AIRED: June 8, 2015– 11 am PST
TITLE: “Teens Speak Out: Just because you live in South-Central Los Angeles doesn’t mean you can’t be empowered”
Tune in as students from the Student Empowerment Academy (SEA) join Allen and Marvin live in the studio to discuss SEA’s educational contribution to the Los Angeles Unified school District (LAUSD) South-Central Los Angeles Region that is turning out a high percentage of 1st generation college bound students.
But the show is not just about accolades for the Academy, it is also about the old adage “nothing is perfect” and the fact that when you encourage strong thought leaders you can expect the system to be challenged. SEA student-leaders at the Academy did just that as they staged a school-wide protest April 29-May 5, over issues they felt needed to be addressed.
In contrast to similar events at other schools, all SEA students attended school although they did not attend class. They were determined to be heard, and heard they were, as Marvin Smith, Paul Palsa and the Board of Directors of the SEA Charter High School interceded with respect for all involved, allowing the students to present their point of view, while simultaneously implementing workable solutions that made both the administration and students winners. The outcome demonstrates the cores values the Academy in instilling empowerment and leadership in their students.
Marvin Smith is currently serving as interim principal and enjoying these very intelligent youth who are determined to make their community and their school a better place.
SEA Charter High School
Student Empowerment Academy (SEA)/New Technology High School is an autonomous small school housed on the campus of Thomas Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. In June 2009, they reached their maximum enrollment of 400 students and celebrated their first graduating class.
SEA is based on a collaborative working environment in which students are expected to meet content standards, develop technology skills and master school-wide learning outcomes. We strive to foster proactive students who take ownership of their education process.
All curriculum and instruction centers on project-based learning with a 1:1 student-to-computer ratio. Daily advisory periods personalize academics and foster students’ social growth. Advisory teachers also serve as coaches to provide individual academic intervention and support to students as needed.
In SEA’s personalized, small-school environment, students graduate college-ready and with skills they need for the 21st-century workforce.
Noteworthy programs and successes:
- Student-teacher advisory sessions
- After-school learning lab
- Professional dress day
- Weekly certificated staff meetings
