The Los Angeles Unified board Tuesday approved a $30 million contract to buy iPads for 30,000 students, the first phase in an ambitious plan to equip every pupil with a computer tablet within the next 14 months.
The OPEN Daily : School Updates
LAUSD spending $30 million to buy 30,000 iPads for students
June 18, 2013 at 8:37 pm
www.dailybreeze.com
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Report Slams Teacher Prep Programs At UCLA, LMU
June 18, 2013 at 8:30 pm
losangeles.cbslocal.com
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WESTWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Teacher training schools at several Southland colleges may be hardly worth attending, according to a new study released Tuesday.
The “Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report” from the National Council on Teacher Quality reviewed over 1,100 colleges and universities that prepare elementary and secondary teachers and ranked the programs at UCLA and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) as substandard.
The report found students involved in teacher training at LMU and 20 other California colleges “are unlikely to obtain much return on their investment” and were unlikely to receive “even minimal training.”
Sandi Jacobs, vice president and state policy director at the National Council on Teacher Quality, told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO the report’s controversial findings are not necessarily a reflection of the caliber of teaching candidates coming out of those schools.
“Teachers learn a tremendous amount when they get in the classroom and can turn out to be very effective teachers,” Jacobs said. “We also know it’s possible you can hit all the high points in a program…we’re looking at the typical training that a teacher would get in that program and we’re finding it really lacking.”
In addition to a higher acceptance rate of lower-achieving students, graduation training programs in California were also found to be less likely that other national programs to give teachers feedback on how to handle classroom behavioral issues.
Less than 10 percent of all reviewed programs earned a rating of three stars or more, while only four earned a top rating of four stars: Lipscomb and Vanderbilt, both in Tennessee; Ohio State University; and Furman University in South Carolina.
Along with UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara and CSU Long Beach were among the campuses that earned a one-star rating for their graduate elementary programs.
Professor Megan Franke, who chairs the Department of Education at UCLA, said she thinks the report is inaccurate.
“Their report is seriously flawed in a number of different ways,” Franke said.
Some big-name local universities like USC were not included in the review, while LMU and hundreds of other schools declined to provide requested information to the National Council on Teacher Quality, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Click here to read the full report from the National Council on Teacher Quality.
“Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report” from the National Council on Teacher Quality reviewed over 1,100 colleges and universities that prepare elementary and secondary teachers and ranked the programs at UCLA and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) as substandard.
The report found students involved in teacher training at LMU and 20 other California colleges “are unlikely to obtain much return on their investment” and were unlikely to receive “even minimal training.”
Sandi Jacobs, vice president and state policy director at the National Council on Teacher Quality, told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO the report’s controversial findings are not necessarily a reflection of the caliber of teaching candidates coming out of those schools.
“Teachers learn a tremendous amount when they get in the classroom and can turn out to be very effective teachers,” Jacobs said. “We also know it’s possible you can hit all the high points in a program…we’re looking at the typical training that a teacher would get in that program and we’re finding it really lacking.”
In addition to a higher acceptance rate of lower-achieving students, graduation training programs in California were also found to be less likely that other national programs to give teachers feedback on how to handle classroom behavioral issues.
Less than 10 percent of all reviewed programs earned a rating of three stars or more, while only four earned a top rating of four stars: Lipscomb and Vanderbilt, both in Tennessee; Ohio State University; and Furman University in South Carolina.
Along with UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara and CSU Long Beach were among the campuses that earned a one-star rating for their graduate elementary programs.
Professor Megan Franke, who chairs the Department of Education at UCLA, said she thinks the report is inaccurate.
“Their report is seriously flawed in a number of different ways,” Franke said.
Some big-name local universities like USC were not included in the review, while LMU and hundreds of other schools declined to provide requested information to the National Council on Teacher Quality, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Click here to read the full report from the National Council on Teacher Quality.
WESTWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Teacher training schools at several Southland colleges may be hardly worth attending, according to a new study released Tuesday.
The “Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report” from the National Council on Teacher Quality reviewed over 1,100 colleges and universities that prepare elementary and secondary teachers and ranked the programs at UCLA and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) as substandard.
