-
Charter schools located on multiple LAUSD campuses are down, but it’s still disruptive, families say
The number of charter schools that will be located on multiple campuses in LA Unified next year will be down from 24 to 22, and the number of schools located on three different campuses will go from eight to four. But that’s not enough and co-located campuses continue to be disruptive to the communities and the...
By Mike Szymanski | January 11, 2017
-
Record number of charter schools, all outperforming district schools, are recommended for denial this week
*UPDATED A record number of charter schools, all outperforming nearby district schools, have been recommended for denial by LA Unified staff when their petitions come before Tuesday’s school board meeting. More than 15,000 students could be affected by board decisions involving charter schools that are up for renewal or revision. Seven schools that have 6,730 students...
By Mike Szymanski | October 17, 2016
-
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools: A replicable model or unique success?
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is the largest independent charter network in LA Unified, with 28 middle and high schools serving over 12,500 students. Ninety-four percent of Alliance’s students come from poverty, yet the charter management organization has a proven track record of outperforming the district and state schools when it comes to key factors like...
By Craig Clough | September 14, 2016
-
El Camino Real Charter teachers voice strong support for school, meet with union reps; LAUSD makes correspondence public
A $1,139 dinner at a steakhouse. A $95 bottle of fine Syrah wine. A $73 bill for flowers. Those charges and others made by staff of a successful charter school were cited this week at an LA Unified School Board meeting and led the district to take the first steps to revoking the school’s charter. El...
By Mike Szymanski | August 26, 2016
-
Despite district rules, Haddon Elementary increases enrollment and decreases absenteeism with unique programs
Haddon Elementary Avenue School is so in demand that families want to drive their children across the San Fernando Valley from Granada Hills to attend the Pacoima school. Haddon is not a charter school, it’s not a new pilot program and it’s not a magnet school (yet). It’s a traditional Title 1 district school in a...
By Mike Szymanski | August 18, 2016
-
LAUSD’s ‘Promising Practices’ forum: Just ‘good vibes’ between district and charters or a new era?
There were plenty of kumbaya moments at the July 23 “Promising Practices” forum, called by LA Unified Superintendent Michelle King, leaving charter leaders cautiously optimistic it can lead to a new era of cooperation. More than 200 people from the LA Unified world attended the forum, which featured a series of workshops and discussion panels aimed...
By Craig Clough | August 9, 2016