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In a new effort to gain wider perspectives for technology projects, LA Unified has formed a New Technology Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the district’s various labor partners. As the district said in a statement, now on its website, the committee strives “to foster and strengthen relationships” with LA Unified’s labor partners, community members and others in the spirit of collaboration.

“We need to listen to the people that use the data and the community,” said Superintendent Ramon Cortines. “We need to be constructively critical of what we are doing, and the District won’t do things in isolation anymore.”

One of the strongest proponents for forming such a committee was the teachers union, UTLA. But when the new committee met for the first time yesterday, no one from UTLA attended. Unclear why. A request to UTLA for an explanation drew no response.

Valley Robotics Competition

The first Reseda’s VEX Victory in the Valley Robotics Competition is taking place Saturday at Reseda High School. A total of 38 teams from middle and high schools in southern California are participating, including a number from LA Unified.

The competition is sponsored by VEX Robotics and the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (REC) and hosted by Reseda Regent’s Robotics. It will feature robots built by students with the VEX Robotics Design System and is one of a number of tournaments that leads up to the VEX Robotics World Championship at the Anaheim Convention Center this spring. Click here for more information.

 

LAUSD 5K ‘Move It’ Challenge

Thousands of LA Unified students, parents and staff are expected to descend on Dodger Stadium for the district’s second annual 5K “Move It” Challenge and Health Festival on Nov. 22.

The event is intended to raise awareness on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and serve as a fundraiser for the district’s Wellness Centers. LAUSD has more than a dozen Wellness Centers that offer free health programs, services and education

Click here to learn more about the event. 

Test results show state’s students more fit

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said today that the percentage of students who met the Healthy Fitness Zone performance standards in all six areas went up again this year, according to results from the 2013‒14 Physical Fitness Test.

“It’s encouraging to see our students becoming more fit and healthy,” Torlakson said in a statement. “Students have to be healthy and alert to succeed in the classroom, in college, and in their careers, but also to lead a more fulfilling life. That’s why it is so important that all of us—teachers, parents and community leaders—teach our children the importance of eating right, and exercising regularly and following healthy lifestyles ourselves so we can serve as role models.”

Click here for more information.

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Vanessa Romo contributed reporting to this story.