Learn more about the Excellence in Education Awards Additional profiles: Carthay Center Elementary Wonderland Avenue Elementary Irving Middle School White House Place Primary Center Community Magnet School

Excellence in Education Awards Lowman Special Education Center 12827 Saticoy Street, North Hollywood Helen Hartel, Principal A LEARN School Grant/Van Nuys Cluster - Fran Ramirez, Cluster Administrator RESULTS: Six 21-year olds culminated last year and all were offered opportunities to be employed by the Regional Center Ten percent of the elementary school students were moved last year from the Special Education Center to community schools; half were included in the regular classes and half in special education classes Lowman Special Education Center is an adapted campus serving 280 students, ages 3-22, who have severe to profound disabilities such as autism, mental retardation, deafness, blindness and orthopedic impairments. The Center has an overarching goal of teaching the skills its students will need for other environments and later life. Through its collaborative programs with the community, parents, higher education and other schools, it raises the awareness of how much individuals with severe disabilities can achieve if given the opportunity. Through integration with non-disabled peers and community experiences, the Center extends learning experiences beyond its borders. The Integration Program brings non-disabled peers from Monlux Elementary and Madison Middle School to the Center for one period each day to engage in learning from the District's core curriculum. A similar integration program with Head Start provides six pre-school classrooms. Community Based Instruction takes students into "real life" settings in the community to practice newly acquired skills, such as using a communicator to order a Coke at a fast-food restaurant or going to the corner mailbox using a walker. The Center is the first special school to be a part of LA-Sl (Los Angeles Systemic Initiative), a program to improve Math and Science for all LAUSD students. Through LA-SI, the Center has provided training to two Lead Teachers, who have modified published science materials to meet students' needs; LA-Sl has made professional development opportunities, materials and equipment available. The After-School Program, funded by community donations, LAUSD Youth Services and participating families, provides students with varied opportunities for recreation, social and learning activities and alleviates child-care stresses on school families. The Center has ongoing support from the Los Angeles community through programs with the California State University Northridge and the Los Angeles Center for Therapy and Education to develop counseling and university tutoring services; grants for such projects as assistive technology, telecommunications, classroom carpentry, and art; and contributions from the local community for printing, holiday meals, and volunteer assistance. Through the Division of Special Education, the Center has opened off-site classrooms at All Saints Convalescent, an acute care facility, and Pacifica Hospital where students receive continuous medical monitoring and medical professionals benefit from improved awareness of the capabilities and requirements of individuals with special needs.