Juvenile Court School System

* Re “Dickens 2001,” editorial, Feb. 18: In partnership with the Probation Department and other county agencies, the Los Angeles County Office of Education runs more than 50 schools across the county at juvenile halls, probation camps, MacLaren Children’s Center and community education centers. Our schools are considered a national model by juvenile correctional education professionals. All our schools are fully accredited by the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges. Ours was the first court school system in the nation to receive full accreditation, in 1986, and remains the only accredited court school system in California.

In the 1999-2000 school year, we conferred high school diplomas or equivalency certificates to more than 600 students who were at high risk of dropping out of school. Our teaching staff compares favorably with public schools in the county: 83% of our teachers are fully credentialed (compared with 75% countywide). Our teachers have an average 16 years’ experience.

All students are assessed as soon as they enter the system. Students with learning disabilities receive the full range of special education services as determined by their individual education plans. Regular education students follow individual learning plans that set forth academic and behavioral goals.

Our court school system has small classes (maximum 17-1 student-to-teacher ratio), intensive reading and math instruction, structured after-school programs and employment-oriented training and internships. Most important is the dedicated team of teachers, probation officers, counselors and other professionals who are making a difference in the lives of a challenging population of students.

DONALD W. INGWERSON, Supt.

L.A. County Office of Education