Which Way, L.A.?
Rebuilding Haiti and Reforming American Schools
Today's the deadline for schools competing for money under the President's Race to the Top. Does LA Unified have a chance? Why are some other school districts not even trying? Also, the LA City Council finally passes an ordinance to regulate medical marijuana. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, search and rescue is one thing, but critics say the resources to rebuild Haiti could be wasted in a country that's already too dependent on the rest of the world.
Is the President's Race to the Top encouraging school reform or perpetuating the mistakes of President Bush's No Child Left Behind? We hear different opinions on this last day for schools to make applications for new federal money. We also hear about today's Los Angeles City Council vote on medical marijuana. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, search and rescue is one thing, but critics say the resources to rebuild Haiti could be wasted in a country that's already too dependent on the rest of the world. President Obama has promised to help “to the very end.” We ask what that could mean.
Banner image: President Barack Obama and Sec. of Education Arne Duncan, right, take questions today during a group discussion with 6th grade students at Graham Road Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia. Official White House Photo: Pete Souza
In this episode
3 storiesAmerica's Commitment to Haiti: How Much for How Long?
President Obama has made the US response to Haiti's earthquake a " top priority across the federal government ." How long will it take? How much will it cost? We get several perspectives.
Read the story27 minLA City Council Gives Preliminary Approval to Pot Ordinance
The Los Angeles City Council today passed new regulations on medical marijuana, including a ban on dispensaries within 1000 feet of schools, libraries, parks or other places with so-called "sensitive uses." John Hoeffel reports for the Los Angeles Times .
Read the story17 minIs It Worth Racing to the Top?
California's among the states that have changed their laws to meet tonight's deadline for Race to the Top , President Obama's school-reform program.
Read the story19 min