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Three for LAUSD Board – and for Education Reform
The result could either confirm the slow move toward innovation and reform in the nation’s second-largest school district. Or it could reverse the course, destroying the few steps the district has taken in recent years to shake up the old, failing education structure. LA Daily News Editorial

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Bloomberg’s Meddling in L.A. Unified Races Is Paying for Junk Ads
The wealthy New York mayor’s $1-million contribution to the Coalition for School Reform is helping fund attack ads in L.A. that distort the truth and misinform voters. LA Times Steve Lopez Column

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Brown’s School Funding Plan Draws Mixed Reactions
The governor’s proposal would funnel more money to low-income, English-learning or foster-care students. Not everyone thinks that’s fair. LA Times
See also: LA Daily News

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Los Angeles Unified School District Takes First Steps to Equip Students With Tablets
Last week, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board approved to spend $50 million to purchase tablets, install wireless networks, and provide teacher training for approximately 30,000 students at 47 schools. EdSurge

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Schools and City Hall
To the cynically tuned ear, two remarks by Los Angeles Councilman Eric Garcetti in recent days seem to suggest the perils of a mayoral candidacy dependent, at least in some measure, on support from United Teachers Los Angeles, the union that represents local teachers. LA Times Jim Newton Column

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Districts Abandoning At-Large School Board Elections
Even though the 18,650-student Pasadena Unified district serves a locale of more than 202,300 residents, school board candidate Mr. Ayala aims to reach voters in an area of only 28,900 for this race, as a result of the school district’s recent switch from at-large elections—in which voters can cast ballots for any candidate—to trustee or “district” elections, in which voters select a candidate on the basis of where they live. EdWeek

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Low Achievement Imperils Black Students in L.A., Report Says
African American students in Los Angeles County demonstrate significant learning gaps by second grade, which widen with age and lead to the highest school dropout rate among all races, according to a new report released Monday. LA Times

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California Creates New School Grade to Ease 4-Year-Olds Into Kindergarten
California has implemented a new grade called Transitional Kindergarten (or TK for short). In its first year, this new grade aims to bridge the gap between the play-world of preschool and the rigors of kindergarten. KPCC

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Parents Accuse LAUSD of Allowing Out-of-Area Kids at High-Performing Studio City School
A much-sought-after elementary school in Studio City is proving too popular. Carpenter Community Charter School says parents from outside the area are committing fraud to get their kids admitted. Now the school is overcrowded. ABC LA

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District NCLB Waivers: Do Risks Outweigh Rewards?
During a Senate hearing earlier this month on the U.S. Department of Education’s state waiver program under the No Child Left Behind Act, Education Secretary Arne Duncan was asked point-blank if he was considering offering similar flexibility for school districts. EdWeek

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Bill Would Open the Door to Undergraduate Teaching Credentials
For the first time in decades, aspiring teachers in California would be able to major in education as undergraduates and get both a preliminary teaching credential and a baccalaureate degree in four years if a bill in the Legislature becomes law. EdSource

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North Hollywood High Captures Regional Science Bowl for 8th Straight Year
North Hollywood High won this weekend’s regional Science Bowl for the eighth consecutive year, and will compete in April for the national title. LA Daily News

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Attorney Claims LAUSD Cover-Up in George De La Torre School Sex Abuse
An attorney claims the LAUSD is trying to cover up alleged sex abuse by a teacher at George De La Torre Jr. Elementary. ABC LA

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