The report found students involved in teacher training at LMU and 20 other California colleges “are unlikely to obtain much return on their investment” and were unlikely to receive “even minimal training.”
Sandi Jacobs, vice president and state policy director at the National Council on Teacher Quality, told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO the report’s controversial findings are not necessarily a reflection of the caliber of teaching candidates coming out of those schools.
“Teachers learn a tremendous amount when they get in the classroom and can turn out to be very effective teachers,” Jacobs said. “We also know it’s possible you can hit all the high points in a program…we’re looking at the typical training that a teacher would get in that program and we’re finding it really lacking.”
In addition to a higher acceptance rate of lower-achieving students, graduation training programs in California were also found to be less likely that other national programs to give teachers feedback on how to handle classroom behavioral issues.
Less than 10 percent of all reviewed programs earned a rating of three stars or more, while only four earned a top rating of four stars: Lipscomb and Vanderbilt, both in Tennessee; Ohio State University; and Furman University in South Carolina.
Along with UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara and CSU Long Beach were among the campuses that earned a one-star rating for their graduate elementary programs.
Professor Megan Franke, who chairs the Department of Education at UCLA, said she thinks the report is inaccurate.
“Their report is seriously flawed in a number of different ways,” Franke said.
Some big-name local universities like USC were not included in the review, while LMU and hundreds of other schools declined to provide requested information to the National Council on Teacher Quality, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Click here to read the full report from the National Council on Teacher Quality.
LAUSD Under Scrutiny For $30M iPad Purchase For Students
June 18, 2013 at 7:28 pm
losangeles.cbslocal.com
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LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The L.A. Unified School District is under scrutiny for agreeing to purchase $30M in iPads for students.
The plan was approved Tuesday by the Board of Education, who are using funds from a 2008 voter-approved bond issue to upgrade school technology.
Before the vote, United Teachers Los Angeles President Warren Fletcher asked board members to delay their decision. The expenditure has struck a nerve with the teachers union who, after having undergone major layoffs and imposed furloughs, claim the funds would be better spent on rehiring staff members.
Even Apple’s competitor was on hand to criticize the move.
“Microsoft is disappointed to learn that the district staff is recommending that only Apple iPad devices be utilized in the pilot phase of the common core technology project,” said company spokesperson Robin Hinz.
But LAUSD officials stood behind their decision.
“This has gone beyond my expectations in terms of the level of integrity and ethics. I think the guiding principle that drove everybody was: What is in the best interest of our kids? I can attest to that. I can sleep tonight, after you vote this contract, I can sleep tonight with my conscience very clear that we did the right thing for our kids,” LAUSD’s Dr. Jaime Aquino said.
When school starts up again in August, 35,000 of Apple’s tablet computers will be supplied to 47 LAUSD schools.
Board members say the goal is to eventually provide an iPad to every teacher and student in the district.
Singer Jason Derulo Crashes Culver City High School Prom
June 17, 2013 at 9:15 pm
culvercity.patch.com
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He may not be well known to parents, but the kids at Culver City High School certainly knew who he was. And they were both shocked and delighted when the 23-year-old singer crashed their senior prom on June 1 and got up on stage to perform.
In add
New LAUSD board member Monica Ratliff seeks’ end to ‘business as usual’
June 17, 2013 at 7:47 pm
www.dailynews.com
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Having spent more than a decade teaching in a Los Angeles Unified classroom and chatting with colleagues, Monica Ratliff’s perception of the district administration was a hive of bureaucrats toiling away in the downtown monolith known simply as Beaudry.
LAUSD students awarded cars, iPads for excellent attendance
June 15, 2013 at 1:30 pm
www.dailybreeze.com
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There was an ad-libbing emcee, guests dressed in finery, a couple of acceptance speeches and a clutch of photographers snapping shots of the award-winners.
Photo gallery: LAUSD students win cars, iPads for excellent attendance
New Principal At Webster, New Assistant Principals At Lincoln, Roosevelt Schools
June 15, 2013 at 10:10 am
www.smmirror.com
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The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education approved the appointment of three new administrators at its June 6 meeting.
