LA’s Latino Parents ‘In the Dark’ About Common Core

Apr. 7, 2014 / By

La Opinion, News Report, Esmeralda Fabian, Posted: Apr 07, 2014

Image: Students attend Family Math Night at Burke Middle School near Los Angeles. 

Traducción al español

LOS ANGELES –Latino parents in Los Angeles say the state’s largest school district hasn’t done enough to explain Common Core to the community. Many worry the communication gap prevents them from helping their kids succeed under the more rigorous standards.

“I don’t remember the last time I received anything about the Common Core,” said Veronica Grace, whose daughter attends Van Nuys High School in the largely Latino San Fernando Valley. Like other parents, she says she’s heard of the Common Core but doesn’t fully understand what it is or how it will impact her daughter.

About 70 percent of students enrolled in LAUSD are Hispanic, while 90 percent of English Learners come from Spanish-speaking households. The district has so far received $113 million from the state for CCSS implementation – now in its third year – though to date the availability of Spanish-language materials remains limited.

“We’re working on the Spanish translation of the material to have ready for next school year,” said Rowena Lagrosa, executive director of LAUSD’s Parent Community Services. She adds the district is also preparing to host math workshops to help parents understand how instruction will change under the new standards.

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