Give LEARN a Chance to Reform L.A. Schools

* I, too, like Sandy Enfield (Letters to the Valley Edition, July 30), am a dedicated teacher in the LAUSD. I have recently returned from the three-week summer institute, which provided training to over 100 principals and lead teachers as part of LEARN. It was disconcerting to read the July 30 op ed piece by Janet Bernson (“With LAUSD Promotions, It’s the Principal of the Thing”) and the letter from Enfield, both of which were despairing of our district ever improving and were hearty proponents of the breakup. Where was The Times to cover the positive aspects of LEARN this summer?

Let me give you that viewpoint, please. Our district has been in trouble for the past few decades. It will take at least five to 10 years to see results of any reform program. What impresses me about LEARN is the commitment by the Los Angeles community to school restructuring. People like former Assemblyman Mike Roos are dedicated to helping L.A. schools improve student achievement. The business, political and social organizations of our city, I believe, are generally behind this effort. Helen Bernstein, the UTLA president, has been tireless in supporting LEARN, even against some opposition from the union. People need to give it a chance.

It is also interesting, as Bernson mentioned in her piece, that Millikan Middle School could have selected the best candidate as principal if it had been a LEARN school. I have witnessed this new site selection policy in action this June and seen three schools choose and receive the candidates of their choice. I know it works.

One final issue involves the breakup of LAUSD. It is true that the breakup could give more local control to the community. I believe, however, that LEARN can and should be that vehicle. Just the ability to choose (or terminate) a principal is a powerful tool. The power that will be lost when transitioning from a large to smaller districts will be substantial. Politically, LAUSD will be at the mercy of Sacramento. Who will listen to each of the smaller districts?

Yes, we need reform. No, we don’t need decentralization to accomplish that. It was quite evident to me this summer during the LEARN training that the old guard is on its way out. You will see over 100 new LEARN banners up at schools this next year. Come and see what we are doing to improve student achievement.

PEGGY JOHNSON

Granada Hills