Students face closure of alternative schools because of L.A. County budget cuts

Source: LA Times

Students face closure of alternative schools because of L.A. County budget cuts

Students, teachers and some county leaders are mounting a last-ditch effort to keep the schools open, at least temporarily. 'I don't think I have a place to go,' one student says.



By Carla Rivera, Los Angeles Times

Nearly 700 students enrolled in specialized programs will be uprooted Wednesday if Los Angeles County education officials proceed with plans to close nearly two dozen alternative schools because of budget cuts.

Students, teachers and some county leaders are mounting a last-ditch effort to keep the schools open, at least temporarily.

"I don't think I have a place to go, to tell you the truth," said Gabriel during a break between classes at Downey Community Day School, one of those slated to close. Like many of the students, Gabriel had been in trouble, running with a gang and ditching classes at his regular school. At the Downey school, his grades improved and he passed the mandatory California High School Exit Exam. He fears that all of the gains he made may be erased if the campus closes.

"It's hard for me to stay out of the streets," said Gabriel, who, like other students in the programs, can't be fully identified because of their status. "When I'm here, it takes my mind off things. If the school closes, I worry it might be a big fall for me."

Operated by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the community day schools and independent study programs serve juvenile offenders on probation, students who have been expelled, pregnant teens and new mothers and those who can't return to traditional schools for various reasons. Most of the schools operate year-round.

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Many students said they fear returning to volatile situations and huge classes that hinder learning. Others said that only the alternative programs offer the kind of individualized support they need to succeed.

Ana Karen came to Downey Community Day school in November after being expelled from a traditional school for selling drugs. Her teachers and classmates at Downey have become like family, and she said they have changed her attitude. She now aspires to attend nursing school.

"I don't think they would take me back at my other school," said Ana, 17. "If this school closes, I wasn't really thinking of going back to school. I'm thinking of dropping out."

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Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lacoe-schools-20100628,0,6422522.story?track=rss

n/t

What's next? GED programs being cut and they're being forced to commute to the Los Angeles County for schooling?

You really shouldn't be able to opt out with a GED. A 7th grader could pass that test.