LA Schools Look To Teachers To Lead Reform Efforts

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Three years ago, the nation's second largest school district made a stunning admission — it was failing thousands of kids and invited charter organizations to take over low-performing and brand-new schools.

The bold move that was hailed by school reformers but despised by unionized teachers didn't last long.

Los Angeles Unified School District now wants to eliminate outsiders from being able to take over schools for the next three years, essentially dismantling the Public School Choice program.

Reform efforts will instead be led by teachers and administrators who will be granted charter-like independence from district control and union rules.

For some, the new policy gives teachers long overdue license to enact reforms they want, but others say it doesn't make sense to eliminate charters from the reform equation.

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