New LAUSD Report Card

Jan. 27, 2010 - The California Community Foundation (CCF) joined the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and United Way of Greater Los Angeles in unveiling a redesigned school report card that will make it easier for parents to understand how their child’s school is performing.

“We commend the district for listening to feedback and ensuring the report cards really speak to those they were intended for — the parents whose involvement will be critical to ensuring their children’s success,” said Antonia Hernández, president and CEO at the foundation.

“The success or failure of our schools should not be a secret,” said LAUSD Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines. “Parents, guardians and the entire community should be able to easily keep track of how a school is doing, and have access to that information in one place. This transparency will allow you to hold your school and this district accountable.”

“We are pleased to encourage parental involvement in the education of their children,” said Elise Buik, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

At the kickoff event Wednesday, Marshall Tuck, CEO of Partnerships for L.A. Schools, Monica Garcia, LAUSD board president, Cynthia Lim, executive director at the District's Office of Data and Accountability and Yolanda Rodriguez, a parent, all spoke about the importance of working together toward a common goal.

Parent Rodriguez, who proudly stated her child is now attending college, urged the parents in the audience to use the report card to help not just one child but all children to be successful. "Don't be afraid to talk to your school district. Use this as a tool to work with them. My experience has been that they are always willing to work with us," she said in Spanish through an interpreter. United Way of Greater Los Angeles held a session with parents following the launch to discuss how to use the report card as an accountability tool and ask questions to LAUSD representatives Sam Gilstrap and Board President Garcia.

CCF has invested $225,000 to support the report card, including this redesign. The 2010 report card, the second that will be sent out by LAUSD, incorporates feedback from parents and the community, making it easier to read and more accessible.

Download a copy of the school report card.

Read about CCF's grantmaking in education.