The appointments were Dr. Susan Samarge-Powell as Principal at Webster Elementary School; Paula Lytz as Assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School; and Tristen Macon as Assistant Principal at Roosevelt Elementary School.
Susan Samarge-Powell has been with SMMUSD for 17 years.
She began her career teaching at Will Rogers, and was Assistant Principal at Will Rogers from 2000-2003.
She served as Coordinator, Teacher Support for 7 years, and since 2008 has been Director of BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) for the district.
She served as Interim Principal at Webster Elementary in 2010.
Additionally, she has served as Principal of the district-wide Intensive Intervention Summer School.
As Director of BTSA, Dr. Samarge-Powell has developed and implemented the professional development that all new teachers receive in their first two years with SMMUSD.
She has extensive background in teacher training and assessment, and has done individual coaching for teachers to improve classroom instruction.
As Assistant Principal, Dr. Samarge-Powell led a group that designed a character development curriculum, and worked with stake-holders to implement a school-wide discipline program.
She joins the Webster team with instructional and managerial leadership skills, along with the commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders.
It is her goal to fulfill the Webster vision statement: “To work together with staff, parents and community members to create a joyous and caring learning environment in which all students are supported, challenged and successful.”
Paula Lytz comes to SMMUSD from Hamilton School (K-8) in Novato, California, where she has been serving as Assistant Principal.
She also served as an Administrative Intern at Bay Middle School in Ohio.
Lytz taught Spanish at Burlingame Intermediate School, Bay Middle School and Western Middle School in Connecticut.
She has also taught English as a Second Language, and served as Department Chair for both Foreign Language and ESL Departments.
As Assistant Principal, Lytz worked on master schedule development, classified and certificated evaluations, site safety, and emergency preparedness planning.
She designed and implemented a successful progressive discipline system, resulting in a 30 percent decrease in middle school discipline referrals.
Lytz taught all middle school grades during her 15 years in the classroom, and served as a Mentor Teacher.
She is looking forward to working with the administrative team as they continue to ensure that Lincoln MS provides a program that focuses on achievement, academic growth and success for all.
Tristen Macon began her teaching career at LaTijera Elementary in Inglewood.
She came to SMMUSD in 2000 and has taught at Will Rogers and at McKinley Elementary.
For three years, Macon served as Math Coordinator and EETT (Enhancing Education Through Technology) Coordinator in Educational Services.
She is a National Board Certified teacher and received a Cotsen Art of Teaching fellowship.
Macon has extensive background in mathematics and technology.
As Math Coordinator, she facilitated a group of teachers to create district formative and summative math assessments for grades K-8, and worked with teachers and administrators to create a strategic plan for mathematics improvement.
She supervised the implementation of the district-wide EETT grant and led professional development in the area of technology integration.
She also trained over 100 teachers in the use of SMART Boards in the classroom.
Macon brings her skills and experience to Roosevelt Elementary School with a commitment to increasing student achievement and collaborating with teachers and parents.
Parents, Teachers Protest Co-Location Of Charter School On Boyle Heights Elementary Campus
June 14, 2013 at 8:20 pm
losangeles.cbslocal.com
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BOYLE HEIGHTS (CBSLA.com) — Parents and teachers at a Boyle Heights elementary school Friday were protesting a recent announcement that the school’s campus will be shared with charter school next year.
More than 50 protestors gathered starting at 9 a.m. in front of Lorena Street Elementary School, 1015 S. Lorena St.
The co-location, which would be for the 2013-2014 school year, was announced five days before school ended.
Parents, teachers and community leaders believe there was no time to make necessary detailed plans about how the classroom space and school operations will be shared.
“We’re celebrating being 100 years in the Boyle Heights community, so this is a horrible way to acknowledge that 100 years having the intrusion of a school that’s basically business interest,” teacher Oscar Florez said.
The school was planning on soon removing bungalows that limited their playground space, but parents now fear they will stay.
“When there’s two schools in one, there’s a huge struggle with the space,” Karla Gomez said. “We only have one playground. We only have one auditorium.”
