FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024
Contact:
Megan VandenBos, 213-241-6388
L.A. School Board Puts the Spotlight on Literacy
LOS ANGELES, December 10, 2024 – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education today voted unanimously to assess the District’s efforts to implement the science of reading, support educators, ensure appropriate supports for students with dyslexia, and frequently to shine a light on efforts to ensure all students are reading by third grade. The resolution, authored by Board Member Kelly Gonez, is aimed at further accelerating efforts to meet the District goal to move students 30 points closer to proficiency on the Smarter Balanced Assessment for English Language Arts/Literacy and support families with tools to promote their children’s reading at home. Board President Scott Schmerelson, Board Member Nick Melvoin, Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill, and Student Board Member Anely Cortez-Lopez co-sponsored the resolution.
“Reading is a fundamental skill and a right, and I’m proud of the significant steps our school district has taken to support literacy for all our students,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “This resolution highlights our progress thus far and identifies the work still to be done to ensure all students are readers by third grade. It also empowers our families with the information and tools they need to support their students in becoming proficient readers.”
“This resolution underscores our unwavering dedication to ensuring that every child in Los Angeles Unified becomes a confident, proficient reader,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “By advancing evidence-based literacy instruction and fostering meaningful family engagement, we are not only investing in academic excellence but also in the lifelong success of our students. Together, we will continue to break down barriers and create opportunities for all learners to thrive.”
“Our goals must be met with necessary investments to guide our district forward better,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “I am happy to support this resolution because we have implemented many programs and spent a considerable amount of resources, and we have to be sure they are working. We should never settle for just one way of doing things. If we could find better strategies that fit our students and staff, we must adapt for greater results.”
“By advancing initiatives like Readers to Leaders, we are not only helping students unlock the power of words but also laying the foundation for their academic success and lifelong learning,” said Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
“I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill. “Literacy is a key component to equipping our students for lifetime success. This resolution will allow the District to track our progress and be accountable to our goal of ensuring all students, across all subgroups, are proficient readers by the end of third grade.”
“I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution and support strategies that are driving progress for our students and families,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “We have seen promising growth in the academic scores of almost every student population, and we must continue investing in effective, data-driven literacy instruction to ensure every child in LA Unified can thrive.”
"I am proud to support this resolution to nurture every learner’s ability to read and write and their families’ ability to monitor and support their children’s progress," Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. "I am inspired by the growth our students are showing in English Language Arts, and I look forward to seeing their continued progress through the impactful work of the shared data and strategies that will result from this resolution."