Which Way, L.A.?
Will LA Unified Make Room for Charter Schools?
From South LA to the San Fernando Valley, parents and teachers are battling with the LA Unified School District over where to locate charter schools. A law passed by the voters says charters are entitled to equal treatment with traditional schools—but a plan to share campus space has created an angry backlash. On Reporter’s Notebook, an East LA High School where every student graduates and goes on to college.
By Warren Olney • • 30m ListenFrom South LA to the San Fernando Valley, parents and teachers are battling with the LA Unified School District over where to locate charter schools. A law passed by the voters says charters are entitled to equal treatment with traditional schools—but a plan to share campus space has created an angry backlash. On Reporter’s Notebook, an East LA High School where every student graduates and goes on to college.
In this episode
2 storiesCharter Schools Chart a Course onto LAUSD Campuses
Eight years ago, California voters approved Proposition 39 which lowered the majority needed to pass bonds for school construction. It also required that public school districts accommodate charter schools—and treat them equally with traditional schools. Since then, the charter movement has exploded and thousands of students need more space. …
Read the story19 minA Mentoring Program Helps East LA Kids Shoot for the Stars
LA Unified has an extraordinary drop-out rate, especially among black and Latino students. Fewer than half get past the 9th grade. But the Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in East LA is an exception. Although 75% of the students’ families fall below the poverty line—100% make it through high school, and go on to college.
Read the story6 min