José Cole-Gutiérrez, the Director of Charter Schools, acknowledged the frustrations of parents and teachers and would like to come to an agreement where both sides benefit.
Gov. Brown writes to Santa Monica College in wake of shooting
June 11, 2013 at 7:14 pm
www.latimes.com
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Gov. Jerry Brown sent his congratulations and condolences Tuesday to Santa Monica College, praising graduates for their achievements while also acknowledging that Friday’s mass shooting “cast a pall over what should have been a purely joyful day.”
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Gov. Jerry Brown sent his congratulations and condolences Tuesday to Santa Monica College, praising graduates for their achievements while also acknowledging that Friday’s mass shooting “cast a pall over what should have been a purely joyful day.”
SMC Students Prepare for Commencement, Memorial
June 11, 2013 at 6:42 am
www.nbclosangeles.com
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A memorial is planned for Tuesday night’s Santa Monica College commencement to remember five victims in Friday’s shooting rampage.
Santa Monica College Candelight Vigil Tonight On Main Campus At 6 pm
June 10, 2013 at 3:05 pm
www.smmirror.com
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Members of the Santa Monica College Community will host a Candlelight Vigil today, June 10 at 6 pm.
It will be held in front the SMC Library at 1900 Pico Boulevard.
Organizers say the vigil will be an opportunity for the community to come together to m…
Classes, Finals Resume Monday At Santa Monica College Following Deadly Shooting
June 10, 2013 at 5:51 am
losangeles.cbslocal.com
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SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — Classes resumed Monday at Santa Monica College, just days after a suspect went on a shooting rampage on and near the campus killing five people and injuring five others.
The main campus reopened at 7 a.m. for finals with all services available to students except for access to the library. Additional security and Santa Monica police officers will also be on scene.
John Zawahri is accused of killing five people during Friday’s rampage in Santa Monica, according to police. (credit: Santa Monica Police Department)
John Zawahri, 23, is accused of killing his father Samir Zawahri, 55 and his 24-year-old brother Christopher Zawahri, at their Yorkshire Avenue home before going on a shooting rampage on city streets and at the college Friday.
Student Marcela Dia Franco, 26 and her father, 68-year-old groundskeeper Carlos Franco, along with an unidentified fifth female victim, were all killed.
Debra Lynn Fine, 50, was also shot four times by Zawahri, but survived. She has since been released from Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Zawahri was eventually shot and killed by Santa Monica police in the college library.
(credit: Santa Monica Police Dept.)
The investigation into the shootings was ongoing Monday as police released security photos of Zawahri taken during the rampage.
A resource officer at Santa Monica High School said Zawahri threatened students and staff when he attended the school in 2006.
“I cannot discuss this former student’s record due to strict privacy laws, but I can stress that as a matter of policy, any time a student demonstrates concerning behavior our District works closely with law enforcement and mental health agencies to take swift action,” Sandra Lyon, SMMUSD Superintendent, said in a statement.
College administrators allowed students back on campus Sunday to retrieve personal items abandoned during the shooting.
Counseling will be offered to students, faculty and staff starting Monday.
A vigil has been planned for 6 p.m. in front of the Campus Library.
“This is an opportunity to recall those we lost, to comfort those who are sad, and to share a moment of silence. Please bring a candle and an open heart. All are welcome,” SMC President said in a statement online.
Tuesday’s commencement ceremony will also be a memorial service for the Franco family, Tsang said.
RELATED STORIES:
Memorial Fund Started For Groundskeeper Slain In Santa Monica Rampage
Alleged Santa Monica Gunman Would Have Turned 24 Saturday
Coroner: Death Imminent For Woman Hurt In Santa Monica Rampage
Neighbor Describes Alleged Santa Monica Shooter As ‘Useless Human’
5 Dead, Including Suspect, In Santa Monica Shooting Rampage
John Zawahri is accused of killing five people during Friday’s rampage in Santa Monica, according to police. (credit: Santa Monica Police Department)
John Zawahri, 23, is accused of killing his father Samir Zawahri, 55 and his 24-year-old brother Christopher Zawahri, at their Yorkshire Avenue home before going on a shooting rampage on city streets and at the college Friday.
