exemplary models, the Sacramento education reform advocate listened to principals, teachers and parents, and has some answers for everyone. They’re surprising – and proven to be effective. Fortune holds a doctorate in education from Stanford University and has been a local educator for more than 40 years. He acknowledges that the achievement gap is both a local and a national issue and one that affects not only minority families, but als

Members of Sacramento’s Latino community gathered Thursday night to ask questions and voice concerns at the first of Mayor Kevin Johnson’s Town Hall meetings for his 2012 campaign. Education and lack of funding for city public schools took top priority in the discussions. “There is nothing more important than our public education system, and we must do a better job with our schools,” said Mayor Johnson. Approximately 150 people attended the Town Hall at La Familia Counseling Center in North Franklin. Seats filled quickly and dozens of concerned community members stood in the entryway and aisles. Affordable access to health care, racial profiling by police, support and funding for the art

As their peers celebrate the last day of school, many Sacramento students will head home facing an uncertain summer. With only a one-day notice, SCUSD called a special Board of Education Meeting to be held on Thursday – the last day of school. The Board will consider a staff suggestion to eliminate summer school programs district wide. Due to budget constraints, enrichment programs have already been stripped from the district’s summer school agenda. Kara Broderick, a first and second grade teacher at David Lubin Elementary, said that teachers were asked “only to recommend students that were below basic or far below basic” grade levels. The Board will decide Thursday whether or not to elim