Dear Educators

10/08/2010

Howard Blume
Los Angeles Times: LAUSD Education
202 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dear Howard Blume,

Our students are in crisis and they need rescue from an educational system that creates a one-size- fits-all program of education. How can one model of learning address the diverse needs of millions students? It is nearly impossible. Throughout high school, faculty members drill into students the importance of higher education, but what if the model of education is setup to help “some” students fail; students who learn through the expression of art rather than traditional learning? Rarely do students find support in the “ARTS”, in the idea of becoming an actor, a painter, or even a fashion designer. As soon as students voice their interest in the “ARTS”, a majority of teachers shoot the idea down and gesture perhaps finding an interest in a more feasible job. What becomes of these students? Some never find anything else they are passionate enough to learn about so they drop out, or give up in school. These students need support. If has been researched that traditional schooling may not be for everyone, one size does not fit all. Perhaps if more LAUSD schools would embrace curriculum or programs that support the study of the “ARTS”, then they would encourage more students to go to college. Moreover, we could possibly have more Picasso’s, Alexander McQueens, or Richard Avedons in this world.

A starting point would be interviewing liberal schools that embrace all kinds of learning, like John Marshall High School and Los Feliz Charter School of the Arts. I would then further my research by interviewing students and teachers at schools that do not have a strong curriculum in the “ARTS” and communicate to my article the effects discouragement have on the students. Unfortunately, some parents can not afford exposing their children to the “ARTS”, and it is why schools should be the ones to facilitate that. I encourage you to take a look at the websites of the schools mentioned above and see their approach in education.

I, myself attended an LAUSD public liberal arts school which allowed and embraced all mental capacities and talents, John Marshall High School. Because of their support I am pursuing a career in Fashion Journalism. I feel I can contribute a tremendous amount of insight to this story. Being that I have witnessed the discouragement, felt the students frustrations, and seen determined to reveal an opportunity that can help LAUSD students succeed. I hope to hear from you soon. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thankyou.