Single-Sex Schools, Second-Language Studies Among New Superintendent's Priorities

Los Angeles schools Superintendent Michelle King said in remarks reported today that single-sex schools is one of several ways to potentially improve academic achievement and make the nation’s second- largest school system more attractive to parents.

She also wants to better integrate science and math education into all grades, and expand programs popular with parents -- such as those that help students become fluent in a second language at an early age, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing King’s first extended interview since taking office this week.

Speaking with The Times’ editorial board, King also criticized a controversial charter school expansion effort. When proposed last year, the goal of the plan developed by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation was to raise $490 million to more than double the number of charter campuses and to enroll half of LAUSD students in charter schools over an eight-year period.

“I don’t agree or support any initiative that says we’re going to take over or take part of L.A. Unified’s kids,” King said. But, she said, she is not hostile toward charter schools.

“I support all schools that serve our kids,” she said.

The Board of Education on Monday voted 7-0 to name King as schools chief. The veteran administrator has worked her entire 31-year career in the Los Angeles Unified School District and was hired after a national search. She had been serving as acting superintendent since Ramon Cortines turned over day- to-day management in mid-December.

In the model of Cortines, King said she favored a collaborative style, including with independently managed charter schools, The Times reported. She proposed a forum for charters and traditional schools to share ideas.

“What a great idea to bring everybody together,” she said.

City New Service