Evaluating Maclay Middle School
Maclay Middle School in the northeast San Fernando Valley is one of the 100 schools dubbed “worst” in LAUSD in the July 1 Los Angeles Times. But standardized test scores are not the only way to evaluate a school. To successfully address teaching and learning strategies, a school has to be clean and safe, healthy, friendly and caring.
From a school that formerly had gang turfs on campus, Maclay has become a school where students feel safe, there is 100% compliance with the school uniform code, and there is little graffiti on campus.
Today the school’s Family/Community Center provides families with the basic necessities of life. The parent center also provides classes in family literacy, parenting, day care, citizenship, job finding and computers. All of this encourages parents to become involved in the education of their children.
Improvements in our environment pave the way to concentrate on improving education. Maclay is entering its second year as a LEARN school.
Maclay’s overall progress was underlined by a recent federal evaluation of the special education program. The federal auditor declared that Maclay is in the top 5% of schools nationally.
CECILIA COSTAS
Principal
Maclay Middle School
Pacoima
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