By Woo Han
The Mirror
Copy Editor
CAMPUS NEWS
School Under Scrutiny
February 10, 2017
CAMPUS NEWS: VNHS is being put under the microscope as officials check for compliance with Federal Title I program.
Teachers and administrators have been furiously preparing for months for an upcoming Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) audit.
Federal and state laws require the California Department of Education (CDE) to monitor implementation of categorical programs operated by local educational agencies (LEAs) in compliance with Title I.
Van Nuys High School was randomly selected to represent LAUSD secondary schools.
As the result of the audit taking place on Tuesday, Feb. 14, instead following a PD schedule, the day will be lengthened to a normal day and school activities such as ASB’s Spirit Week have been curtailed.
The audit will consist of document reviews, stakeholder’s interviews, and classroom observations of categorical programs.
This process is done to make sure Van Nuys uses the federal money effectively. Ultimately, the state is required to report back to the federal government that the supplemental funds our school receives are being used correctly.
There are many school programs being reviewed during the monitoring period, one of which is ensuring that all students are receiving the education they deserve.
Teachers at VNHS work to make learning better for specific students regardless of their restrictions, including students with learning disabilities, students with physical disabilities that hinder school attendance, or students who are English learners.
“The first step to improving student learning is to make sure students understand what they are learning, know how they will learn it and why it’s so important,” according to Assistant Principal Mr. Gary Kaloostian.
When the proper steps are taken, a student should be able to explain what he or she is learning in class.
Another important step is confirming that students are familiar with standard procedures.
Clear expectations on how to behave on campus are set through standards that are displayed everywhere around the school, whether in classrooms, hallways, or the auditorium.
Many teachers have been preparing for the FPM by putting up detailed standards, as well as setting an objective for every assignment done each day.
They are also updating student work, making sure the assignments contain rubrics and that students receive actionable feedback. This helps student understand why they received a particular grade and what they could have done to improve their work.
“I am preparing for the FPM by continuing to write up the correct standards that I will be using in class, being aligned with the standards for the week and the day,” says VNHS English teacher, Ms. Yeghiazarian.
Teachers and administrators make a continued effort to ensure the Van Nuys HIgh School will pass the audit and receive the funds necessary to maintain its high standards for education.