No More "Dropouts"

By Louis Pugliese

While LAUSD's goal of preparing all students with a college-prep curriculum is meant to keep standards high for all learners regardless of socio-economic status or race, it also serves to push out students who are either unprepared for, or not interested in attending four-year universities. Though the district claims to have some sort of career/technical education component for alternative studies, it is minimal at best, and only available as an addition to their required curriculum. Beyond that, a convoluted hodge-podge of adult learning centers, continuation schools and career centers tries to pick up the slack.

In fact, the district acts as if the community college system, once a part of LAUSD, doesn't exist, even though most State University graduates start there. Consider this discouraging quote from LAUSD's "Graduation Requirements" web page;

"...it is possible for you to meet all the requirements for
graduation and still not be eligible for college admission."

I propose the following:

• Offering a wide "menu" of choices, with multiple paths and requirements to graduation.
• Expand career and technical education programs and choices.
• Establishment of "Graduation Centers" for older students to return and continue their education, through workplace partnerships, distance learning and independent study.
• Promote Community College study as a bridge to a four-year degree.
• Allow exit as early as 10th Grade for students who are prepared and ready for college, reducing class size and costs.
• Establish a division of Extended Learning to administer all non-traditional programs.