Historic Settlement Enhances Educational Equity for LAUSD Students

In a groundbreaking move, parents and guardians of students from low-income backgrounds in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) reached a historic settlement that promises to transform educational equity within the district. Supported by Kirkland & Ellis LLP on a pro bono basis, this settlement marks a major victory in the fight for educational rights, affecting over 100,000 students across the district.

The case began in September 2020 when a coalition of parents took legal action against LAUSD, asserting that the implementation of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic violated students' constitutional rights. The plaintiffs claimed the policies resulted in discrimination based on race and socioeconomic status, which ultimately reduced educational quality for vulnerable students.

After years of legal battles, including a significant dismissal of their case in 2021, the plaintiffs' perseverance paid off when the California Court of Appeal reinstated their claims in September 2023. The court's ruling affirmed the necessity for nondiscriminatory policies and the fundamental right to basic educational equality for all students.

The new settlement is one of the most sweeping educational reforms in history, seeking to provide comprehensive support to at-risk students. Over the next three school years, LAUSD is mandated to implement a series of programmatic reforms that aim to enhance student learning outcomes dramatically. These reforms include more than 10 million hours of high-dose tutoring for eligible students, ensuring that those who need it the most receive the support necessary to succeed.

High-dose tutoring, defined as personalized or small-group sessions aligned with classroom curricula, will be made available to over 100,000 students. This initiative is designed to address the learning losses that occurred during the pandemic, providing students with no less than 45 hours of tutoring each year.

In addition to tutoring, the settlement stipulates mandatory assessments for math and English Language Arts three times a year, ensuring that students receive appropriate interventions based on their performance. Educators will also undergo evidence-based training to better support their pupils in achieving academic success. Furthermore, enhanced outreach programs will target chronically absent students and help them re-engage with their studies.

The agreement further stipulates that summer school programs will continue through 2028 and that public reporting regarding tutoring effectiveness and student performance will be made more robust and transparent. These measures will help maintain accountability and ensure that the reforms genuinely benefit students.

According to Edward Hillenbrand, one of the pro bono attorneys from Kirkland & Ellis representing the plaintiffs, this settlement is a significant step forward. He expressed the firm’s commitment to protecting students' rights and providing the necessary resources for their educational success.

Paul Reville, a leading education policy expert, highlighted the importance of high-dose tutoring, stating, “This provision will be a tremendous boost for Los Angeles' most disadvantaged students.” Innovate Public Schools, a key partner in advocating for the settlement, emphasized their ongoing mission to support families and ensure all children are equipped for success in their educational journeys.

Judith Larson and Maritza Gonzalez, two of the plaintiffs, shared their thoughts on the settlement. Larson emphasized that her involvement aimed at securing necessary resources for all children in LAUSD, while Gonzalez expressed optimism that the tutoring opportunities would positively impact her daughter's high school experience.

While the settlement awaits court approval, LAUSD has already initiated the implementation of these new reforms. Families are encouraged to reach out to the district to understand how to access tutoring and support. This landmark settlement not only sets a precedent for educational equity in Los Angeles but also signifies hope and commitment to creating a fair and just educational environment for all students.