District unveils tutoring app to combat learning loss LEARNING TOOL An L.A. Public Library Card.
BY BARON KIM
I
THE MIRROR STAFF
n a significant stride toward enhancing educational resources, LAUSD has introduced a remarkable new tool for its students—the Student Success Card app, which was made available on Sept. 18. This initiative comes as a collaborative effort with the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), aiming to broaden the horizon of learning and resource accessibility for students, thereby setting a precedent for other school districts to follow suit. The app, accessible via students’ Schoology profiles, is a gateway to a plethora of resources that the LAPL offers. The ease of access means that students are now able to tap into over 200 databases that offer free one-on-one online tutoring, homework assistance and a vast collection of music and movies without the hassle of multiple logins or platforms. Additionally, the app provides access to engaging magazines, test preparation materials and an intriguing language-learning platform, all consolidated in one accessible locale, making it a robust tool for a holistic educational experience. All LAUSD students who have been enrolled for more than two weeks are eligible to utilize this tool, completely free of charge. This effort to provide easy access to educational resources signifies LAUSD’s commitment to reducing barriers to education. The app can be found under a student’s personal profile, specifically in the “Student Success Card” category on Schoology, ensuring seamless integration into the student’s existing online learning environment. From language tutoring to resume creation, students would be unwise not to make use of this advantageous resource. The availability of expert tutoring, offered by The Princeton Review and the California State Library, on a wide array of subjects further exemplifies the comprehensive support the app provides, catering to the diverse academic needs and interests of the students. “It’s fantastic,” school librarian Ms. Suzanne Osman said. “I have personally used it, and they can help you with everything from college apps to homework help in any subject.” The partnership between LAUSD and LAPL exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to increasing technology’s ever-growing role in education, setting a benchmark for other districts.
LIBRARY CARD COURTESY | L.A. PUBLIC LIBRARY
FALL 2023 | 5
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New insurance policy leaves Performing Arts in a lurch BY MADISON THACKER
A
THE MIRROR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
new rule requiring vendors on campus to carry $1200 insurance has abruptly left theatrical productions without a lighting or costume designer, video production without a teaching assistant and the choir program without a choreographer or pianist. These vendors can’t afford to buy the coverage. Vendors, according to LAUSD, are workers who are not insured or employed by the district, but are still on campus and interacting with students. This rule, which went into effect this semester, requires all vendors to carry a new insurance policy dealing with abuse and sexual molestation. While most vendors have to carry some form of insurance just to cover their bases, this new addition is extremely costly and can not be paid by the school. Independent contractors now have to pay over $1200 out of pocket to work on campus. Although the enforcement of the rule came as a surprise to teachers and administrators, nobody could say they were shocked that LAUSD had to create this policy. Performing Arts Coordinator Ms. Fanny Arana explains that most of the reasoning comes from the fact that LAUSD is constantly getting sued. “There’s a huge settlement that just ended involving Cleveland High School that cost them millions of dollars,” she said. In light of this new insurance policy, Ms. Arana believes that these vendors no longer consider it worth it to work
on campus. impacted by it.” “Our costume designer makes $500 For their upcoming winter showcase, a semester from us, meaning that if the choir program planned to have their she paid for the insurance she not only live accompanist on stage to play muwould be working for free but would sic. This accompanist worked with them now be paying us almost $500,” she said. in the classroom, playing background The policy is strongly affecting the music during rehearsals. Now, students Performing Arts Department. The fall in the program not only have to practice production of “The Iliad, the Odyssey, without a live accompanist, but will and All of Greek also have to perform Mythology in 99 without one. Since Minutes or Less” was they will be singing to forced to take place pre-recorded tracks, without a lighting or the performance costume designer. quality is guaranteed Theater teacher and to be lower. production director Film and video Mr. Justin Baldridge production teacher Performing Arts was left scrambling Mr. Thomas McCoordinator as he tried to find Cluskey has had a Ms. Fanny Arana replacements. teaching assistant “I had to find new for the past two people who not only years. Because his could use our equipment but would teaching assistant is unwilling to pay work for free,” he said. extra money for insurance, Mr. McClusUnder this new policy, LAUSD vendors key must now scale back his program to have to go through extensive backonly what he himself can handle. ground checks and fingerprinting as Ms. Arana is trying to remain opwell. timistic. She is working very hard on Like most teachers on campus, Mr. finding a solution by researching what Baldridge is not blaming the district for other schools are doing. But due to the enforcing the rules. Nor is he blaming fact that this is a district-wide issue, the school admin, because they have no future looks bleak. choice but to abide by the rules. But “Most other schools are having to overall, he is extremely upset with the find workarounds or loopholes so to situation. speak,” she said. “I’m not quite sure what “I understand why the new policy they are doing, but I’m trying my best to is there and that the district is trying find out. Sadly, this new policy plus the to support and protect itself,” he said. budget cuts are slowly killing us from “But I’m frustrated because you’ve now the inside out.” restricted the programs that rely on Performing Arts teachers and stuso many people, and now the departdents are all hoping for a long-term ment and those within it are negatively solution to surface. Mr. McCluskey hopes that the situation is fixed not only for his sake, but also for that of the students. “Teachers in arts programs need these support staff to create great experiences for students,” he said. “Without them, the students’ experience of these programs will be significantly limited.”
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This new policy plus the budget cuts are slowly killing us from the inside out.”
GOING SOLO LAUSD’s new insurance
policy has driven away potential vendors, leaving teachers and programs bewildered and having to do important tasks on their own.
GRAPHIC FOR THE MIRROR | YASMIN GOMEZ
