Overview

Cerritos Elementary is set to transition into a computer science magnet school at the start of the upcoming school year. This change will make it the fourth magnet school within the Glendale Unified School District, following a recent approval by the school board.

The decision was made without extensive discussion during a board meeting, reflecting a positive reception among members. The school has entered a five-year agreement with Code to the Future, which will enhance the curriculum with computer coding fundamentals.

Key details

  • Cerritos Elementary will become a computer science magnet school next school year.
  • This will be the fourth magnet school in the Glendale Unified School District.
  • The school board approved the transition with minimal discussion.
  • Cerritos has signed a five-year contract with Code to the Future.
  • Code to the Future provides on-site coaching, lesson plans, and project-based units.
  • Students at Cerritos will incorporate computer coding into their daily learning.
  • In 2013, the school attempted to secure a grant to become a STEM campus but was unsuccessful.
  • Other magnet schools in the district include Edison Elementary, Franklin Elementary, and Keppel Elementary.
  • Cerritos Elementary serves a predominantly low-income student population.
  • Approximately 84% of students at Cerritos come from low-income households.
  • 54% of the student body are English learners.
  • The cost of the Code to the Future program will decrease over the five-year contract period.
  • This school year, the cost is $100,000 for coaching and professional development.
  • By the 2021-22 school year, costs will reduce to $33,000 for a lesser amount of coaching and development days.

Context

The transition to a computer science magnet school aligns with the district's goal to enhance educational offerings, particularly in technology, and to better serve its diverse student population.

What happens next

As Cerritos Elementary prepares for this transition, the school will begin implementing the new curriculum and resources provided by Code to the Future, aiming to enrich the educational experience for its students.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific implementation timeline and the anticipated outcomes of the program are not confirmed.