Modernizing the Learning Environment at TUSD

The recent TUSD April May School report introduced by Dr. George Mannon Superintendent of TUSD

Ten years ago,Torrance residents voted to invest in the future of every Torrance Unified School District (TUSD) student by approving Measures Y and Z.

The voters’ investment in these extensive capital improvement and renovation projects not only modernized our aging facilities, but modernized school site learning environments.

As we enter the last phase of Measures Y and Z, we are proud that together we have been able to improve academic outcomes by enhancing our teaching and learning spaces.

But Torrance parents and residents wanted more for our students, so they approved Measure T and U in 2014. These bond measures provide funding for elementary science labs.

And to renovate playgrounds, for middle school gyms, and for high school auditoriums. These dedicated spaces provide students with the opportunity to strengthen their academic skills and expand their learning experiences.
Additionally, Measure T provides for technology upgrades in five-year intervals, with computers and other equipment leased rather than purchased so that students and teachers have access to current programs and systems.

Recently, the district celebrated the first major project built by Bond
Measure T and U dollars, the brand new, world-class Torrance Unified aquatic
center, a dedicated facility for our four high school aquatics teams to
practice and compete.

Student safety is a top priority for our parents, the Board of Education, administrators, faculty and staff. A portion of the Bond Measures T and U funds went to enhance safety and security at all school sites. A state-of-the-art
security and surveillance camera system was installed at all TUSD schools.

We upgraded fencing to help secure school perimeters. The next step is to install a physical access control entry system at the schools, which will lock main gates
once the morning bell rings, and visitors will have to be given access
via a video intercom.

The impact of modern schools is transformative for all stakeholders.
Revitalized schools are a source of pride not only for the students but for
the entire community. Measures Y, Z, T, and U will continue to provide
our current and future students with facilities in which they will have
many opportunities to thrive.

Laying a Strong Foundation By Michael Wermers, President

Throughout much of our K–12 education, hands-on learning was limited to a set of common “learning” experiences that each of us would exit high school.

In our classes, we read a lot of chapters on a variety of topics and then maybe completed a project or activity which tied into the lesson. Many of us remember either looking forward to—or dreading—the inevitable frog dissection in high school. Generally, lessons culminated
in some sort of multiple-choice test or essay to ensure we all completed high school with the same base knowledge.

And career planning discussions often did not even start until high school and sometimes  not until students needed to declare a major.

This type of learning environment has dramatically shifted in the past decade, especially in  the last few years. As the job market evolves and industry demands shift, our goal for our students is now to ensure they are not only ready for college but also career ready at graduation. Our teachers, staff, and administration do this by offering high-quality academic programs and by providing students with learning opportunities which better prepare them for industry-aligned careers.

One of the programs which helps the district accomplish this goal is Project Lead The Way (PLTW). PLTW is a nonprofit organization that partners with K–12 school districts and community colleges to provide a transformative learning experience for students. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science.

So what does that actually mean? It means students as young as elementary
school are engaged and immersed in active learning. It means when you enter the biomedical science class at North High School, you might observe students extracting
DNA or dissecting a heart. See the rest of the article here. April_May 2018