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LAUSD’s plan to stave off financial ruin and a potential county takeover: Cut 15 percent of central office staff and save $86 million

Updated Dec. 11 L.A. Unified is facing a new deadline to prove to its county overseers that it will be able to stay afloat. By Monday, Dec. 17, the district must submit a revised plan to show how it will address its structural deficit that could render L.A. Unified insolvent within three years, meaning it...
By Laura Greanias | December 10, 2018
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LAUSD parents stuck ‘in the middle’ as Los Angeles braces for a likely teacher strike

*Updated Dec. 10 As L.A. Unified and its teachers union ratchet up preparations for what is increasingly looking like the first teacher strike in 30 years, district parents are torn — and frustrated that the two sides can’t negotiate a solution. While parents love and appreciate their teachers, they also don’t want their children’s education...
By Taylor Swaak | December 9, 2018
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10 candidates will be on the ballot in March to fill LAUSD’s vacant school board seat

*Updated Dec. 13 Ten of the 17 individuals who filed their intention to run for the upcoming special election for LA Unified’s vacant school board seat have officially qualified to be on the March 5 ballot in Board District 5. The winner will fill out the term of Ref Rodríguez, serving only a year and a...
By Esmeralda Fabián Romero | December 5, 2018
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New poll finds teachers are unlikely to recommend their profession and are disillusioned with parents and school boards

American teachers are less enthused about their jobs than are local politicians or active-duty military personnel, according to the 2018 EdChoice Schooling in America Survey. After a year that saw educators revolt over low pay, and teachers unions seriously weakened by a landmark Supreme Court decision, the survey also found the profession disillusioned with parents...
By Kevin Mahnken | December 4, 2018
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New help for LAUSD’s English learners: Individualized plans seek to boost graduation and reclassification rates

As English learners in LA Unified continue to post little to no growth on state tests, the district this year has a new strategy to help students become proficient in English. Struggling English learners have started getting individualized reclassification plans, similar to the plans known as IEP’s that outline the needs and supports for each student...
By Esmeralda Fabián Romero | December 3, 2018
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‘Just handing out diplomas’? New study shows California students are enrolling in ‘credit recovery’ programs at a rate 60 percent above the national average

California high schoolers who have failed classes take makeup courses in larger numbers, and at higher rates, than most of their peers nationwide, a new study finds. About 12.9 percent of the state’s high schoolers attending schools with so-called “credit recovery” programs are enrolled in them. That’s 60 percent higher than the national average of...
By Taylor Swaak | November 29, 2018
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Telfair Elementary: The heart of LAUSD’s homeless crisis could become ground zero for change

*Updated Nov. 28 If LA Unified’s growing student homeless crisis had an epicenter, Telfair Elementary in the northeast San Fernando Valley would be it. Last year the school had the highest percentage of homeless students; so far this year, it’s tied for first place. And as the district explores expanding support for its estimated 16,000...
By Taylor Swaak | November 27, 2018
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California’s graduation rate rises, but there’s no improvement in students’ eligibility for state universities

California posted a near all-time high graduation rate — 83 percent for the Class of 2018 — but the rate of students eligible to apply for state universities hasn’t budged, according to data released last week by the California Department of Education. In LA Unified, the state’s largest school district, the graduation rate rose to...
By Taylor Swaak | November 26, 2018
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New report sounds the alarm in California: Only 1 in 8 Latinos has a four-year college degree — and Newsom and state legislators need to act now to boost college graduates by 2030

The authors of a new report are calling on California’s newly elected governor, Gavin Newsom, and state legislators to do more to ensure Latinos graduate from college. Only 12 percent of Latinos attain a four-year college degree, and they continue to be the group with the lowest rate of college completion in the state and lag behind...
By Esmeralda Fabián Romero | November 25, 2018
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The schools we remember most: 7 educators we’re thankful we met this year

From coast to coast, and up and down the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Los Angeles to Washington state, we’ve spent the year traversing the country in search of innovative schools and inspiring student breakthroughs. Along the way, we’ve met many inspiring educators who are lifting up their students and their communities. As we...
By LA School Report | November 20, 2018