L.A. Unified, other school districts seek new measures of success
Nine California school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, will apply to the U.S. Department of Education for relief from rules that, over time, have labeled most schools that receive federal funds as failing, officials announced Thursday.
In exchange, the districts pledged to adopt a broader system of measures that officials said would lead to better outcomes for students.
“We are not seeking this waiver in any way, shape or form … to escape accountability,” said L.A. schools Supt. John Deasy. Instead, he pledged “a new and more robust system,” one that is “built on the right drivers.”
“We’re ready to be held to a much higher standard,” Deasy said.
Under rules established during the George W. Bush administration, nearly all students in schools that receive federal funds must test at grade level or better in math and English by 2014. Schools not meeting aggressive