Subdistrict Chief Plans New Requirements for High School Diplomas

Under his proposal, no District C student would be able to graduate from high school this year without a professional work portfolio, Supt. Robert Collins told area business leaders Wednesday.

And starting with the 2001-02 school year, no District C student would be able to graduate from high school without a commitment and documented acceptance to a four-year college, a community college or a vocational or technical school.

“I don’t think a kid should walk across the stage at a public high school and get a diploma if they do not have a plan to pursue some form of post-secondary education,” he said.

It was one of the boldest proposals Collins made at a Chamber of Commerce-sponsored luncheon in Encino, where he presented his plans and goals for the 67,849-student subdistrict.

His top goal: to make parents and students proud they are part of District C.

Collins was appointed superintendent of District C in July, when Supt. Roy Romer divided the sprawling Los Angeles Unified School District into 11 subdistricts, three of which are in the San Fernando Valley. Collins’ district stretches from Woodland Hills to the East Valley in an area roughly bisected by Ventura Boulevard.

Judy Ivie Burton, superintendent of District B, and Deborah L. Leidner, superintendent of District A, publicly outlined their plans earlier this month. The subdistricts were created to give local leaders more control over budgeting, purchasing and hiring. They also will be accountable for improving students’ academic performance.

Collins, a 32-year LAUSD veteran with a specialty in curriculum and instruction, imposed the post-secondary education requirement at Grant High School in Valley Glen, where he served as principal before his promotion. In 1989, he received the California Principal of the Year award for his work at Grant.

His plan would affect seniors in District C’s eight high schools, including Grant.

Although still in draft form, a summary of his goals was distributed Wednesday:

* To continually increase the Academic Performance Index (API) for all schools and the level of student achievement in English and math on the Stanford 9. He aims to do this by regularly monitoring instruction and using a phonics-based reading program in kindergarten through fifth grade and new math programs in every grade.

* To provide teachers with necessary instructional materials and textbooks to meet student needs. A system is being developed to monitor textbook distribution.

* To ensure a clean, well-maintained and quality learning environment for students and staff. A districtwide beautification program will begin and campuses will be monitored.

* To guarantee positive, efficient service toward every student, parent and employee.

* To guarantee a safe learning environment for every student. Collins is developing a district code of conduct and updating safety plans.

* To ensure that every graduate is eligible for post-secondary education and has the skills to enter the work force.

* To ensure that parents and businesses participate in the development and direction of educational programs.

Each goal will bear the name of a staff member accountable for its success or failure, he said.

One man in Wednesday’s audience praised Collins’ goals but wondered how much authority he will have to achieve them.

“So far, no one has challenged whether we have the ability to do what we have to do,” Collins said, adding that the district controls its own resources.