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Deasy’s Theme for New School Year: ‘The Genius Among Us’
Today, in Part Two of Vanessa Romo’s interview with LA Unified Superintendent John Deasy, he talks about the year ahead as schools open today, the district’s new iPad program and local spending formulas. He also talks about his personal reading habits, which do not include a certain new digital device. Q: What are some of...
By LA School Report | August 13, 2013
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Deasy: ‘One of the Biggest Adjustments Ever’
LA Unified opens its doors for a new school year tomorrow, and despite an especially contentious few months for LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy, he’s all optimism. In Part One of a two-part interview, LA School Report contributor Vanessa Romo talks with Deasy about his relationship with teachers, the challenges of pioneering the new Common Core...
By LA School Report | August 12, 2013
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Matt Damon and His Really Hard Public School Dilemma
Look, sometimes it’s tough being famous. People crave what you have to say. They believe you when you espouse certain opinions. They trust you. They like to think you’re a Celebrity of Your Word. But then there’s that touchy issue of education. Hmm. Yes, you’re a huge supporter of public schools . . . but...
By LA School Report | August 9, 2013
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Deasy to LAUSD Administrators: I’m Staying on the Job
John Deasy isn’t leaving. In his annual address to LA Unified administrators, the LASUSD Superintendent addressed head-on recent reports that his rocky relationship with the school board may lead to his resignation or removal. “A lot of chatter this summer, if you read blogs or read newspapers,” he said, “So let’s clear that up really quickly:...
By Hillel Aron | August 8, 2013
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Slim Gains, Slight Drop in English for LA Unified in CA Test Scores
Scores from statewide California tests taken by LA Unified students in the 2012-2013 academic year were only slightly higher than results from the year before. While the gains were more modest than in previous years, they still reflected overall improvement while the state average fell by a fraction of a percentage point. “We’ve outpaced the...
By Hillel Aron | August 8, 2013
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Deciphering the Kayser Letter (updated)
Reporters were left scrambling late Friday afternoon when they received copies of a letter sent by School Board member Bennett Kayser to Superintendent John Deasy, asking Deasy to develop a “succession plan” for the superintendent and other senior staff. The letter was littered with typos: The date at the top read “7/19/23.” The word “therefore”...
By Hillel Aron | July 22, 2013
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Is Kayser Pushing Deasy Out the Door?
School Board member Bennett Kayer is asking Superintendent John Deasy, to draw up a “succession plan” for the superintendent and his senior staff. “As the District mandates that every school have an emergency plan, so must our leadership and its structure,” Kayer says in a letter addressed to Deasy, a copy of which was obtained...
By Hillel Aron | July 19, 2013
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Commentary: Deasy-Style Reform Stresses Kids, Educators
This is a guest commentary from veteran Oklahoma City high school teacher John Thompson, who writes about school reform issues at the Huffington Post, This Week In Education, and other outlets: NPR’s Rachel Martin, in Superintendent’s Effort To Do Right By His Kids, nailed the essence of LA Superintendent John Deasy’s zealotry, as well as the hubris...
By Guest contributor | July 12, 2013
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Listen: Deasy on “Adult Stress” vs. What Kids Need
If you haven’t listened to it already, check out this NPR interview with LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy from last week — taped at the Aspen Ideas Festival just before the LAUSD School Board meeting. [Or, you can read the transcript here.]: In the interview, Deasy addresses criticism of his work and acknowledges the many stress his...
By LA School Report | July 12, 2013
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Unions Send Letter of Concern over Deasy Comments
The unions that represent LAUSD teachers and administrators have sent the School Board a letter raising “a concern” over controversial comments Superintendent John Deasy made to LA School Report in June. Last month, following a decision by the Board to postpone voting on a motion by Tamar Galatzan to allow schools greater autonomy over how...
By Hillel Aron | July 10, 2013