Chatsworth : Schools Complex Spans Grade Gaps

Their goal was simple: Streamline teaching techniques, lesson plans and classroom materials among elementary, middle and high school faculty in the northwest San Fernando Valley.

The result? “Simply Complex,” a 90-minute educational conference on Tuesday that brought together 470 participants from the Chatsworth Complex, a group of 12 schools formed two years ago as part of the Los Angeles Unified District’s reform movement.

“I think everybody enjoyed it,” said conference co-chairwoman Brenda Winter. “The immediate result is that people feel good about being a part of this cluster. They’re more enthusiastic about trying new ideas.”

Developed under the leadership of complex leader Larry Moore, the idea was to open lines of communication between teachers at different schools and find ways to coordinate students’ instruction between grades, Winter said.

During the conference, participants from all grade levels split up into hourlong workshops to discuss classroom methods in disciplines such as math, computers, physical education, social studies and fine arts. Winter said that organizers were hoping to emphasize the sequential nature of education; the notion that each grade builds upon previous years’ instruction.

Sue McConnell, who led a session for math teachers, said the event also helped foster a sense of community among educators in the complex.

“I think it’s really helpful for us to know what’s going on at all the levels,” she said, noting that the meetings may lead to increased cooperation among campuses. “We all have one goal, and that’s to see our students succeed.”

After the success of Tuesday’s inaugural conference, Winter said the complex hopes to hold similar events twice yearly. The next is tentatively scheduled for November at Granada Hills High School.