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Galatzan calling for probe into computer system snafus
* UPDATED Concerned by a slew of problems with the district’s new student management computer system, board member Tamar Galatzan said today she is asking the district’s Inspector General to conduct an audit of the defective rollout. “I demand to know what happened and how this got so messed up,” she told LA School Report. “Because until it...
By Vanessa Romo | August 15, 2014
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Teachers union says computer glitch cost students first day
Officials from LA Unified’s teachers union said today hundreds, perhaps thousands, of students missed the first day of school today due to flaws in the district’s new student data management system, which is designed to enroll and assign students. Colleen Schwab, a UTLA vice president, held up a picture of an empty classroom taken earlier...
By Vanessa Romo | August 12, 2014
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A few new looks for LAUSD as another school year opens
School starts again today. Another year of hoped for higher graduation rates, lower dropout rates, higher academic achievement, lower temperatures between district and teacher union officials negotiating a new bargaining agreement. So what’s really new this year in LA Unified? 1. More digital devices are coming. They’re not going to be all iPads. Thanks to...
By Vanessa Romo | August 12, 2014
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Deasy, LAUSD board members to welcome back students
* UPDATED As LA Unified students begin their first day of school tomorrow, district officials will be out in force, welcoming them. Superintendent John Deasy has a full schedule over two days, with plans to greet principals and to tour schools that are under construction. Planning to visit nearly a dozen campuses tomorrow and Wednesday,...
By Yana Gracile | August 11, 2014
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Teachers in panic over LAUSD’s new computer tracking system
LA Unified has agreed to delay parts of a new student data management system that was set to launch districtwide on Tuesday, the first day of school, after the teachers union and other district employees raised concerns that the technology is riddled with glitches. But UTLA says it’s not enough, and union officials say they...
By Vanessa Romo | August 8, 2014
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Freedom Schools strengthen, empower LA Unified students
Every morning for the last six weeks, Dorsey High School senior Christian Moton has been taking part in a highly charged and energetic morning ceremony when he sings, chants and cheers. “They host Harambee here. Harambee really brings out people’s spirit,” Moton told LA School Report. The daily Harambee, which means “all pull together” in...
By Yana Gracile | July 23, 2014
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LA Unified offers shots to stall rise of whooping cough
In response to a surge in cases of whooping cough, LA Unified is helping parents meet new state immunization requirements by offering immunization shots, beginning July 28. The T-dap shots protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, or whooping cough. Eligible students are Medi-Cal recipients, Native Americans and those without insurance. Students must have a completed an...
By Yana Gracile | July 21, 2014
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With budget boost, LAUSD police gearing up for new year
A budget increase of $4 million is enabling the LASPD, the police force that serves LA Unified, to build on the safety practices the department began implementing last year. The additional funding came as a result of a growing number of school shootings across the country, including the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut,...
By Yana Gracile | July 16, 2014
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Hollywood leaders join program to mentor LAUSD students
For those living in Los Angeles it’s not uncommon to brush up against some aspects of the entertainment industry. Now LAUSD students have the chance to meet and get life advice from Hollywood leaders. The district is partnering with The Creative Coalition, a non-profit arts advocacy group, to create “Show Biz Gives Back,” a mentoring program...
By Vanessa Romo | July 15, 2014
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LA Unified students find their inner artist with help from CalArts
A group of 250 high school students from LA Unified and the surrounding area are putting finishing touches on their art projects this week under the guidance of college faculty and graduate students from California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), a university focused on visual and performing arts. Administered through Community Arts Partnership (CAP), an off-shoot...
By Aaron Stella | July 10, 2014