“Dreams are no longer deferred, hope is here. Incomplete goals and dreams have become reality. This is the day I’ve been waiting for. As of now my future is in sight.”

These words are from a student named Shawn who recently graduated from the Academy of College and Career Exploration High School in Baltimore. A few years ago this school became an “innovation school” and was granted significant autonomy by its district. To provide a more personalized environment for students the school divided itselft into smaller [...]

A Letter from UTLA VP Josh Pechtalt on the iDivision

Dear Manual Arts colleagues,
Travis asked me to put my comments from last weeks meeting on paper.
For those who don’t know me I taught at Manual from 1984 through 2005 in the social studies department.
After reading a number of emails I see that there is some skepticism about entering the iDivision. Friends and colleagues who have [...]

Why I support the iDivision, by Mike Oppenheim

Some seem to feel that a “yes” vote on joining iDivision would be a slap in the face of an Administration that is working hard to improve our school. Others feel that a ‘yes’ would betray a lack of confidence in our leadership or a failure to comprehend the problems that dedicated administrators face every [...]

Introducing Jill Aguilar

Dr. Jill Aguilar is pleased to be part of the WestEd team that will work at Manual Arts if the school joins the iDivision. Here is a short bio:
After earning her Bachelor’s degree and credential at CSUDH, Dr. Aguilar taught middle and high school English (gen ed & ELD) and History (gen ed, sheltered & [...]

Introducing John Davis

Dr. John Davis is pleased to be part of the WestEd team that will work at Manual Arts if the school votes to join the Innovation Division. Several teachers at Manual have taken courses with Dr. Davis who teaches at CSU, Dominguez Hills.  Here is a short bio:
John Davis holds a Professional Clear, Single-Subject English [...]