Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

August 21, 2014

Compton latest district with assault rifles

The decision of the Compton Unified School District board to allow campus police to keep semi-automatic rifles in the trunks of their cars has sparked controversy. But Compton is just the latest school district in California where school police are authorized to use assault-style weapons.

Jane Meredith Adams

Reforms

August 21, 2014

Why LA sends failing students on to the next grade

Despite promises and new policies meant to hold more students back until they’ve mastered grade-level material, a University of Minnesota study currently under peer review found that student retention is actually on the decline. Researchers are investigating the reasons why.

Molly Callister/Hechinger Report

School Finance

August 19, 2014

County yet to approve LA Unified's LCAP

The Los Angeles County Office of Education is withholding approval of the Local Control and Accountability Plan drawn up by the LA Unified School District pending clarification of the $700 million the district says it is spending on high-needs students.

Louis Freedberg

Discipline

August 19, 2014

LAUSD policy restricts use of citations, arrests

Students involved in relatively minor offenses on school campuses will no longer be cited or arrested under Los Angeles Unified's new policy, which takes effect this school year and spells out alternatives district police officers must follow. Community advocates have been working with the district to change the approach taken by school police.

Susan Frey

Elections and Education

August 12, 2014

Low turnout expected in LA school election

An unusual runoff election with what is expected to be an extremely low voter turnout is taking place today, with potentially far-reaching implications for education in the state's largest school district, Los Angeles Unified. The election is being held to fill the seat left by the death of longtime member Marguerite Poindexter Lamotte last December.

Louis Freedberg

Discipline

July 21, 2014

Seven California districts join Obama's initiative

Seven California school districts are among 60 in the nation that are joining President Barack Obama's initiative, "My Brother's Keeper," which supports African-American and Latino boys, beginning in preschool.

Susan Frey

Policy & Finance

June 23, 2014

LAUSD allots funds to schools with highest student need

The Los Angeles Unified School District will begin using a new student need index to direct additional funding to the neediest schools under a plan expected to be adopted by the school board today. The plan relies on counting students twice if they are low-income, English learners, foster or homeless students.