LAUSD

East L.A.’s Hidden Gem

It’s a hidden gem.

From the outside there is nothing remarkable about the large building on Third Street. It’s easy to miss; it’s camouflaged in a dull beige-color and sits quietly across from the Metro Gold Line station.

The L.A. Music and Art School in East Los Angeles, Photo by JournoJames

But step inside the brick structure and it’s anything but dull. Bright paintings and drawings jump off the walls, dancers leap and spin in the studio, and music echoes up and down the halls. This is the Los Angeles Music and Art School (LAMusArt) and the place is alive. (more…)

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Special Educator Arlisa Coleman – LAUSD Teacher Profile

Originally published Jan. 6, 2011

 

Arlisa Coleman was tired and wondered out loud if she would make it through her next class: 5th period math. This would be the toughest test of her Thursday.

Ms. Arlisa Coleman, Photo by JournoJames

Coleman’s 5th period math students have been a challenge for her this year. They have been noisy, uncooperative and lacked focus in the classroom, but she has been determined to get through to them, especially to John, the raucous class clown who can spontaneously break out into songs or loud expletives in the middle of lessons.

The bell rang and her 8th graders started filing in and settling into their seats. John came in the classroom in his usual form, loudly singing a song. (more…)

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