-
Oscar or no, LA schools’ ‘Last Repair Shop’ at center of nominated documentary has already won big
Even if they don’t win an Oscar, they’ve already won a makeover. Surrounded by blocks of choking Los Angeles traffic, homeless encampments and garbage, a windowless warehouse encircled by a security fence is the unlikely setting for “The Last Repair Shop,” an inspiring documentary now up for an Academy Award on March 10. “You don’t...
By Ben Chapman | March 7, 2024
-
Coalition challenges residency requirements for public schools
More than 40 education advocacy organizations have teamed up to fight longstanding residency requirements that tie children to their local public schools — rather than letting them transfer to places that might serve them better. The No More Lines Coalition aims to end what it calls “discriminatory public school district boundary lines” in all 50 states by...
By Jo Napolitano | March 6, 2024
-
LAUSD rolls out new food truck program with Chef Roy Choi teaching students how to get cooking in the real world
Los Angeles Unified students will soon have the chance to run a food truck on the city’s streets, showcasing the best of their cooking skills while learning to run their own business. Earlier this year, LAUSD superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced the district’s new food truck program in collaboration with software company Intuit and Roy Choi,...
By Jinge Li | March 5, 2024
-
Lost Learning = Lost earning, an equation that could cost the U.S. $31 trillion
American students are lagging behind their international peers in the aftermath of the pandemic, according to a new analysis unveiled by Stanford University economist Eric Hanushek. The ultimate costs of the last few years of incomplete learning will total $31 trillion over the course of the 21st century, the scholar finds — greater than the...
By Kevin Mahnken | March 4, 2024
-
Leader’s view: Black History Month requires action, not just celebration
Black History Month. It’s easy to celebrate, but harder to take action that demonstrates your commitment to who and what you celebrate. Two years ago the Los Angeles Unified School Board demonstrated its commitment to Black students, educators and families by passing the Black Student Excellence Through Educator Diversity, Preparation, and Retention Resolution. The resolution...
By Dr. Laura McGowan-Robinson | February 29, 2024
-
Beyond February: Building Black futures all year, not just for ‘History’ month
As the leader of a majority-Black school in the heart of Brooklyn, I raise my hand in enthusiastic support of Black History Month. It’s a vital platform to reflect on the phenomenal contributions of Black individuals throughout history, igniting conversations and inspiring future generations. Yet, while February provides a powerful spotlight, it shouldn’t be the...
By Garland Thomas-David | February 29, 2024
-
This National CTE Month, celebrating multiple pathways to student success
February is National Career and Technical Education Month, an opportunity to consider how CTE helps young people flourish and reach their potential. Two facts should guide this reflection. First, the K-12 college-for-all model of recent decades does not serve the aspirations and needs of all young people. Second, Americans want opportunity pluralism, believing that many...
By Bruno Manno | February 28, 2024
-
Unsung LAUSD workers starring in Oscar-Nominated ‘The Last Repair Shop’ to walk the red carpet with directors
When the directors of the Oscar nominated short documentary “The Last Repair Shop” walk the red carpet next month, the four LAUSD workers who keep thousands of musical instruments in good repair will be right by their side. The four craftspeople who work in one of the nation’s last free instrument repair shops, are at...
By Sara Balanta | February 27, 2024
-
Gas, food, lodging for homeless students in jeopardy as funding deadline looms
For the past two months, home for Lori Menkedick and her family has been the Evergreen Inn, a Los-Angeles area motel just off Interstate-210. They’ve bounced between similar establishments east of downtown for almost three years. But room rates consume most of the $650 a week her husband earns from construction. The family depends on...
By Linda Jacobson | February 26, 2024
-
Analysis: Wrong ideas about teacher pay, happiness may keep students from the profession
Teachers generally like teaching. They stay in their chosen profession about as long as accountants or social workers stay in theirs. Teachers may not get rich, but they live comfortably middle-class lives. Plus, teachers get to retire a couple of years earlier than other workers. Those are some of the positive narratives that policymakers need...
By Chad Aldeman | February 22, 2024