Schools: November 2007 Archives

Math and reading scores of Los Angeles Unified's fourth- and eighth-graders showed no improvement over last year and continue to lag behind both state and national averages, according to a national report released today. Naush Boghossian in the Daily News.

In reading, performance of students in fourth and eighth grades in the Los Angeles Unified School District was the worst among 11 of the nation's largest urban school districts, according to the report card by the National Assessment of Education Progress.

In math, fourth-graders ranked eighth among peers in districts including Boston, Houston and New York, while eighth-graders fared better than peers in just two districts: the District of Columbia and Atlanta.

Defying opposition from the teachers union, Los Angeles Unified Superintendent David Brewer III on Wednesday released a final plan to reform nearly three dozen schools that includes key elements vehemently decried by the union. Naush Boghossian in the Daily News.

Despite union-leadership opposition to proposals including reassignment of teachers, merit pay and scripted teaching at middle and high schools, Brewer kept all of the concepts in his final plan.

The move sets up a critical showdown with the union, which now will target Los Angeles Unified School District board members, expected to vote on Brewer's plan later this month.

Hundreds of nonprofit youth groups in the San Fernando Valley and across the city will have to pay to use LAUSD facilities and athletic fields starting in March. Naush Bpghossian in the Daily News.

Saying the Los Angeles Unified School District's lean financial outlook requires the move, Superintendent David BrewerIII will institute a three-tiered fee structure to offset annual facilities costs of $3.8million.

The move comes just two years after district officials abandoned similar efforts after a broad public outcry that it could force youth groups to cancel thousands of worthwhile after-school events.