Future Plans And Related Needs
Because many students living in South Central Los Angeles come from homes of poverty, it is hardly likely that they will be prepared for this coming age of global competition! Paper and pencils are now phased out as far as state testing is concerned; therefore, the most immediate need of the New ADAGE Program for this year is Land for building a combination Sports/School/Skill/Cultural Center & Community Health Facility that will accommodate (on a rotating basis) the more than 2,000 student athletes in charter schools who are presently not allowed to use gyms at LAUSD’s schools, notwithstanding the fact that these students live in the neighborhood where LAUSD’s schools reside.
In addition, AB 484, the recently passed law that requires schools to meet the 21st Century demands of preparing students for problem-solving through use of computers-only testing, places a financial strain on charter schools due to the fact that charter schools get one-half the funding of pubic schools. Because of this financial need, New ADAGE will employ several retired teachers and administrators who will bring computers and training in STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to select schools in need of such services.
The academic emphasis will be a school/tutorial program designed to help the above students meet the qualifying 1,600 SAT score to receive a full four-year scholarship to USC provided through the Neighborhood Academic Initiative for students who live within five miles of USC. Nearly 90 percent of our students live within five miles of USC. The skill center will place emphasis on getting students to do something with their hands leading to a job-work option for those who are not college eligible.
The Community Health Center, the third component, will have volunteer rotating health professionals who will teach health education to both students and their parents in an effort to aid in preventing degenerative diseases – heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. The Berean Health & Temperance L. A. Program has completed two sessions with eighty families graduating from a thirty-day program. Dr. Schubert Palmer, Chief of Cardiology, and a team of nurses, and health administrators provide volunteer services. Health Fairs with Specialized Cooking Classes and food samples will help guide many to adopt healthy lifestyle principles. Parents will be taught how to both exercise and shop wisely by going on a guided tour at local health grocery stores. Volunteer dentists will operate a dental screening and care facility. As was done previously, the Heath & Temperance L.A. Program will conduct seminars at local schools, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs, barbershops, churches, and other related facilities.