Los Angeles magnet school shows off successful STEM and AP program

April 14, 2014 By Leave a Comment


LACES-ARNThe Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies, a prestigious magnet school focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematic curricula, is breaking the mold for lower-income, minority students.

Studies show that STEM courses give high school students access to better colleges and higher-paying jobs, but minority students don’t have as many opportunities to pursue STEM topics. Meanwhile, white, middle-income students are twice as likely to go to a school with a full array of AP courses versus lower-income, minority students.

That’s where LACES comes in.

Learn more in a story from Annenberg Radio News:

Most of its 1,600 students have above a 3.5 GPA and over 85 percent are accepted into successful four-year universities.

[Read more…]

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New SAT still tough for minority and low-income students

March 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment


SATThe SAT is getting another makeover and the College Board touts the test will be easier and more accessible to all students.

Unveiled last week, the standardized test will now contain more “relevant” vocabulary words, fewer math topics, an optional essay and an “evidence-based” reading and writing section. The Collage Board also promised that this test will give more minority and low-income students access to free online test prep resources and fee waivers.

But going back to a 1600-point scale, making an essay optional and offering more online classes won’t solve the access problems many of these students face when trying to take the test, some experts argue.

Click to hear their perspectives in an audio piece from Annenberg Radio News:

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Leimert Park’s World Stage fights eviction

November 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment


The World Stage in Leimert Park -- co-founded by poet Kamau Daàood and legendary jazz drummer Billy Higgins -- faces an uncertain future.

The World Stage, co-founded by poet Kamau Daàood and legendary jazz drummer Billy Higgins, faces an uncertain future. | Brianna Sacks

Founded in 1989, The World Stage has become the cornerstone for Leimert Park, L.A.’s historic hub for African-American arts and culture.

The World Stage’s jam sessions, jazz performances, youth groups and writing workshop have been a model for countless other nonprofit literary arts groups around Southern California and the nation, according to KCET. It has also churned out some of the nation’s most famous jazz musicians and poets over its 25 years.

Last May, Leimert Park found out that its two-year fight for a metro stop on the incoming Crenshaw/LAX line would become a reality.

Shortly after, the World Stage’s owners and their neighbors learned that the building had been sold and eviction notices were handed out to the stage and many other businesses.

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Filed Under: Arts, Business, Community, Culture, Featured Story, Leimert Park Tagged With: , , ,

L.A.U.S.D. Superintendent Deasy to stay through 2016

October 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment


Superintendent John Deasy at L.A. Board of Education meeting on October 29, 2013. Photo credit: Brianna Sacks

Superintendent John Deasy at L.A. Board of Education meeting on October 29, 2013. Photo credit: Brianna Sacks

After days of tense rumors that he would resign, L.A. Unified Superintendent John Deasy will remain at the helm of the nation’s second largest school district until 2016, the Los Angeles Board of Education announced Tuesday afternoon.

After a passionate rally led by scores of parents, community activists and educators, and a marathon five-hour deliberation behind closed doors, the board said Deasy had satisfactorily passed his performance and extended his contract.

Deasy has been battling a pro-union school board after the new president Richard Vladovic was elected in July. Before that, the brash and often stubborn leader had been working with a clearly pro-reform, anti-union board that easily passed his initiatives.

Deasy thanked the board Tuesday for a “good and robust evaluation” and “excellent and honest conversation so we can continue to lift youth out of poverty.” [Read more…]

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Leimert Park targeted by investors

October 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment


Metro’s new light rail stop in Leimert Park could bring an end to L.A.’s historic African-American cultural hub. After three years of fighting to get the line to stop in the area, business owners now fear the area will be commercialized. About a dozen of Black businesses in the area have been notified that their leases won’t be renewed after investors started buying buildings in the area.

Laura Hendrix, owner of Gallery Plus, in Leimert Park.

Laura Hendrix, owner of Gallery Plus, in Leimert Park. | Brianna Sacks

Laura Hendrix has owned an art store called Gallery Plus in Leimert Park for 23 years. While the owner of her space has not changed, she says many businesses around her have left or might be kicked out after investment companies recently bought several buildings housing multiple units.

“We are on edge because we don’t know what is going to happen to us,” said Hendrix. “This is a cultural icon and we worked hard to get it like this and want to keep it that way.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Development, Featured Story, Leimert Park Tagged With: , , ,

South LA all-girls running group

October 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment


A running club for 5th grade girls at South L.A.'s Kipp Academy Charter School. Photo by Brianna Sacks.

A running club for 5th grade girls at South L.A.’s Kipp Academy Charter School. Photo by Brianna Sacks.

A running club for 5th grade girls at South L.A.'s Kipp Academy Charter School. Photo by Brianna Sacks

A running club for 5th grade girls at South L.A.’s Kipp Academy Charter School. Photo by Brianna Sacks.

Twice a week, fifteen pairs of shoes now lap around the blocks of South L.A.’s 99th and Vermont streets as part of a new running club for fifth grade girls at the charter school KIPP Academy of Opportunity.

Known as Girls on the Run, the club teaches young girls from the area running skills, but more importantly, it serves as a support group and safe space to discuss body image, self esteem, nutrition and the gift of movement.

Listen to an audio portrait of Girls on the Run from Annenberg Radio News:

The nonprofit group focuses on youth development for girls in 3rd-8th grade.

Cristina Lowry, the dean at KIPP and one of the coaches for Girls on the Run, says the group provides a safe space for her students to get their energy out and talk about the challenges of growing up and heading into pre-teen years. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Education, Featured Story