Extraordinarily impressive administration creating safe and positive and forward looking environment in midst of high crime and extreme poverty – enormous dedication and vision – 3000 well behaved students in facility designed for 900

To watch others work selflessly on behalf of young adults in a disadvantaged environment

Impressed by the energy of staff – as much need as there is

The principal was a visionary

Principal has been at the school 15 years and is not burned out

Principal has great ideas to change school, but students’ academic and personal issues numerous

Principal and teachers care, are involved with the students, enthusiastic and have lots of energy

Impressed by principal’s ability to resolve conflicts, be a professional psychologist, keep staff happy and focused, be a loving and stern taskmaster to her students

Principal is an extraordinary guy with a lot of responsibility-cares deeply about students- is upbeat, but realistic and runs a tight ship.

Principal and faculty were smart, effective, dedicated

Principal and faculty go to extraordinary lengths to create a learning community.

Priorities are on the children and their unique needs

Impressed by the many wonderful and creative programs the school uses to help the school environment address both educational and emotional growth.

How large the school was – how much a principal has to keep track of

On the one hand, impressed by quality of administration and most teachers; on the other hand, surprised at the lack of funding and supplies

Completely involved in the principal’s morning which was very complex due to bomb scares which paralyzed the school – impressed by the professional and compassionate manner that the principal exhibited with faculty, staff, students, parents and the local police

Excellent exposure to how this elementary school is trying to improve reading and math at all levels and dealing with the change away from bilingual teaching

Better feel for the challenges faced by the students, faculty and administrators

Deeper understanding of everyday problems facing young children, families and schools

I had a wonderful first hand experience at this public school – it gave me much greater insight into how a school operates

Experience took me out of myself

A good dose of reality

Opportunity for a "hands on" experience of lasting impact

Fielding the students’ questions was hilarious – good fun.

Disappointed I didn’t spend more time with the kids

The absolute, undeniable heroism of the principal and teachers

The extraordinary effort the entire staff showed to make the kids lives better

The great job being done by all those involved with educating our young people – it is so organized and they do it year round

Quality of teaching and administration under extremely challenging circumstances – difficulty of overcrowding and maintaining standards amidst largely non-English speaking community

The principal – his motivation of the children.

The dedication and effectiveness of the administrative staff – they had worked as a team for around 15 years and were on top of every detail

Diversification, warmth, close knit faculty and staff

Despite the difficult of what these teachers and administrators do, they still seemed to be challenged and enjoy their work

Access of students to the principal and her concern about them

Attention to detail and students

Principal is an exceptionally skilled communicator and is completely focused on providing learning experiences – both classroom lessons and life lessons

The determined effort to evaluate each child against objective standards and to foster and encourage improvement against the findings.

The staff, students and parents have taken control of their destiny -- everyone I encountered is committed to and responsible for creating the future.

The strong emphasis on values and personal responsibility that was being stressed with the students – also the extreme poverty of the children

Tough job

They make so little go so far

The way LAUSD allocates funds and for what needs a major overhaul

Attitudes of students – both positive and negative

Bright, happy children for the most part were eager to learn and happy to be at school

The extremely courteous/respectful students

Extreme diversity of student body—lunch break looked like United Nations

Controlled, orderly

Everyone knew where they were supposed to be, no one was a number

A sense of community from some of the administration

Lots of humor, caring – and it was in control

Atmosphere created by principal – collaborative, team-oriented, fun, etc.

Physical plan improvement were mentioned on many surveys, including painting, cleaning of buildings; lawn maintenance and more trees and grass; new windows, air conditioning, more classroom space, libraries, improved administrative space, better cafeteria and kitchen.

Many commented that the staff is working miracles with extremely inadequate space and facilities

Equipment needs were mentioned on many surveys including more computers, books, tools for students, materials for science, video equipment for auditorium.

Need someone – even part time – to devote themselves to setting up and maintaining the computer equipment donated to them.

Technology underutilized – computers only worked for a week

Did not see any of the staff working hard to improve the education level (continuation school)

Students would benefit from more classroom instruction and preparation for college (continuation school)

More teachers

Attendance of students and teachers

I thought the teachers need improvement in the way they present themselves (as role models) to the kids – some dressed way too casually

Several respondents are very familiar with schools, but were still impressed by "the involvement and enthusiasm of principal and teachers…the excellent job with parental involvement.

Education system

Media/public opinion show a more negative assessment – kids are great—work hard—I’m not sure our school are as bad as one would be led to believe

Actually made me hopeful that with good leadership and a few dedicated teachers progress can be made in spite of the obstacles

Less chaotic than I expected – also discovered the logistical problems bussing presents to the school and how it hampers education

Realize we have a lot of work to do to keep the kids from falling behind

Logarithmic increase in respect for those responsible – better understanding of basic needs and challenges – understanding of burdens and challenges posed by state regulations

I was a product of public education so I hoped that the school would live up to my expectations – it far surpassed them

The principal and the entire staff represent what can happen when you don’t accept status quo

Greatly increased my respect for the effort the system, or at least this school, makes to overcome educational barriers

There are many things that come together to make for a well run school or program; parents and community leaders often see only the end results

Although school in a poor neighborhood, it is a very strong school

Understand educational system on deeper level

I think the system suffers because so many kids have been siphoned off to private schools

Feel more positive

Felt distressed – principal had little to work with – limited staff that day – students lack motivation – they need full support and encouragement from all

It made me realize I have no choice but to keep my kids in private school

School is doing almost everything right against very difficult odds – based on what I observed, have tremendous respect for how the teachers and students are working together and the genuine caring of the administrators

Principal

I hadn’t realized the extent to which the principal dealt with student issues

Teachers

Demand on the teachers is overwhelming

Need to be more role models for the kids. Whatever the # of computers or teachers/students, kids have to want to learn. Saw a lot of adults minding their students, but not a lot of inspiring going on.