Student Marcela Dia Franco, 26 and her father, 68-year-old groundskeeper Carlos Franco, along with an unidentified fifth female victim, were all killed.
Debra Lynn Fine, 50, was also shot four times by Zawahri, but survived. She has since been released from Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Zawahri was eventually shot and killed by Santa Monica police in the college library.
(credit: Santa Monica Police Dept.)
The investigation into the shootings was ongoing Monday as police released security photos of Zawahri taken during the rampage.
A resource officer at Santa Monica High School said Zawahri threatened students and staff when he attended the school in 2006.
“I cannot discuss this former student’s record due to strict privacy laws, but I can stress that as a matter of policy, any time a student demonstrates concerning behavior our District works closely with law enforcement and mental health agencies to take swift action,” Sandra Lyon, SMMUSD Superintendent, said in a statement.
College administrators allowed students back on campus Sunday to retrieve personal items abandoned during the shooting.
Counseling will be offered to students, faculty and staff starting Monday.
A vigil has been planned for 6 p.m. in front of the Campus Library.
“This is an opportunity to recall those we lost, to comfort those who are sad, and to share a moment of silence. Please bring a candle and an open heart. All are welcome,” SMC President said in a statement online.
Tuesday’s commencement ceremony will also be a memorial service for the Franco family, Tsang said.
RELATED STORIES:
Memorial Fund Started For Groundskeeper Slain In Santa Monica Rampage
Alleged Santa Monica Gunman Would Have Turned 24 Saturday
Coroner: Death Imminent For Woman Hurt In Santa Monica Rampage
Neighbor Describes Alleged Santa Monica Shooter As ‘Useless Human’
5 Dead, Including Suspect, In Santa Monica Shooting Rampage
SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — Classes resumed Monday at Santa Monica College, just days after a suspect went on a shooting rampage on and near the campus killing five people and injuring five others.
The main campus reopened at 7 a.m. for finals with all services available to students except for access to the library. Additional security and Santa Monica police officers will also be on scene.
John Zawahri is accused of killing five people during Friday’s rampage in Santa Monica, according to police. (credit: Santa Monica Police Department)
John Zawahri, 23, is accused of killing his father Samir Zawahri, 55 and his 24-year-old brother Christopher Zawahri, at their Yorkshire Avenue home before going on a shooting rampage on city streets and at the college Friday.
Student Marcela Dia Franco, 26 and her father, 68-year-old groundskeeper Carlos Franco, along with an unidentified fifth female victim, were all killed.
Debra Lynn Fine, 50, was also shot four times by Zawahri, but survived. She has since been released from Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Zawahri was eventually shot and killed by Santa Monica police in the college library.
(credit: Santa Monica Police Dept.)
The investigation into the shootings was ongoing Monday as police released security photos of Zawahri taken during the rampage.
A resource officer at Santa Monica High School said Zawahri threatened students and staff when he attended the school in 2006.
“I cannot discuss this former student’s record due to strict privacy laws, but I can stress that as a matter of policy, any time a student demonstrates concerning behavior our District works closely with law enforcement and mental health agencies to take swift action,” Sandra Lyon, SMMUSD Superintendent, said in a statement.
College administrators allowed students back on campus Sunday to retrieve personal items abandoned during the shooting.
Counseling will be offered to students, faculty and staff starting Monday.
A vigil has been planned for 6 p.m. in front of the Campus Library.
“This is an opportunity to recall those we lost, to comfort those who are sad, and to share a moment of silence. Please bring a candle and an open heart. All are welcome,” SMC President said in a statement online.
Tuesday’s commencement ceremony will also be a memorial service for the Franco family, Tsang said.
RELATED STORIES:
Memorial Fund Started For Groundskeeper Slain In Santa Monica Rampage
Alleged Santa Monica Gunman Would Have Turned 24 Saturday
Coroner: Death Imminent For Woman Hurt In Santa Monica Rampage
Neighbor Describes Alleged Santa Monica Shooter As ‘Useless Human’
5 Dead, Including Suspect, In Santa Monica Shooting Rampage
