L.A. Unified OKs 'doomsday budget'

L.A. Unified OKs 'doomsday budget'

'We don't want to do any of the things on there,' a board member says of the worst-case scenario, which would produce thousands of layoffs and bigger classes.

Colorado school district has wealth, success — and an eye on vouchers

Douglas County Board of Education's plan to introduce school vouchers is being watched around the country.

Casino mogul Kirk Kerkorian donates $100 million to UCLA

The university will be able to use Kirk Kerkorian's $100-million gift for medical research, scholarships and other projects. University officials will also be able to administer another $100 million for other charitable causes. Last month, the university received a $100-million gift from alumnus Meyer Luskin.

State Board of Education puts the brakes on parent-trigger law

A group will be appointed to study how to implement the measure, which lets parents petition for sweeping reforms at low-performing schools. Critics see it as an attempt to derail the law.

  •  
  • Weather
Steve Lopez

Steve Lopez

Some of L.A. County's most vulnerable vets to get badly needed care - February 16, 2011 - White male, age 69. Homeless for 15 years and three months. Usually...

George Skelton

George Skelton

Beware of Sacramento's crash tax - February 14, 2011 - Travel tip: if you're thinking about driving to Sacramento, don't. Cancel...

Sandy Banks

Sandy Banks

Enthralled and inspired by Egypt's revolt - February 15, 2011 - I'm not Egyptian. I don't have any Egyptian friends. I've never had...

Hector Tobar

Hector Tobar

South-Central L.A.'s black and Latino business owners join forces with hope for the future - February 11, 2011 - Bowers and Sons Cleaners on Central Avenue has managed to survive many an...

The best in investigative and insightful reporting.
See a sample | Sign up

L.A. school devotes a day to the battle against bullying

L.A. school devotes a day to the battle against bullying

Officials hope the 'Stand Tall Day' program of presentations, videos, self-defense sessions and student-written sketches at Hale Middle School in Woodland Hills can be a model on combating bullying.

At a Super Bowl party, game-changing ideas about education

At a Super Bowl party, game-changing ideas about education

At Gary and Cherna Gitnick's annual bash in Encino, 11 experts and a moderator pontificate on the problems facing L.A. city schools. The subject itself has become a political football.

Admissions process is latest problem at downtown L.A. arts high school

Admissions process is latest problem at downtown L.A. arts high school

Administrators of the $232-million campus neglected to mention that enrollment is first-come, first-served for students outside the neighborhood. The principal says it was an oversight.

California higher education leaders warn of further tuition increases

California higher education leaders warn of further tuition increases

If Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to extend tax hikes fails, and if California's budget crisis continues, the leaders of California's public colleges say, student costs could continue to rise.

Separate study confirms many Los Angeles Times findings on teacher effectiveness

Separate study confirms many Los Angeles Times findings on teacher effectiveness

A University of Colorado review of Los Angeles Unified teacher effectiveness also raises some questions about the precision of ratings as reported in The Times.

L.A. Unified considers changes at Widney High School in wake of problems

Teachers at the school, which serves developmentally disabled students, are doing a poor job, officials say. During a recent visit to the Jefferson Park campus, Supt. Ramon C. Cortines observed teachers watching a soap opera during class.

Eight seek presidency of United Teachers Los Angeles

Eight seek presidency of United Teachers Los Angeles

Candidates have much in common, but one appears to be strongly favored by outgoing boss A.J. Duffy.

President's education plan another early test for political civility

President's education plan another early test for political civility

Republicans and Democrats move closer on dropping No Child Left Behind, but rifts open on how to replace it.

Tight finishes in region's Academic Decathlon Super Quiz

At least a dozen schools from Los Angeles Unified and L.A. County are within striking distance of regional titles and a place in the state competition. The winners will be announced later this week.

American students in Egypt get a crash course in politics, unrest and revolution

Many of the roughly 1,000 U.S. students enrolled in programs in Egypt have fled the country since anti-government protests broke out last week. But others have chosen to stay.

L.A. school district suspends reality TV shoots

L.A. school district suspends reality TV shoots

The Los Angeles Unified School District makes the move after a conflict with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Compton parents win a round in bid for charter school

Compton parents win a round in bid for charter school

Judge issues a temporary restraining order against school district's petition signature verification process for parents seeking to turn a Compton school into a charter.

 Archdiocese may be backing off plans to extend school year

Archdiocese may be backing off plans to extend school year

After complaints from parents, archdiocese officials say they are leaving the decision on extending elementary school schedules by 20 days to individual campuses.

Protesters back UC Irvine students against grand jury probe

Protesters back UC Irvine students against grand jury probe

Many students, civil libertarians and others say the university's sanctions of Muslim students who disrupted Israeli ambassador's speech are sufficient. Eleven students could face criminal charges.

L.A. teachers union withdraws support for two school board candidates

L.A. teachers union withdraws support for two school board candidates

The withdrawal of support for Jesus Escandon and John Fernandez boosts the efforts of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to maintain an allied majority on the L.A. Unified Board of Education.