{Dr. Johnson}

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(562) 799-4700, extension 80414

(562) 799-4725 - fax

 

(562) 799-4700, extension 80463

(562) 799-4725 - fax

jpeterson@losal.org

 

 

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In Los Alamitos Unified School District (LAUSD), students thrive in a caring, respectful, and encouraging environment where they demonstrate academic excellence and develop unique talents in preparation for their future goals (District Mission and Vision). We supoort student achievement in all of the A's - Academics, Athletics, Activities, and the Arts.  Our District Academic Performance Index (API) is 912, which reflects the expertise and commitment of our talented teachers, our dedicated staff, and our supportive parents and community. 

 

Our vision is for all students to achieve at grade level or higher by providing the very best instruction, common assessments, and intervention and enrichment programs for all students based on results from benchmark assessments. Because of the our work developing and improving as a Professional Learning Community, we have replicated our best practices and programs across the District. We also continue to improve options for students by preparing them for post-secondary success. Through ongoing and consistent attention to research and staff development, LAUSD has developed Factors that Influence Student Achievement to ensure that the school community is prepared to help all students achieve at high levels and to reach our goal of 100% proficiency.

 

Our District Priorities are updated annually. The first priority remains Academic Excellence for all Students, which reads as follows:

 

 

1.1 Further implement the tenets of professional learning communities.

a. Create, implement, and monitor district benchmarks.

b. Based on the analysis of benchmark results, implement best practices and programs.

c. Based on the analysis of benchmark results, implement intervention and enrichment programs.

 

1.2. Increase the percentage of students prepared for post-secondary success as measured by the percentage of students who

a. successfully complete algebra in 8th grade.

b. complete an Advanced Placement course in high school.

c. complete the CSU/UC a-g entrance requirements.

 

We expect to reach these goals because of our talented and dedicated teachers who continually improve their skills through quality staff development (2011-12 Staff Development Priorities). LAUSD provides training for all teachers in its signature practices/programs, including Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), MIND Institute, Thinking Maps, Accelerated Reader, Writer's Workshop, Reader's Workshop, Response to Instruction (RtI), Soundabet, the Daily Five, and the Daily Cafe.

 

Each year, we prioritize our goals in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment (CIA) to ensure we make progress as a professional learning community.  In addition, we are committed to ensuring that every student reaches proficiency or advanced on the California Standards Test in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science (where applicable).  Our Board approved LAUSD Action Statement provides a history of the District's past academic performance, as well as a large-scale map of where we are headed as an learning organization.

 

We are updating our District benchmark assessments in core subjects, providing time for teachers to meet and discuss the results, and using the data to inform practice. Comparing the results of our third benchmark assessments which are given in April to the California Standards Tests which are given in May, approximately 90% of our students' scores on the CST are equal to or above their scores on the third benchmark. This information tells us that we are teaching and assessing the right standards.

 

To help develop caring, capable, and confident students, we also provide tremendous support to students through the work of the following programs: Substance Abuse Prevention, Bullying Prevention, Human Relations, Intensive Counseling and Support, and Peer Support and Conflict Mediation.  These programs help prepare all students to achieve at high levels in academics, athletics, activities, and the Arts.

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Johnson, Ed.D.

Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services